Installing Laravel on shared hosting can be a daunting task for developers who are new to the framework. However, with the right guidance, it is possible to set up Laravel and leverage its powerful features on shared hosting platforms.
To install Laravel on shared hosting, download Laravel files on your local machine. Upload them to your shared hosting using FTP or file manager. Set the correct permissions. Create a MySQL database and user. Configure Laravel’s environment variables. Access your site and run the installation.
In this article, I will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing Laravel on shared hosting. By following this guide, you will be able to deploy your Laravel application on a shared hosting environment efficiently and effectively.
11 Step To Install Laravel on Shared Hosting: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re new to Laravel and want to install it on shared hosting, this step-by-step guide is here to help. Follow these instructions to get Laravel up and running on your shared hosting environment quickly and easily.
Step 1: Verify hosting requirements
Before starting the installation process, ensure that your shared hosting meets the requirements for running Laravel. These typically include PHP version 7.4 or higher, extensions like OpenSSL, PDO, Mbstring, and a database (MySQL or PostgreSQL). Contact your hosting provider or check their documentation for specific details.
Step 2: Create a new directory
Login to your shared hosting control panel or use an FTP client to access your hosting account. Create a new directory where you want to install Laravel. You can name it anything you like, such as “mylaravelapp”.
Step 3: Download Laravel
Visit the official Laravel website (laravel.com) and download the latest version of Laravel. You’ll receive a ZIP file containing the framework’s source code.
Step 4: Upload and extract Laravel
Upload the ZIP file to the directory you created in Step 2 and extract its contents. You can use an FTP client or the file manager provided by your hosting control panel to accomplish this.
Step 5: Set up database
Create a new database for your Laravel application. This process may vary depending on your hosting control panel. Take note of the database name, username, password, and host, as you’ll need these details in the next step.
Step 6: Configure Laravel
Locate the “.env.example” file in your Laravel installation directory and rename it to “.env”. Open the “.env” file and update the database connection details with the information you obtained in Step 5. Additionally, make sure to set a secure APP_KEY value.
Step 7: Install dependencies
Open a terminal or SSH client and navigate to your Laravel installation directory. Run the following command to install Laravel’s dependencies:
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composer install –no-dev
This command will download and install the required packages defined in the “composer.json” file.
Step 8: Generate application key
While still in the terminal or SSH client, run the following command to generate a unique application key:
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php artisan key:generate
This key is essential for secure encryption of user sessions and other sensitive data.
Step 9: Run migrations
Execute the following command to run the database migrations:
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php artisan migrate
This command will create the necessary tables in your database.
Step 10: Set up a symbolic link (optional)
If your shared hosting environment supports symbolic links, you can create a symbolic link to the public folder of your Laravel application. This step is not mandatory, but it can help improve the URL structure. Consult your hosting provider’s documentation or support for assistance with creating symbolic links.
Step 11: Ready to go!
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Laravel on your shared hosting environment. You can now access your Laravel application by visiting your domain or subdomain in a web browser.
Benefits of Installing Laravel on Shared Hosting: Why Consider It?
Though the process is hard, why do people choose to add Laravel to shared hosting? It is because of the benefits it offers. Have a look.
. Cost-effectiveness:
Shared hosting is generally more affordable compared to dedicated hosting or cloud hosting. By installing Laravel on shared hosting, you can leverage the power of the framework without breaking the bank.
. Easy setup and management:
Shared hosting providers usually offer user-friendly control panels and tools that simplify the installation and management process. This makes it accessible for beginners or those without extensive technical knowledge to set up and maintain their Laravel applications.
. Accessibility:
Shared hosting allows your Laravel application to be accessible to a wide audience. As shared hosting is designed to accommodate multiple websites on a single server, it ensures that your application is available to users around the clock without the need for them to install additional software or configure server settings.
. Scalability:
Although shared hosting is not as scalable as dedicated hosting or cloud hosting, it can still handle moderate traffic and growth. With Laravel’s robust features and performance optimization techniques, you can optimize your application to efficiently utilize the shared hosting resources and accommodate increasing traffic.
. Security measures:
Shared hosting providers typically implement security measures to protect their servers and customer data. This includes firewall protection, regular backups, and monitoring services. Additionally, Laravel itself incorporates security features like CSRF protection, secure session handling, and encryption, enhancing the overall security of your application.
. Community support:
Laravel has a large and active community of developers who share their knowledge, provide support, and contribute to the framework’s improvement. By installing Laravel on shared hosting, you gain access to this supportive community, enabling you to seek guidance, find solutions to issues, and stay updated with the latest advancements.
. Rapid application development:
Laravel’s elegant syntax, built-in features, and extensive library of packages make it a powerful framework for rapid application development. With shared hosting, you can quickly deploy your Laravel application and start developing, allowing you to bring your ideas to life in a shorter time frame.
FAQs
Can I Install Laravel On Any Shared Hosting Provider?
In most cases, yes. However, it’s important to ensure that your shared hosting provider meets the minimum requirements for running Laravel, such as PHP version 7.4 or higher and necessary extensions. Check with your hosting provider or review their documentation to verify compatibility.
Do I Need SSH Access To Install Laravel On Shared Hosting?
SSH access is not mandatory for installing Laravel on shared hosting. Most shared hosting providers offer alternative methods for file management, such as using an FTP client or a file manager through their control panel, which allows you to upload and manage Laravel files.
Can I Use Shared Hosting For High-Traffic Laravel Applications?
Shared hosting is generally suitable for small to medium-sized applications with moderate traffic. If you anticipate high traffic or have resource-intensive requirements, you may need to consider more scalable hosting options like dedicated servers or cloud hosting.
How Can I Ensure The Security Of My Laravel Application On Shared Hosting?
There are several steps you can take to enhance the security of your Laravel application on shared hosting. These include keeping your Laravel installation and dependencies up to date, configuring strong passwords, enabling HTTPS, implementing secure coding practices, and leveraging Laravel’s built-in security features such as CSRF protection and encryption.
Can I Use Laravel’s Advanced Features On Shared Hosting?
Yes, you can utilize Laravel’s advanced features on shared hosting. However, some shared hosting providers may have certain limitations or restrictions that could affect the usage of specific features. It’s recommended to review your hosting provider’s policies and capabilities to ensure compatibility with your desired Laravel functionalities.
Is It Necessary To Remove Installation Files After Installing Laravel On Shared Hosting?
Yes, it is crucial to remove installation files and directories, such as “install.php” or “readme.md,” from your Laravel directory after the installation process. Leaving these files accessible to the public can pose security risks. Always follow best practices by deleting unnecessary files for enhanced security.
Can I Run Multiple Laravel Applications On Shared Hosting?
Depending on your shared hosting plan and provider, you may be able to run multiple Laravel applications on a single hosting account. Ensure that your hosting plan offers support for multiple domains or subdomains and that your hosting provider allows the hosting of multiple applications within one account.
Can I Use Custom Packages Or Extensions With Laravel On Shared Hosting?
Yes, you can use custom packages or extensions with Laravel on shared hosting. However, some shared hosting providers may have restrictions on installing additional extensions or packages. Contact your hosting provider to inquire about their policies regarding custom packages or extensions.
How Can I Optimize The Performance Of My Laravel Application On Shared Hosting?
To optimize the performance of your Laravel application on shared hosting, consider techniques such as caching, database query optimization, asset minification, and using a content delivery network (CDN) for static assets. Additionally, utilize Laravel’s built-in caching mechanisms and optimization features to improve the speed and responsiveness of your application.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, installing Laravel on shared hosting provides a cost-effective and accessible solution for deploying Laravel applications. With easy setup, management tools, and community support, users can leverage Laravel’s features and create powerful web applications.
While there may be some limitations and considerations, shared hosting offers an opportunity to utilize Laravel’s capabilities without the need for advanced technical knowledge or expensive hosting options.
