What Is Laravel?
What Laravel Provides for PHP Developers
What is Laravel? Laravel is an open-source web framework for PHP. A framework is a set of ready-made building blocks that handles common tasks, such as mapping web addresses to code, reading and writing data and checking user logins. Developers can then focus on what is specific to their own application.
Laravel's main parts include Eloquent, an object-relational mapper that lets code work with database records as objects instead of writing raw queries for every operation. Blade is its template engine for building HTML pages. Artisan is a command line tool for routine project tasks.
Laravel also includes a queue system that runs slow jobs, such as sending emails or processing uploads, in the background. A task scheduler runs recurring jobs on a set timetable. The general role of frameworks is covered in what a web framework is.
What Laravel Needs From a Host
Laravel runs on PHP and uses Composer to install its libraries. A host therefore needs a supported PHP version, Composer, and the extensions the framework requires.
Several other details affect hosting choices. Laravel is designed so that its public folder is the web root, which keeps configuration and application code outside the publicly reachable space. The framework also writes cache and log files, so certain storage folders must be writable by the web server. A database is usually required. Queues and the scheduler need a long-running worker or a cron job on the server.
Because of these needs, Laravel is usually run on a VPS, a managed platform or a plan with SSH access. It is more demanding than a plain shared plan that only supports uploading files.
Example: A Booking System Built With Laravel
A small clinic builds an appointment booking system with Laravel. Patients book times through a page rendered with Blade, and the bookings are stored in a database through Eloquent. Confirmation emails go to a queue, so the booking page responds quickly even when the mail server is slow.
The hosting for this kind of application must provide PHP, a database, SSH access and a scheduled task for appointment reminders.
Frequently asked questions
Is Laravel the same as PHP?
No. PHP is the programming language and its runtime, while Laravel is a framework written in PHP. A Laravel application still needs PHP installed on the server. It runs on any host that supports the required PHP version and extensions.
Do I need Laravel to build a PHP website?
No. Plain PHP, other frameworks and content management systems can all build websites. Laravel suits applications with custom logic, such as booking systems or dashboards, that benefit from its structure and built-in tools. A simple brochure site may not need a framework at all.