Docker Compose Watch Mode (2025 GA)
Docker Compose Watch enables automatic hot reload during local development by synchronizing file changes instantly without manual container restarts.
Three Watch Actions 1. sync - Hot Reload
For frameworks with hot reload (React, Next.js, Node.js, Flask). Copies changed files directly into running container.
- rebuild - Compilation
For compiled languages (Go, Rust, Java) or dependency changes. Rebuilds image and recreates container when files change.
- sync+restart - Config Changes
For configuration files requiring restart. Syncs files and restarts container.
Usage services: frontend: build: ./frontend develop: watch: - action: sync path: ./frontend/src target: /app/src ignore: [node_modules/, .git/] - action: rebuild path: ./frontend/package.json
Start with: docker compose up --watch
Benefits Better performance than bind mounts No file permission issues Intelligent syncing Supports rebuild capability Works on all platforms