Fix: Docker Compose Showing 'dev' Version Issue

Dec 2, 2025 by Alex Johnson 48 views

Troubleshooting Docker Compose Version Displaying 'dev' Instead of the Installed Version

Experiencing issues with Docker Compose displaying 'dev' as the version instead of the expected version number like 5.0.0? This can be frustrating, especially when your tooling relies on accurate version information. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the problem, its causes, and step-by-step solutions to resolve it. Let’s dive deep into fixing this glitch and ensuring your Docker Compose environment works smoothly. We'll cover everything from identifying the root cause to implementing practical solutions, so you can get back to your development workflow without a hitch.

Understanding the Issue

When you run docker compose version, you expect to see the installed version number, such as 5.0.0. However, if it shows Docker Compose version dev, it indicates a problem with how Docker is recognizing the installed Compose plugin. This discrepancy can occur after upgrading Docker Compose, particularly when using package managers like Homebrew on macOS. The core issue often stems from configuration mismatches or incorrect symlinks that prevent Docker from correctly identifying the Compose version. Understanding why this happens is crucial for implementing the right fix, so let's break down the common causes and scenarios that lead to this problem. By diagnosing the underlying issue, you can avoid future occurrences and maintain a stable development environment.

Why This Happens

Several factors can cause Docker Compose to report the dev version instead of the actual installed version. Here are some common culprits:

Improper Upgrade: When upgrading Docker Compose via Homebrew or other package managers, sometimes the installation process doesn't complete correctly, leading to version mismatches. This can leave behind remnants of older installations or create conflicts with the new version.
Configuration Issues: Docker relies on configuration files to locate plugins. If the cliPluginsExtraDirs setting in your Docker configuration is incorrect, Docker may fail to find the correct Compose plugin path. This setting tells Docker where to look for CLI plugins, and if it's not pointing to the right directory, you'll run into version identification problems.
Symlink Problems: Docker Compose is often installed as a plugin via symlinks. If these symlinks are broken or pointing to the wrong location, Docker won’t be able to determine the correct version. Broken symlinks can occur due to file system changes, permission issues, or incomplete installation processes. Properly configured symlinks are essential for Docker to recognize and use the Compose plugin.
Multiple Installations: Having multiple versions of Docker Compose installed can create conflicts. Docker might be picking up the wrong version, especially if the system PATH is not correctly configured. This often happens when developers use different installation methods over time, leading to a cluttered environment with conflicting binaries.

Real-World Scenarios

Consider a scenario where you've just upgraded Docker Compose using Homebrew. Everything seems fine, but when you check the version, it shows dev. This can disrupt your workflow, especially if you have scripts or tools that depend on the version number. Another scenario involves inconsistent behavior between docker compose version and docker-compose version, where one shows the correct version and the other displays dev. This discrepancy highlights an underlying configuration issue that needs to be addressed promptly.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Docker Compose Version Display

Now that we understand the potential causes, let's dive into the solutions. These steps will help you troubleshoot and fix the Docker Compose version issue, ensuring your environment is correctly configured.

1. Verify Docker Configuration

The first step is to ensure your Docker configuration file (~/.docker/config.json) is correctly set up. This file tells Docker where to find CLI plugins like Docker Compose. Open ~/.docker/config.json in a text editor and check for the cliPluginsExtraDirs setting.

{
  "cliPluginsExtraDirs": [
    "/opt/homebrew/lib/docker/cli-plugins"
  ]
}

If the cliPluginsExtraDirs setting is missing or pointing to the wrong directory, add or modify it to include the correct path. The path typically points to where Homebrew installs Docker plugins, which is often /opt/homebrew/lib/docker/cli-plugins on macOS for Apple Silicon chips or /usr/local/lib/docker/cli-plugins for Intel-based Macs. Ensure the path is accurate for your system to enable Docker to locate the Compose plugin correctly. This step is crucial, as an incorrect path can lead to Docker failing to recognize the installed version.

2. Check Docker Compose Installation Path

Next, verify that Docker Compose is installed in the expected directory. Use the brew info docker-compose command to get information about the installation path. This command provides details about the installed version, dependencies, and caveats, including the installation directory. Review the output to confirm that the installation directory matches the path specified in your Docker configuration. If there's a mismatch, it indicates a potential issue with the installation or configuration. Confirming the installation path helps ensure that Docker is looking in the correct location for the Compose plugin.

brew info docker-compose

The output should show the installed path, such as /opt/homebrew/Cellar/docker-compose/5.0.0. This path can help you verify whether Docker is configured to look in the right place for the plugin. If the path differs from what’s in your Docker configuration, you’ll need to update the cliPluginsExtraDirs setting accordingly.

3. Create or Fix Symlinks

Docker Compose often relies on symlinks to function correctly as a plugin. Navigate to the Docker CLI plugins directory (e.g., /opt/homebrew/lib/docker/cli-plugins) and ensure there's a symlink for docker-compose.

ls -l /opt/homebrew/lib/docker/cli-plugins

You should see a symlink similar to this:

lrwxr-xr-x  1 user  admin  41B Jul 25 10:22 docker-compose -> ../../../Cellar/docker-compose/5.0.0/docker-compose

If the symlink is missing or broken, you'll need to create or fix it. To create a symlink, use the ln -s command:

sudo ln -s /opt/homebrew/Cellar/docker-compose/5.0.0/docker-compose /opt/homebrew/lib/docker/cli-plugins/docker-compose

Replace 5.0.0 with your installed version if necessary. This command creates a symbolic link from the actual Docker Compose binary to the Docker CLI plugins directory, ensuring that Docker can find and execute Compose commands. If you encounter a "file exists" error, it means a symlink or file with the same name already exists. To resolve this, you can first remove the existing link or file before creating the new symlink. Fixing symlinks is a critical step, as it directly connects Docker with the Compose plugin.

4. Check for Conflicting Installations

Having multiple installations of Docker Compose can lead to conflicts. Use the which command to find all locations of the docker-compose executable.

which -a docker-compose

This command lists all instances of docker-compose in your system's PATH. If you find multiple installations, it’s essential to remove the conflicting ones. Identify the correct installation path (usually the one managed by Homebrew) and remove any others. Conflicting installations can cause Docker to pick up the wrong version, so cleaning up your environment is crucial for resolving the issue. Removing outdated or incorrectly installed versions ensures that Docker relies on the correct Compose plugin.

5. Restart Docker

After making configuration changes or fixing symlinks, restart Docker to ensure the changes are applied. Restarting Docker allows it to reload its configuration and recognize the correct Docker Compose version. This step is simple but crucial for the changes to take effect. You can restart Docker via the Docker Desktop application or using command-line tools, depending on your setup. A restart ensures that Docker re-reads its settings and loads the updated plugin information.

6. Verify with `docker compose version`

Finally, after performing the above steps, run docker compose version again to verify that the issue is resolved. The output should now display the correct version number, such as Docker Compose version v5.0.0, instead of dev. If the version is displayed correctly, it indicates that Docker is successfully recognizing the installed Compose plugin. This verification step confirms that your troubleshooting efforts have been successful and that Docker Compose is functioning as expected. If you still encounter issues, retrace the steps and ensure no step was missed.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

If you've followed the steps above and are still facing issues, here are some additional tips to help you troubleshoot the problem further.

Check Environment Variables

Inspect your environment variables for any settings that might be affecting Docker Compose. Variables like DOCKER_COMPOSE_VERSION or paths in your system's PATH can sometimes interfere with Docker's ability to find the correct Compose version. Ensure that these variables are correctly configured and not pointing to outdated or incorrect paths. Environment variables play a crucial role in how Docker operates, and misconfigurations can lead to unexpected behavior. Checking these variables helps ensure a clean and predictable environment for Docker Compose.

Review Homebrew Updates

If you recently updated Docker Compose via Homebrew, review the update process for any error messages or warnings. Homebrew might have encountered issues during the upgrade that resulted in an incomplete installation or incorrect configuration. Check the Homebrew logs for any relevant information that could indicate problems during the update process. Error messages can provide valuable clues about what went wrong and guide you towards a specific solution. Reviewing the update process ensures that all components were installed correctly and that no steps were missed.

Consult Docker Documentation

Refer to the official Docker documentation for troubleshooting steps and best practices. Docker's documentation is a comprehensive resource for understanding how Docker Compose works and how to resolve common issues. The documentation provides detailed explanations, examples, and troubleshooting guides that can help you diagnose and fix problems. Consulting the official documentation ensures that you're following recommended practices and addressing issues in a supported manner. Docker's documentation is frequently updated and provides the most accurate information for maintaining a healthy Docker environment.

Seek Community Support

Engage with the Docker community through forums, Stack Overflow, or GitHub issues. Other users may have encountered similar problems and can offer valuable insights and solutions. Community forums are a great place to share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from others. Engaging with the community broadens your troubleshooting resources and can lead to quicker resolutions. Docker has a vibrant and active community that is often willing to help with technical issues.

Conclusion

Seeing Docker Compose version dev instead of the expected version can be a roadblock, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it's a solvable issue. By systematically checking your Docker configuration, symlinks, and potential conflicts, you can ensure Docker Compose is correctly recognized and functions as expected. Remember to restart Docker after making changes and verify the version to confirm the fix. This guide has equipped you with the knowledge and steps to tackle this problem effectively. By following these solutions, you can maintain a stable and reliable Docker Compose environment. If you're still facing difficulties, don't hesitate to seek help from the Docker community or consult the official documentation for further assistance.

For more in-depth information and advanced troubleshooting, check out the official Docker Compose documentation.