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Reference documentation

This section includes the reference documentation for the Docker platform's various APIs, CLIs, drivers and specifications, and file formats.

File formats

DockerfileDefines the contents and startup behavior of a single container.

Compose fileDefines a multi-container application.

Command-line interfaces (CLIs)

Docker CLIThe main Docker CLI, includes all docker commands.

Compose CLIThe CLI for Docker Compose, for building and running multi-container applications.

Daemon CLI (dockerd)Persistent process that manages containers.

Application programming interfaces (APIs)

Engine APIThe main API for Docker, provides programmatic access to a daemon.

Docker Hub APIAPI to interact with Docker Hub.

DVP Data APIAPI for Docker Verified Publishers to fetch analytics data.