Docker Logs Cheat Sheet

Stream and filter container logs to debug startup errors, crashes, and production incidents quickly.

What this cheat sheet is for

This docker logs reference helps you complete common developer tasks quickly and avoid repeated trial-and-error when working under deadlines.

When you need a reliable command or pattern during debugging and incident response.
When you are implementing a feature and want a known-good syntax example immediately.
When onboarding teammates and documenting repeatable workflows for daily use.
When reviewing pull requests and verifying that command usage follows best practices.

docker logs app

Example:

docker logs --tail 200 app

docker logs -f app

Example:

docker logs -f --since 10m app

docker logs --since "2026-01-01T10:00:00" app

Example:

docker logs --until "2026-01-01T11:00:00" app

docker logs -t app

Example:

docker logs -f -t app

docker compose logs app

Example:

docker compose logs -f --tail 100 api

docker compose logs -f

Example:

docker compose logs db worker

Relying on docker logs for long-term retention is risky without external logging.
Huge unbounded logs consume disk; configure log rotation driver options.
Missing --tail on busy containers can flood terminal and hide useful lines.

Last updated: February 2026