Docker Companion
by hellozyemlya
Docker Companion lets a dedicated server started in a Docker container read its settings and operator list from environment variables and shut down cleanly when the container stops.
What it does
The mod is built for dedicated servers that run inside Docker. Instead of writing server properties and operator entries by hand, an administrator passes them through environment variables, and the mod applies them when the server starts. Players listed in the operator variable receive operator status automatically, which keeps container setups fully configured from the start.
Docker Companion also handles process signals so that a stop request from the container runtime shuts the server down gracefully rather than killing it. The author notes that the container entrypoint must run the java binary directly, using exec, so that signals reach the server process. The mod supports isolated server setups built without bloated third-party images, which suits operators who prefer a minimal stack. It runs on the server only, so players join without installing anything, and it is published for Fabric and NeoForge for 1.21.1.
Key features
Server properties from environment variables
Values set in the server properties variable are written into the server configuration when it starts.
Automatic operators
Players named in the operators variable are granted operator status, so no console commands are needed after deployment.
Graceful shutdown
Process signals from the container are handled so the server saves and stops cleanly instead of being killed.
Minimal container images
The mod is intended for isolated dedicated server images that do not need extra third-party software.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Who it’s for: Server owners and administrators who run Minecraft dedicated servers in Docker containers and want configuration and shutdown handled through the container.
How it compares
Shutdown Scheduler is a Fabric and NeoForge mod for 1.21.1 that is server-side only, but its license is All rights reserved and it is not open source. empty server shutdown is a Fabric mod for 1.21.10 with the MIT License, and it is open source. ServerPulse is an open source Fabric mod under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only, built for 1.21.4 – 1.21.10. Docker Companion is released under the MIT License but is not open source.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Docker Companion | Fabric and NeoForge | 1.21.1 | Server-side only | 2026-01-08 |
| Shutdown Scheduler | Fabric and NeoForge | 1.21.1 | Server-side only | 2026-07-04 |
| empty server shutdown | Fabric | 1.21.10 | Server-side only | 2025-11-27 |
| ServerPulse | Fabric | 1.21.4 – 1.21.10 | Server-side only | 2025-12-26 |
Questions
Does Docker Companion need to be installed on player clients?
Which loaders does Docker Companion support?
Why must the container entrypoint use exec?
In the catalog
Docker Companion is one of 8,016 Management mods on ModsFinder, and one of 5,930 Management mods for Fabric. 32,366 mods support Minecraft 1.21.1.
More from hellozyemlya
Similar mods
What the author says
This mod makes dedicated server more friendly for docker usecases, allowing easily create isolated server setup within seconds without using bloated third-party images and pieces of software. It can: - apply server properties from SERVER_PROPERTIES env varibale - auto-op players from SERVER_OPERATORS env varibale …
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/docker-companion
- Owner
- hellozyemlya
- Published
- 2026-01-07
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-01-08
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15