| name | docker-compose-readme |
| description | Generates comprehensive README.md files for Docker Compose projects by analyzing compose.yml and .env.example files. Use when user requests documentation for a docker-compose folder or asks to create/update README files for container services. |
| metadata | {"author":"cshahdev"} |
Docker Compose README Generator Skill
Purpose
This skill automatically generates professional, comprehensive README.md files for Docker Compose projects by analyzing the configuration files and creating standardized documentation.
Activation Triggers
Use this skill when the user:
- Asks to create a README for a docker-compose folder
- Requests documentation for a container service
- Wants to update/improve existing README files
- Mentions "document this compose file" or similar requests
Process
1. Analyze Project Structure
First, identify the files in the target directory:
compose.yml or docker-compose.yml (required).env.example or .env (for environment variables)- Existing
README.md (if updating)
2. Read Configuration Files
Read the compose.yml file to extract:
- Service name(s)
- Docker image and version
- Port mappings
- Volume mounts
- Network configuration
- Environment variables
- Restart policies
- Dependencies between services
Read the .env.example file to understand:
- Required environment variables
- Default values
- Variable purposes and descriptions
3. Generate README Structure
Create a comprehensive README.md with the following sections:
Header Section
# [Service Name]
Brief description of what this service does (1-2 sentences).
Overview Section
Explain:
- What the service is
- Its primary purpose
- Key features or capabilities
- How it fits into the larger infrastructure
Prerequisites Section
List requirements:
- Docker and Docker Compose versions (if specific)
- Required networks (especially external networks)
- Dependencies on other services
- System requirements
Configuration Section
Document environment variables in a table format:
| Variable | Default | Description |
|----------|---------|-------------|
| `VAR_NAME` | `default_value` | What this variable controls |
Include instructions for:
- Copying
.env.example to .env
- Customizing values
- Security considerations for secrets
Usage Section
Provide common commands:
- Starting the service:
docker compose up -d
- Stopping the service:
docker compose down
- Viewing logs:
docker compose logs -f
- Updating:
docker compose pull && docker compose up -d
- Restarting:
docker compose restart
Network Configuration
Explain:
- Which networks are used
- Whether networks are external or created by compose
- How to create required networks
- Network connectivity considerations
Volumes Section (if applicable)
Document:
- What data is persisted
- Volume mount purposes
- Backup considerations
- Path mappings
Port Mappings Section (if applicable)
List:
- Exposed ports and their purposes
- How to access the service
- Default URLs or endpoints
Security Considerations
Include relevant security notes:
- Secrets management (environment variables, secrets)
- Access control recommendations
- Network security (firewall rules, exposed ports)
- Privilege escalation warnings (if mounting docker.sock)
- Update policies
Troubleshooting Section
Common issues and solutions:
- Connection problems
- Permission errors
- Configuration mistakes
- Log analysis tips
Additional Resources
Links to:
- Official documentation
- Project website
- Docker Hub image page
- Community resources
4. Writing Style Guidelines
- EXTREME concision: Sacrifice grammar for brevity. Short fragments ok. No fluff.
- Clear headings: Scannable markdown structure
- Code blocks: Bash syntax highlighting
- Tables: Env vars, config options
- Practical only: Actionable info. Skip obvious.
- Assume Docker knowledge: Explain service-specific only
- Security first: Always include security notes
5. Special Cases
Multi-Service Compose Files
When compose.yml contains multiple services:
- Create a README that covers all services
- Use subsections for service-specific configuration
- Explain how services interact
- Document dependencies and startup order
Complex Network Topologies
For advanced networking:
- Diagram the network architecture (if needed)
- Explain network isolation
- Document inter-service communication
External Dependencies
If services depend on external resources:
- Clearly document what must exist beforehand
- Provide setup instructions or links
- Explain integration points
Quality Checklist
Before completing, ensure the README includes:
Example Output Structure
# Service Name
One-line description.
## Overview
Detailed explanation...
## Prerequisites
- Requirement 1
- Requirement 2
## Configuration
### Environment Variables
| Variable | Default | Description |
|----------|---------|-------------|
## Usage
### Starting the Service
```bash
docker compose up -d
Network Configuration
Details about networks...
Security Considerations
Important security notes...
Troubleshooting
Common issues...
Additional Resources
## Notes
- Always read existing files before writing/editing
- Preserve user customizations when updating existing READMEs
- Infer service purpose from image name and configuration if not obvious
- Use relative links for local file references in markdown
- Keep the tone professional but approachable
---
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<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-14 -->
