Development Tools and Extensions For Laravel Development

This article explores the tools and extensions I utilize for Laravel project development.

When it comes to Laravel-based development, our default choice often leans towards handling PHP projects in XAMPP. However, I opt for Laragon, as it offers great utility and ease of use.

Server Management Tools

Laragon - The Amazing Local Server

Laragon is a simple tool to handle all the PHP and node-js related project with different versions.

The List of Features in Laragon :

• Pretty URL for Every project based on the project folder with domain

• SSL certificate Secure Authentication URL (Only works with in system)

• Handling multiple versions of PHP projects

• Work with Apache and nginx servers.

• Redis and MongoDB Configuration

• Quick PHP Framework based project creation

• 

Laragon Only supports in Windows. I'm still looking a tool like laragon for linux systems.

LARAVEL-HERD

Laravel Herd also a local server management same like Laragon but this is available in both Windows and Mac OS. In Pro versions some additional features also available.

When working simultaneously with Laravel Herd and Laragon, port-related issues may arise. Therefore, it's essential to carefully consider which tool is more suitable for your needs. Additionally, in the future, Herd might cater to the needs of Linux users as well.

Code Editor Tool

Visual Studio Code

In addition to its strong debugging capabilities for Node.js applications, Visual Studio Code offers several convenient features tailored for Laravel development.

These include a wide array of extensions for enhancing productivity, support for Laravel-specific code snippets, built-in Git integration for version control, seamless integration with Composer for managing dependencies, and robust support for PHP IntelliSense to aid in code completion and navigation.

The List of Extensions for Laravel Development

PHP Intelephense

Intelephense is a high performance PHP language server packed full of essential features for productive PHP development and code navigation tool in the vscode tool
based on class and function references.

Laravel GoTo View

Laravel GoTo View is a Extension to help navigating the view files inside the view function. This helps to search everytime the file and navigating in the editor bigger projects also support different formats.

Tinkerun

Tinkerrun is a tool perform laravel project based small set of code workout it will help
without php artisan tinker command.

GitLens - The Best Git Experience Tool

GitLens is a best git experience tool handling github related actions using clicking with buttons without using commands.

Database Management Tools

DBeaver - The Multi-Database Management Tool

DBeaver serves as a versatile Multi-Database Management Tool, enabling users to efficiently handle a multitude of different database types within a single interface.

PGAdmin - Postgresql DB

Pgadmin4 is postgresql based database management tool and it also have give all the features that contains postgresql.

Version Control Tools

GitHub

GitHub is often preferred for its user-friendly interface, extensive community support, and seamless integration with third-party services. It's particularly popular for hosting open-source projects and for its robust features like pull requests, code reviews, and GitHub Actions for CI/CD workflows.

GitLab

GitLab offers a comprehensive DevOps platform with built-in CI/CD pipelines, issue tracking, and project management capabilities. It's favored by organizations looking for an all-in-one solution, offering both self-hosted and cloud-hosted options.

Redis GUI

Another Redis Desktop Manager is tool how the data is processing in our redis db and number of db connections with queue details and so on.

This tool helps the state of redis db management.

Important Links

• Download PHP versions for Development (Windows) - https://www.php.net/downloads.php

• Download Different PHP Versions Extensions Windows -

  https://pecl.php.net/packages.php

• Download Nodejs Versions - https://nodejs.org/en/about/previous-releases

Better Handling for Nodejs Versions install NVM and also use the .nvmrc to mention the nodejs version in the project then install packages.

Example

#.nvmrc
20.12.1

Then Run the nvm use command to use v20 in through out the project.

Conclusion

I trust that the assortment of tools and extensions mentioned will significantly enhance your productivity in Laravel development. Share your Tools experience other than this in comments also about article. This Tools are Totally Free Not Premium Versions Some of you expert and may use Different Tools So please Share those also.

If you find any of them particularly novel or useful, feel free to share with your Laravel developer friends and colleagues, and if you feel inclined to support my work, you can do so through BuyMeACoffee. Your support is greatly appreciated!