How would you use Docker Compose for a .NET API, database, Redis, and message broker without making local development slow or misleading?

Docker Compose for local multi-service development

Uses Compose for reproducible local dependencies while preserving fast inner loops, realistic readiness, and clear differences from production orchestration.

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The Compose file names services, networks, ports, non-secret defaults, health checks, and disposable or persistent development volumes. The API uses service DNS names when it runs in Compose and localhost mappings when it runs directly on the host. depends_on can control start order, but the application still needs bounded connection retry because a started database process may not be ready.

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Compose services, networks, volumes, health checks, dependency readiness, profiles, source mounts, debugging, and production parity.

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Compose is useful for describing local service topology and dependencies, but it does not make a laptop identical to production. I would containerize infrastructure consistently while preserving a fast way to run and debug the API.
The Compose file names services, networks, ports, non-secret defaults, health checks, and disposable or persistent development volumes. The API uses service DNS names when it runs in Compose and localhost mappings when it runs directly on the host. depends_on can control start order, but the application still needs bounded connection retry because a started database process may not be ready.
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I use profiles or override files for optional services and development-specific mounts. Source bind mounts and dotnet watch can improve the inner loop, but generated files and host permissions need care. Seed data and migrations are explicit, repeatable steps rather than hidden startup side effects. Secrets remain outside the committed Compose file. Tests that need isolation should create their own disposable dependencies instead of sharing a developer's long-lived stack.

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Assuming depends_on proves readiness.
Committing database passwords in the Compose file.
Forcing every code edit through a full image rebuild.
Sharing one stateful Compose stack across parallel tests.

How would you use Docker Compose for a .NET API, database, Redis, and message broker without making local development slow or misleading?

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