What is the primary function of the `docker-compose` command?

The primary function of the docker-compose command is to run multiple Docker containers. It is a tool that allows users to define and manage multi-container Docker applications using a single configuration file, typically named docker-compose.yml. This file specifies how the different services (or containers) in the application interact with one another, including their dependencies, environment variables, and networking settings.

When you run the docker-compose up command, it reads the configuration file and starts all defined services or containers in the order specified, ensuring they are correctly networked and able to communicate with each other. This capability is particularly useful for complex applications that require multiple services working together, such as a web server, database, and caching service, all of which can be configured and orchestrated effortlessly through docker-compose.

In contrast, tasks like creating Docker images, managing network settings, and optimizing application performance are handled by other Docker commands or tools. This distinct focus on orchestrating multiple containers is what sets docker-compose apart, making it an essential tool for developers working with containerized applications.