How to Manage Multiple PHP Versions With Laravel Herd?
PHP is the most popularly used server side scripting language with an overall market share of 77.4%. However, around 98.7% of the web uses outdated PHP Versions. More than 50% of developers keep switching between different PHP versions for several purposes. However, the switching task often becomes time-consuming. There is a PHP version manager called Laravel Herd for developers. Let’s find out more about this tool.
What is Laravel Herd?
Laravel Herd is an innovative solution that makes managing several PHP versions easier for developers. This article explores the advantages of Laravel Herd, possible drawbacks, and using various PHP versions with it.
Developers can easily transition between several PHP versions based on their Laravel project needs. Those that are working on several projects at once and require different versions of PHP will find this tool useful.
You may steer clear of the typical problems associated with manually handling several PHP versions by using Laravel Herd. This covers possible incompatibilities between PHP versions, configuration challenges, and the laborious process of version switching.
Configuring Laravel Herd
You must install Laravel Herd on your computers before using it. There are a few easy stages in the installation process. First download the installer. You can find it on the Laravel Herd website. Run the installer after downloading it to finish the process.
This innovative tool simplifies the process of managing PHP versions after installation. Run this short script in the terminal to add your PHP versions to Laravel Herd. Once you add the PHP versions, you can use another short command to switch between them.
How to Add PHP Versions Laravel Herd?
Adding PHP versions to Laravel Herd is easy. Run the Herd Add command in the terminal and the PHP version you want to add. For example, Herd Add 7.4 comes in handy to add PHP 7.4
Using Laravel Herd, you can run any count of PHP versions. This feature increases the development process efficiency by streamlining all your PHP versions in one spot.
Switching PHP Versions
You can switch between the PHP versions immediately after adding them to Laravel Herd. Type Herd Use followed by the appropriate version of PHP at the console to move to a different version of PHP. For example, you can run the command Herd Use PHP 7.4 to switch to PHP 7.4.
The process of switching between PHP versions using Laravel Herd is easy. The tool performs all necessary configuration changes.
Pros of Laravel Herd
PHP version management has various advantages with this handy method. First, it eases the job of managing several PHP versions. Their systems no longer expect manual configuration whenever you change PHP versions. Instead, you can do it with a single Laravel Herd command.
Also, the tool eliminates the probability of PHP version conflicts. Laravel Herd precludes inter-PHP version interference since each one gets isolated. Due to this, there are fewer mistakes, and the development becomes much more stable.
Laravel Herd allows you to focus on development as it automates the swapping between PHP versions.
Possible Issues and Solutions
The Laravel Herd version manager makes it easier for you, but you've to deal with some hurdles. Compatibility problems of different Laravel versions and PHP versions are the usual problem. Developers should ensure they use a PHP version compliant with their Laravel version to prevent this problem.
PHP extensions setup causes another potential problem. Different PHP versions might not use particular PHP extensions. Nevertheless, there is an easy solution to this issue. The Laravel Herd extension management function that lets developers Enable /Disable PHP extensions can solve this problem.
Closing Thoughts
Despite these difficulties, the benefits of using Laravel Herd outweigh its downsides. It is a helpful tool for any developer who has to deal with many PHP versions due to its extensive functionality and friendliness.
