title: Can I use Docker-Compose to create Networks without Containers
body: <p>I've been playing with Docker-Compose for the last few days to see if it would simplify my Docker Container and Network building process.</p>
  
  <p>I'm pretty happy with it, but ran into a problem when I wanted to create a few 'Networks' that didn't get used by any 'Services' (yet).</p>
  
  <p>The reason I want this behavior was to have a Docker-Compose file to create my local fabric of 'Private' network and 'Public' Network. And a separate Docker-Compose for each of my projects that utilize those already created 'external' networks.</p>
  
  <p>I noted that I was able to just specify a dummy container to initialize the creation of the Networks, but it seemed unnecessary. e.g..</p>
  
  <pre><code>version: '2'
  services:
    # Dummy Service
    dummy:
      image: busybox
      container_name: dummy
      hostname: dummy
      networks:
        private:
  
  networks:
    # Private Network for all Services (across Projects)
    private:
      driver: bridge
      ipam:
        driver: default
        config:
        - subnet: 172.18.0.0/24
          gateway: 172.18.0.1
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Is there a setting/flag that I'm overlooking, or is there currently no way to use Docker-Compose to create Networks without Containers.</p>
  
  <p>Additionally, am I just approaching this incorrectly?</p>
  
  <p><strong>Essentially I'd like to have a network that live on regardless of what containers join/leave it.</strong></p>