DDEV
Open-source, Docker-based tool that spins up local PHP and Node.js development environments.
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 2
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
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About DDEV
DDEV is a command-line tool that creates local web development environments in Docker containers, so you get a working PHP or Node.js site with a database, HTTPS and a custom domain without learning Docker yourself. A project's configuration lives in the repository, which means every developer on a team gets the same versions on macOS, Windows or Linux, and it also runs in GitHub Codespaces. It ships ready-made project types for Drupal, WordPress, Laravel, TYPO3, Craft CMS, Symfony and many more, can pull databases and files from hosts such as Pantheon and Upsun, and can be extended with add-ons and custom Dockerfiles. DDEV is free and open source under the Apache 2.0 licence and funded by sponsors. You need a Docker provider installed first, and containers use more memory than native stacks like Laravel Herd, but the trade-off is environments that match across machines.
Best for: PHP teams and agencies that want identical, container-based local environments for every developer.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free and open source under Apache 2.0
- Same environment for everyone on macOS, Windows and Linux
- Quickstarts for Drupal, WordPress, Laravel and 25+ other project types
- Automatic HTTPS and custom local domains
Why people leave
- Needs Docker or another container runtime installed
- Uses more RAM and disk than native stacks
- Command-line only, with no official desktop GUI
Top DDEV alternatives
See all 2- 1
Laravel Herd66.5Native stack with no Docker needed, faster to start for solo Laravel work.
- 2
Docker Desktop51.2Write your own Compose files if you want full control over the containers.
Why people left DDEV
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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DDEV: common questions
Is DDEV free?
Yes. DDEV is free, open-source software.
Is DDEV open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at ddev/ddev.
What platforms does DDEV run on?
DDEV is available for macOS, Windows and Linux.
What are the best alternatives to DDEV?
The highest-ranked DDEV alternatives right now are Laravel Herd and Docker Desktop. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.