Core Concepts

1. SOURCE Values

Each configurable service has a SOURCE variable that controls whether Atlas runs it in Docker, connects to a localhost instance, disables it, or uses a service-specific mode.

2. Tracks

Tracks select the subset of services needed for a workflow and force-disable out-of-track services unless the user explicitly overrides them.

3. Manifests

Each manifest owns service metadata, env vars, source options, dependencies, runtime slices, and data-flow calls.

4. Gateway Access

Kong provides the main local entrypoint and generated aliases. Direct ports remain available for services that expose their own UI or API.