Docker Documentation Reference Skill

Overview

This skill provides access to comprehensive Docker and Docker Compose documentation. Use this skill to look up exact configurations, command syntax, and best practices before generating any Docker-related files.

Documentation Location

All documentation is stored in: /home/mwguerra/projects/mwguerra/claude-code-plugins/docker-specialist/skills/docker-docs/references/

Directory Structure

references/
├── 01-introduction.md       # Docker concepts, key terms
├── 02-dockerfile.md         # Dockerfile instructions, multi-stage builds
├── 03-compose-fundamentals.md  # Compose file structure, options
├── 04-networking.md         # Network types, DNS, external networks
├── 05-databases.md          # PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis
├── 06-services.md           # Dependencies, scaling, patterns
├── 07-ports-ssl.md          # Port mapping, Traefik, Nginx SSL
├── 08-volumes.md            # Volume types, persistence, backups
├── 09-environment.md        # Env vars, secrets, .env files
├── 10-architecture.md       # Project structures, folder organization
├── 11-global-local.md       # Global vs project containers
├── 12-examples.md           # Complete working examples
├── 13-commands.md           # Essential Docker commands
├── 14-security.md           # Security best practices
├── 15-port-conflicts.md     # Port conflict resolution
├── 16-restart-strategies.md # Restart policies, data persistence
└── 17-troubleshooting.md    # Common issues and solutions

Usage

When to Use This Skill

1. Before generating any Dockerfile or compose configuration
2. When troubleshooting Docker errors
3. To verify correct command syntax
4. To find proper configuration patterns
5. To understand Docker networking
6. For security best practices

Search Workflow

1. Identify Topic: Determine what documentation is needed
2. Navigate to File: Go to relevant documentation file
3. Read Documentation: Extract exact patterns
4. Apply Knowledge: Use in configuration generation

Common Lookups

Topic	File
Dockerfile creation	02-dockerfile.md
Compose configuration	03-compose-fundamentals.md
Container networking	04-networking.md
Database setup	05-databases.md
Multi-container apps	06-services.md
SSL/TLS setup	07-ports-ssl.md
Volume management	08-volumes.md
Environment variables	09-environment.md
Project structure	10-architecture.md
Commands reference	13-commands.md
Security	14-security.md
Troubleshooting	17-troubleshooting.md

Documentation Reading Pattern

When reading documentation:

1. Find the right file: Match topic to documentation file
2. Read the overview: Understand the concept
3. Extract code examples: Copy exact patterns
4. Note configuration options: Review available settings
5. Check best practices: Apply security and performance tips

Example Usage

Looking up PostgreSQL Configuration

1. Navigate to 05-databases.md
2. Find PostgreSQL section
3. Extract:
   • Image version
   • Environment variables
   • Health check configuration
   • Volume setup
   • Network configuration

Looking up Network Configuration

1. Navigate to 04-networking.md
2. Find relevant section (bridge, external, internal)
3. Extract:
   • Network definition syntax
   • Service network configuration
   • DNS resolution patterns

Output

After reading documentation, provide:

1. Exact configuration pattern from docs
2. Required settings
3. Optional configurations
4. Best practices noted
5. Security considerations