> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kawax.biz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installing PHP, Composer, and Node.js with Homebrew (macOS)

> A step-by-step guide to installing PHP, Composer, and Node.js on macOS using Homebrew to set up a Laravel development environment.

## Introduction

The Laravel team provides [Herd](https://herd.laravel.com/) and `php.new` for beginners, but senior engineers typically prefer managing each tool individually with a package manager. This gives you full version control and makes it easy to switch between different PHP versions across multiple projects.

This guide walks you through installing PHP, Composer, and Node.js (via nvm) using **Homebrew**, all the way to a working `laravel new` setup.

<Info>
  Target environment: macOS 13 Ventura or later. Works on both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) and Intel.
</Info>

***

## Installing Homebrew

Homebrew is the package manager for macOS. If you haven't installed it yet, run the following in your terminal:

```bash theme={null}
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
```

After installation, on Apple Silicon the following line is automatically added to your shell config file (e.g. `~/.zprofile`). If you added it manually, reload your config:

```bash theme={null}
eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"
```

Verify the installation:

```bash theme={null}
brew --version
```

***

## Installing PHP

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install the latest PHP">
    The Homebrew `php` formula always points to the latest stable version. Laravel 13 requires PHP 8.3 or higher.

    ```bash theme={null}
    brew install php
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the version">
    ```bash theme={null}
    php --version
    ```

    You should see `PHP 8.3.x` or higher.
  </Step>

  <Step title="(Optional) Use a specific version">
    If you need to manage multiple PHP versions, install a versioned formula:

    ```bash theme={null}
    brew install php@8.3
    ```

    Switch between versions using `brew link`:

    ```bash theme={null}
    brew unlink php
    brew link php@8.3 --force --overwrite
    ```

    Verify the currently linked version:

    ```bash theme={null}
    php --version
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Installing Composer

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install Composer">
    You can install it directly via Homebrew:

    ```bash theme={null}
    brew install composer
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the version">
    ```bash theme={null}
    composer --version
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the global install path">
    To use packages installed with `composer global require` (such as the Laravel installer), add `~/.composer/vendor/bin` to your `PATH`.

    Add the following to `~/.zshrc` (or `~/.bashrc`):

    ```bash theme={null}
    export PATH="$HOME/.composer/vendor/bin:$PATH"
    ```

    Apply the changes:

    ```bash theme={null}
    source ~/.zshrc
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Installing nvm

Node.js is installed per-user using nvm (Node Version Manager). Because no `root` privileges are needed, it works well alongside AI tools and CLIs that rely on global npm packages.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install nvm">
    Check the [nvm GitHub repository](https://github.com/nvm-sh/nvm) for the latest install script.

    ```bash theme={null}
    curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.3/install.sh | bash
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add the snippet to your shell config">
    The install script automatically appends the following to `~/.zshrc` (or `~/.bashrc`). If it wasn't added, do so manually:

    ```bash theme={null}
    export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"
    [ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"
    [ -s "$NVM_DIR/bash_completion" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/bash_completion"
    ```

    Apply the changes:

    ```bash theme={null}
    source ~/.zshrc
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the installation">
    ```bash theme={null}
    nvm --version
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Installing Node.js

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install the LTS version">
    ```bash theme={null}
    nvm install --lts
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set it as the default">
    Set the default version so it's used automatically in new terminal sessions:

    ```bash theme={null}
    nvm alias default node
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the versions">
    ```bash theme={null}
    node --version
    npm --version
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Verifying the Laravel Installation

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install the Laravel installer">
    ```bash theme={null}
    composer global require laravel/installer
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a new project">
    ```bash theme={null}
    laravel new my-app
    ```

    An interactive setup will begin where you can choose a starter kit, authentication options, and more.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the development server">
    ```bash theme={null}
    cd my-app
    php artisan serve
    ```

    Open `http://localhost:8000` in your browser. If you see the Laravel welcome page, you're all set.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Homebrew vs. Herd

|                           | Manual Homebrew setup                                       | Herd                                                 |
| ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Target user**           | Developers who want fine-grained version and config control | Beginners and solo developers who want a quick start |
| **PHP version switching** | Manual via `brew link`                                      | Easy switching from the GUI                          |
| **Local domains**         | Manual `/etc/hosts` editing                                 | Automatic `.test` domains                            |
| **Service management**    | `brew services`                                             | Start/stop from the GUI                              |
| **Customizability**       | High                                                        | Limited                                              |

The manual Homebrew approach is best when you want to match your team or CI environment's configuration, or when you frequently switch between multiple PHP versions.