Docker Watch Mode 2025

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.

2. rebuild - Compilation

For compiled languages (Go, Rust, Java) or dependency changes. Rebuilds image and recreates container when files change.

3. 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