Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to install Laravel on a remote server running Debian. Laravel is a popular PHP framework used for web development. Installing it on a remote server can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to server administration. However, with this step-by-step guide, we will take you through the process and make it as easy as possible.
Before we dive into the details of installing Laravel, let’s take a moment to understand what it is and why it’s popular. Laravel is an open-source PHP web framework used for developing web applications. It follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture and comes with a host of tools and features that make web development faster and more efficient. Laravel has gained popularity among developers due to its simplicity and ease of use. With that said, let’s get started.
Installing Laravel on a Remote Server Running Debian
Before we start the installation process, let’s make sure we have all the necessary components and software required to run Laravel. We will need:
Component |
Version |
Debian |
9 or higher |
PHP |
7.2 or higher |
Composer |
Latest Version |
Apache |
Latest Version |
MySQL/MariaDB |
Latest Version |
Step 1: Update the System
The first step in installing Laravel on a remote server running Debian is to update the system. Open the terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
This will update the list of available packages and then upgrade the installed packages to their latest versions.
Step 2: Install PHP and Composer
Next, we need to install PHP and Composer. Run the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt-get install php7.2 php7.2-common php7.2-cli php7.2-curl php7.2-mysql php7.2-mbstring composer
This will install PHP version 7.2 and its required modules along with Composer.
Step 3: Install Apache
The next step is to install Apache web server. Run the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt-get install apache2 libapache2-mod-php7.2
This will install the Apache web server along with the necessary module for PHP.
Step 4: Install MySQL/MariaDB
The next step is to install MySQL or MariaDB. Run the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt-get install mysql-server mysql-client
During the installation, you will be prompted to set a root password for MySQL. Make sure to set a strong password and remember it. You will need it later.
Step 5: Create a Database for Laravel
Next, we need to create a database for Laravel to use. Run the following command in the terminal:
mysql -u root -p
This will open the MySQL shell. Enter the root password that you set during the installation. Once logged in, create a new database using the following command:
CREATE DATABASE laravel;
Replace “laravel” with the name you want to give your database. Once done, exit the MySQL shell using:
exit
Step 6: Install Laravel
Now that we have all the necessary components installed, it’s time to install Laravel itself. Navigate to the directory where you want to install Laravel and run the following command:
composer create-project --prefer-dist laravel/laravel projectname
Replace “projectname” with the name you want to give your Laravel project. The “–prefer-dist” flag tells Composer to download a pre-built version of Laravel instead of building it from scratch. This will speed up the installation process.
Step 7: Configure Apache
The final step is to configure Apache to serve our Laravel project. Create a new Apache configuration file using the following command:
sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/projectname.conf
Replace “projectname” with the name you gave your Laravel project. Paste the following configuration into the file:
<VirtualHost *:80>
ServerName yourdomain.com
ServerAlias www.yourdomain.com
DocumentRoot /var/www/projectname/public
<Directory /var/www/projectname/public>
AllowOverride All
Order allow,deny
allow from all
</Directory>
</VirtualHost>
This configuration tells Apache to listen for requests on port 80 and serve files from the “public” directory of our Laravel project. Make sure to replace “yourdomain.com” with your actual domain name.
Once done, save the file and exit. Enable the new configuration using the following command:
sudo a2ensite projectname.conf
This will enable our new configuration. Finally, restart Apache for the changes to take effect using:
sudo service apache2 restart
Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing Laravel on Debian
Laravel is a popular PHP framework used for web development. Installing it on a remote server running Debian has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
1. Security: Debian is known for its robust security features. Installing Laravel on Debian ensures that your web application is secure from common vulnerabilities and attacks.
2. Stability: Debian is a stable operating system and is widely used in production environments. Installing Laravel on Debian ensures that your web application runs smoothly without any crashes or stability issues.
3. Easy to Configure: Installing Laravel on Debian is easy and straightforward. All the necessary components and dependencies are readily available in the Debian package repository.
4. Cost-effective: Debian is an open-source operating system, which means that it is free to use. Installing Laravel on Debian is a cost-effective solution for web development.
Disadvantages
1. Limited Support: Compared to other operating systems, Debian has limited support for third-party software. This could make it difficult to find help in case of issues with Laravel installations.
2. Steep Learning Curve: If you are new to server administration, installing Laravel on Debian could be challenging due to the steep learning curve.
3. Maintenance: Maintaining a Debian server requires time and effort. Regular updates and security patches must be installed to ensure that the server is secure and running smoothly.
FAQs
1. Do I need to be an expert in server administration to install Laravel on Debian?
No, you do not need to be an expert in server administration to install Laravel on Debian. However, basic knowledge of the Linux command line is required.
2. Can I install Laravel on Debian without using Composer?
No, you cannot install Laravel on Debian without using Composer. Composer is a dependency manager for PHP and is required to manage Laravel’s dependencies.
3. Do I need to install Apache to run Laravel on Debian?
Yes, you need to install Apache to run Laravel on Debian. Apache is a web server that serves files over the internet. Laravel requires a web server to serve its files.
4. Is it safe to use Debian for web development?
Yes, Debian is safe to use for web development. It is known for its robust security features, which make it a popular choice among web developers.
5. Is it possible to install Laravel on a remote server running Debian using a GUI?
No, it is not possible to install Laravel on a remote server running Debian using a GUI. Installation requires the use of the command line.
6. Do I need to install MySQL or can I use another database?
You can use other databases with Laravel, such as PostgreSQL or SQLite. However, MySQL/MariaDB is the most commonly used database with Laravel.
7. Can I install Laravel on a shared hosting environment running Debian?
It depends on the hosting provider. Some hosting providers allow customers to install their own software, while others do not. Check with your hosting provider before attempting to install Laravel on a shared hosting environment.
8. How long does it take to install Laravel on Debian?
The installation process for Laravel on Debian takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your internet speed and the resources available on your server.
9. What is the minimum hardware requirement for running Laravel on Debian?
The minimum hardware requirement for running Laravel on Debian is a server with at least 2GB of RAM and 20GB of disk space.
10. Can I use Laravel for building e-commerce websites?
Yes, you can use Laravel for building e-commerce websites. Laravel comes with several features that make it suitable for building e-commerce websites, such as payment gateway integration and user authentication.
11. Do I need to enable any PHP modules to run Laravel on Debian?
Yes, you need to enable several PHP modules to run Laravel on Debian. These include PHP’s curl, mbstring, and mysql extensions.
12. Can I use Laravel for building mobile applications?
No, Laravel is a web development framework and is not meant for building mobile applications. However, you can use Laravel to build the backend API for your mobile application.
13. Is it possible to use Laravel on Windows?
Yes, it is possible to use Laravel on Windows. However, the installation process is different and requires the use of third-party software such as XAMPP.
Conclusion
Installing Laravel on a remote server running Debian can be a challenging task. However, with the help of this guide, you should now have a better understanding of how to install Laravel on Debian. Remember to follow all the steps carefully and make sure you have all the necessary components installed. Once you have successfully installed Laravel on Debian, you can start building your web application using Laravel’s powerful features and tools. Good luck!
Closing/Disclaimer
This guide is provided for educational purposes only. The author and publisher are not responsible for any misuse or damage caused by following the instructions in this guide. Always backup your data before making any changes to your server. Use this guide at your own risk.
Video:Debian Install Laravel Remote Server: Step By Step Guide
https://youtube.com/watch?v=EYhEe9rt21k