Video Notes

If you’re just starting out with Laravel it can be overwhelming choosing a development server platform as there are many options to select from. This guide summarizes 8 of the most popular options so you can make an informed decision on which technology might be the best choice for your development needs.

1. PHP’s built in web server

• Pre-req: PHP already installed
• Run via php artisan serve
• No local domains
• No database
• Good for quick prototypes but not very robust

2. Laravel Valet

• Mac specific
• Command line based
• Easy setup with .test domains
• Fast and lightweight
• Learn more...

3. Laravel Herd

• Mac specific
• Like Valet but even easier
• Has a graphical interface
• Quickly set up new and existing applications
• Easy setup with .test domains
• One click HTTPS
• No database; suggest pairing with DBngin
• Learn more...

4. Laravel Homestead

• Virtual machine based
• Requires virtualization software like Parallels or VirtualBox, managed by Vagrant
• More advanced setup
• More resource intensive
• Consistency with production server
• Learn more...

5. Docker

• Isolated containers instead of full virtual machines
• Consistency with production server
• Can be resource intensive
• Overhead of understanding how to work with Docker
• Learn more...

6. Laravel Sail

• Command line based
• Docker container customized to work with Laravel
• Learn more...

7. Laragon

• Windows specific
• All-in-one server software
• Includes: Nginx, PHP, MySQL, Redis
• User-friendly with graphical interface
• Lightweight compared to Virtual Machines / Docker
• Learn more...

8. The “Amps”

• XAMPP (Cross-platform), WAMP ( Windows), MAMP ( Mac)
• All-in-one server software
• Not Laravel specific
• Lightweight compared to Virtual Machines / Docker
• Includes: Apache, PHP, MySQL, Redis

Final recommendations

• Need advanced control? Homestead or Docker via Sail
• Average Mac developer: Herd w/ DBngin
• Average Window’s developer: Laragon