PHP Development Environment

A PHP development environment usually includes the PHP CLI, a code editor, Composer, Git, and a local web server. Add a database server only when the project needs one. Keep project dependencies in Composer files and environment-specific settings in environment variables. Never commit secrets such as passwords, API keys, or production database credentials. Before starting a project, identify its required PHP version and extensions. Use separate development and production configuration, and run the project’s tests before deploying. Further guidance For every setup lesson, verify which PHP version and extensions are active in the same environment that runs the project. Keep a small reproducible script, use the command-line version output to diagnose configuration problems, and distinguish local development tools from production services. Practice task: Create a fresh example for PHP Development Environment. Predict the result before running it, then change one input and explain why the result changes. Test a normal case and one boundary or invalid case where it applies. Compare your output with the example and note one rule you would use in a real project.