Network vs Docker Compose for Connecting Services?

Greetings:

I am new to Docker. I am planning on building an application that would use two Spring Boot REST applications, a PostgreSQL backend, and a user-facing front-end. However, I am bit confused how to connect the images/services. Specifically, I am not sure if users are advised to use docker-compose to connect services (as in the Getting Started guide), or use the docker networks commands for such a purpose. Esentially, should I:

  • Use docker-compose to connect the apps OR
  • Use the docker network commands to connect the apps OR
  • Something else entirely?

Thanks!