Docker / Docker

Docker Compose ANTHROPIC_API_KEY Not Forwarded to Web Container

Fix ANTHROPIC_API_KEY not set error in Docker Compose web container Includes evidence for Docker troubleshooting demand.

Source-backed Last updated May 12, 2026 1 source Needs local verification

Category: Docker
Error signature: ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set — web container missing environment variable in Docker Compose
Quick fix: Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
Updated: May 12, 2026
Verification status: Source-backed
Evidence: 1 public source URL

Before you change production

This page includes public source URLs in the imported troubleshooting record. Compare those references with your version and environment before applying changes.

Reproduce the smallest failing action and save non-secret logs before changing configuration.
Check versions for Docker, related SDKs, package managers, CI runners, and hosting providers.
Change one setting or dependency at a time, then rerun the same failing command or request.
Avoid destructive commands, credential rotation, billing changes, or security relaxations without a rollback plan.

What this error means

ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set — web container missing environment variable in Docker Compose is a Docker failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix anthropic_api_key not set error in docker compose web container. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

PR #199 (May 2026) fixes a Docker Compose issue where the web service's environment block didn't forward ANTHROPIC_API_KEY from the host. The web container had no Anthropic key, causing all LLM calls to fail with 'ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set'. Surfaced during May 11 smoke test.

Common causes

Developers running LLM-integrated applications in Docker Compose find that the web container fails with 'ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set' even though the host has the variable configured. The docker-compose.yml environment block doesn't forward ANTHROPIC_API_KEY from the host, causing all LLM calls (prep brief, clinical analysis, protocol generation) to fail silently.
PR #199 (May 2026) fixes a Docker Compose issue where the web service's environment block didn't forward ANTHROPIC_API_KEY from the host. The web container had no Anthropic key, causing all LLM calls to fail with 'ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set'. Surfaced during May 11 smoke test.

Quick fixes

Confirm the exact error signature matches ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set — web container missing environment variable in Docker Compose.
Check the Docker account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Diagnostic flow for this page

Match ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set — web container missing environment variable in Docker Compose exactly before applying the quick fix.
Compare the failing environment with Docker versions, account scope, provider settings, and deployment context.
Check the listed common causes in order, starting with the cause that best matches your logs.
Use the evidence status below to decide whether to confirm against public sources or official documentation.
Apply one reversible change, rerun the smallest failing action, and keep rollback notes.

FAQ

What does ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set — web container missing environment variable in Docker Compose mean in Docker?

ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set — web container missing environment variable in Docker Compose indicates the workflow described by "Docker Compose ANTHROPIC_API_KEY Not Forwarded to Web Container" failed in a Docker context. Start by confirming the exact signature and the component that emitted it.

What should I check first for ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set — web container missing environment variable in Docker Compose?

Check whether this cause matches your environment: Developers running LLM-integrated applications in Docker Compose find that the web container fails with 'ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set' even though the host has the variable configured. The docker-compose.yml environment block doesn't forward ANTHROPIC_API_KEY from the host, causing all LLM calls (prep brief, clinical analysis, protocol generation) to fail silently.

Is the ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set — web container missing environment variable in Docker Compose guidance source-backed?

The "Docker Compose ANTHROPIC_API_KEY Not Forwarded to Web Container" page is labeled source-backed. It has 1 public source URL from github.com, so use that evidence status when deciding how much additional verification you need.

When should I avoid the quick fix for ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set — web container missing environment variable in Docker Compose?

For "Docker Compose ANTHROPIC_API_KEY Not Forwarded to Web Container", avoid applying "Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time." when the error text differs, the affected version or provider is different, or the change would touch credentials, billing, DNS, production deploy settings, or irreversible data.

What should I collect before debugging ANTHROPIC_API_KEY is not set — web container missing environment variable in Docker Compose?

For "Docker Compose ANTHROPIC_API_KEY Not Forwarded to Web Container", collect the failing Docker command or request, non-secret configuration, versions, timestamps, request IDs when available, and the smallest reproduction that still triggers the signature.