Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Docker Compose VS Terrastruct

Compare Docker Compose VS Terrastruct and see what are their differences

Docker Compose logo Docker Compose

Define and run multi-container applications with Docker

Terrastruct logo Terrastruct

A diagramming tool for software architecture
  • Docker Compose Landing page
    Landing page //
    2024-05-23
  • Terrastruct Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-11-06

Terrastruct is a diagramming tool specialized for complex systems, such as your organization's software architecture or the domain your business operates in.

Terrastruct

$ Details
freemium $4.99 / Monthly
Release Date
2020 January

Docker Compose features and specs

  • Simplified Multi-Container Deployment
    Docker Compose allows users to define and manage multi-container applications with a single YAML file, making it easy to deploy complex applications.
  • Infrastructure as Code
    Compose files are version-controlled, enabling teams to use best practices in infrastructure as code, repeatable builds, and consistent development environments.
  • Portability
    Applications defined with Docker Compose can be shared easily and deployed in any environment that supports Docker, enhancing development and operational consistency.
  • Ease of Use
    With simple CLI commands, developers can start, stop, and manage containers, reducing the complexity of container orchestration.
  • Environment Variables
    Docker Compose supports the use of environment variables, making it easier to configure applications and manage different environments (e.g., development, testing, production).
  • Isolation
    Compose creates isolated environments for different applications, preventing conflicts and allowing for more straightforward dependency management.

Possible disadvantages of Docker Compose

  • Not Suitable for Large-Scale Production
    Docker Compose is not designed for managing large-scale, production-grade applications. For more robust orchestration and scaling, systems like Kubernetes are typically used.
  • Single Host Limitation
    Docker Compose is intended for single-host deployments, which limits its use in distributed and multi-host environments.
  • Networking Complexity
    Networking between containers can become complex, especially as the number of services grows, which may require additional configuration and management.
  • Learning Curve
    While Docker Compose simplifies many tasks, there is still a learning curve associated with understanding Docker concepts, Compose syntax, and best practices.
  • Limited Built-in Monitoring
    Docker Compose has limited built-in monitoring and logging capabilities, necessitating the use of additional tools for comprehensive monitoring.
  • Resource Management
    Docker Compose does not provide advanced resource management features, which can lead to suboptimal resource usage and potential inefficiencies.

Terrastruct features and specs

  • Visual Clarity
    Terrastruct provides a clear and intuitive interface for visualizing complex systems and processes, making it easier to understand and communicate ideas.
  • Collaboration
    It supports collaboration among team members, allowing for real-time editing and feedback, enhancing teamwork and productivity.
  • Layered Diagrams
    Terrastruct offers layered diagrams, enabling users to view different levels of detail and context, which is useful for dissecting complex projects.
  • Integration
    The tool integrates with popular project management and development tools, enhancing workflow and consolidating resources.
  • Customization
    Users can customize diagrams extensively with various shapes, connectors, and annotations to suit specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of Terrastruct

  • Learning Curve
    There is a learning curve associated with mastering Terrastruct, especially for users who are not familiar with diagramming tools.
  • Cost
    Terrastruct might be pricey for small teams or independent users, as advanced features often come with higher subscription fees.
  • Overhead
    The tool may add overhead to projects if teams spend too much time perfecting diagrams instead of focusing on development.
  • Feature Complexity
    With numerous features and capabilities, some users may find the tool complex and overwhelming, requiring time to explore and leverage all functionalities.
  • Internet Dependency
    As a cloud-based solution, Terrastruct requires a stable internet connection to function optimally, which may not be ideal in environments with poor connectivity.

Analysis of Docker Compose

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Docker Compose is a highly regarded tool in the containerization ecosystem. It provides a straightforward approach to orchestrating containers by creating a consistent local development environment that mirrors production settings.

Why this product is good

  • Docker Compose is considered good because it simplifies the management and deployment of multi-container Docker applications. It allows developers to define and run multi-container environments using a simple YAML file, increasing productivity and facilitating version control. This is especially useful for development, testing, and staging environments.

Recommended for

  • Developers looking to manage multi-container Docker applications effortlessly.
  • Teams needing to ensure consistent development and testing environments.
  • Projects that benefit from automated container orchestration without complex setups.
  • Organizations that use Docker containers in their workflow and need a simple tool to orchestrate them.

Analysis of Terrastruct

Overall verdict

  • Terrastruct is considered a good choice for teams and individuals who need to create and manage detailed software architecture diagrams. Its focus on clarity and collaboration makes it particularly valuable for software development projects that require precise planning and communication.

Why this product is good

  • Terrastruct is a diagramming tool designed specifically for software architecture. It offers features such as multi-layer diagramming, version control integration, and the ability to handle large-scale complex diagrams. Users appreciate its ability to visually represent intricate systems and the collaborative functionality, making it easier to share and discuss architectural plans among team members.

Recommended for

  • Software architects
  • Development teams
  • Engineering managers
  • Technical leads
  • DevOps specialists

Docker Compose videos

Docker Compose | Containerizing MEAN Stack Application | DevOps Tutorial | Edureka

More videos:

  • Demo - What is Docker Compose? (with demo)

Terrastruct videos

Terrastruct Review

More videos:

  • Review - Detailed walkthrough of Terrastruct

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Docker Compose and Terrastruct)
Developer Tools
76 76%
24% 24
Diagrams
0 0%
100% 100
DevOps Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Design Tools
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Docker Compose should be more popular than Terrastruct. It has been mentiond 44 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Docker Compose mentions (44)

  • 7 Docker Compose Tricks to Level Up Your Development Workflow
    These tricks—profiles, environment overrides, build caching, healthchecks, custom logs, named volumes, and file extensions—can transform how you use Docker Compose. They save time, reduce errors, and make your workflows more flexible. Try them in your next project, starting with profiles or healthchecks to see immediate wins. Check the Docker Compose documentation for deeper dives, and experiment with these... - Source: dev.to / 3 days ago
  • 5 Developer Pain Points Solved by Internal Developer Platforms
    Docker Compose for local development environments. - Source: dev.to / 24 days ago
  • Connecting RDBs and Search Engines — Chapter 1
    This removes all container volumes and resets everything to its initial state. See the official documentation for more details. - Source: dev.to / 29 days ago
  • Docker Compose and Devcontainers for Microservices Development
    This tutorial assumes familiarity with Docker, Docker Compose, Devcontainers and that your services have Dockerfile implemented. - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • Building a bot to talk to my cats
    I talk a lot about using containers for local development. The container that I always used was some running LLM container that I pulled from the Docker Hub official AI image registry. I initially started dev work by just running npm start to get my app running and test connecting to a container, and then I got more savvy with my approach by leveraging Docker Compose. Docker Compose allowed me to automatically... - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
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Terrastruct mentions (15)

  • From SVG to Canvas – A new way of building interactions
    i'm building a diagramming tool (https://terrastruct.com) and still umm and ah b/t it. I'm kind of waiting for webgpu to reach 95+% browser support before switching though. If I do all the work of switching, SVG better not get gpu/hardware-acceleration support the next day. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • Top 7 diagrams as code tools for software architecture
    D2 from Terrastruct is a diagram scripting language that turns text into diagrams. - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • free-for.dev
    Terrastruct.com — Online diagram maker specifically for software architecture. Free tier up to 4 layers per diagram. - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • [Help wanted] Looking for an enterprise friendly SaaS for drawing diagrams from text
    Thank you! Yeah, you can play with it on https://terrastruct.com. Apologies that it requires an account right now, it'll have a playground that doesn't require an account soon. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Ask HN: Visualizing software designs, especially of large systems (if at all)?
    I'm a big fan of Terrastruct (https://terrastruct.com/). They focus on building great software for visualizing complex software architecture. Their secret sauce is this idea of attention where they allow you to zoom in and out so you can get the 10 foot view or 10,000 foot view, whatever you find most useful. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Docker Compose and Terrastruct, you can also consider the following products

Kubernetes - Kubernetes is an open source orchestration system for Docker containers

draw.io - Online diagramming application

Docker Swarm - Native clustering for Docker. Turn a pool of Docker hosts into a single, virtual host.

IcePanel - Collaborative modelling and diagramming tool based on the C4 model. Software architecture design made fun! 🧊

Rancher - Open Source Platform for Running a Private Container Service

Structurizr - Structurizr is a workspace editor that creates software architecture diagrams and documentation based on the C4 model.