DDEV
UnclaimedDocker-based PHP development environments for web developers, simplifying local setup and deployment.
Visit WebsiteFreeVisit Website
Tracked since2026
0 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Simplifies Docker usage for local development, no Docker expertise required
Biggest con
Requires Docker to be installed on the system
TL;DR - DDEV
- Simplifies Docker-based local development for PHP projects.
- Provides consistent, high-performance environments across platforms.
- Open-source, extensible, and supports multiple concurrent projects.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is DDEV?
DDEV is an open-source, local development environment designed for web developers, enabling them to quickly set up and manage Docker-based PHP projects. It abstracts away the complexities of Docker, allowing users to create development environments in minutes without requiring extensive Docker skills. DDEV supports a modern development stack including PHP, Node.js, MySQL, PostgreSQL, nginx, Apache, Redis, and Mailpit, and offers presets for popular CMS and frameworks like Laravel, WordPress, Drupal, and Magento.
The tool focuses on efficiency and consistency, providing identical environments across different machines and team members, which streamlines onboarding and reduces "it works on my machine" issues. It supports unlimited concurrent projects, custom domains with SSL, and offers great performance. DDEV is highly extensible through add-ons, lifecycle hooks, and custom Dockerfiles, making it adaptable to various project needs. It is rigorously tested and supported on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and has a strong community and corporate backing, including sponsorship from Platform.sh/Upsun.
Available on: macOS, Windows, Linux
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simplifies Docker usage for local development, no Docker expertise required
- Ensures consistent development environments across teams and machines
- Supports a wide range of technologies and CMS/frameworks
- Allows for multiple projects to run simultaneously
- Open-source and highly extensible
Cons
- Requires Docker to be installed on the system
- Initial setup might have a learning curve for those new to containerized development
Preview
Key Features
Docker-based development environmentsSupport for PHP, Node.js, MySQL, PostgreSQL, nginx, Apache, Redis, MailpitUnlimited concurrent projectsMulti-platform support (macOS, Windows, Linux)Custom domains and HTTPS with included routerApp-ready presets for popular CMS/frameworks (Laravel, WordPress, Drupal, Magento, etc.)Extensible with add-ons, scripts, and custom DockerfilesOpen Source (Apache 2.0 license)
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jun 21, 2026
DDEV
Free
- Open-source
- Local development environment
- Supports Mac, Windows, Linux
- Integrates with Docker
- HTTPS/TLS certificates with mkcert
- Project configuration with .ddev/config.yaml
- CLI for project management (start, stop, delete, describe, launch)
Reviews
$99Free with your review
Write a reviewReview DDEV, get a free AI guide
Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.
Best DDEV Alternatives
Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.
ReplitFreemium
Build software collaboratively
GitPodFreemium
Always ready-to-code development environments in the cloud.
VaporFreemium
Deploy your Laravel PHP application to the cloud with serverless simplicity and incredible scale.
ZeaburFreemium
Your AI DevOps Engineer handling all your infrastructure needs, so you can focus on coding.
Still deciding?
Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.
Explore More
DDEV FAQ
How does DDEV simplify local development for PHP projects?
DDEV simplifies local development by providing pre-configured Docker-based environments for PHP projects, abstracting away the complexities of Docker. It allows developers to quickly set up environments for popular CMS and frameworks like Laravel, WordPress, and Drupal without requiring extensive Docker knowledge.
What kind of user benefits most from DDEV?
Web developers, particularly those working with PHP, Node.js, MySQL, and PostgreSQL, benefit most from DDEV. It is ideal for teams seeking consistent development environments across different machines and for individuals who want to streamline their local setup and deployment workflows.
How does DDEV compare to a competitor like Zeabur?
DDEV focuses on providing a local Docker-based development environment for PHP projects, simplifying setup and ensuring consistency across machines. In contrast, Zeabur is a deployment platform, offering a different scope of services related to application hosting and scaling rather than local development.
What are the main limitations of using DDEV?
A primary limitation of DDEV is that it requires Docker to be installed on the user's system to function. Additionally, users new to containerized development might experience an initial learning curve during the setup process.
How is DDEV priced?
DDEV is open-source and free to use, meaning there is no paid plan required to access its features. This makes it an accessible tool for individual developers and teams alike.
Can DDEV support multiple concurrent projects?
Yes, DDEV is designed to support an unlimited number of concurrent projects. This allows developers to work on multiple web development projects simultaneously without conflicts, each with its own isolated environment.
Which technologies and frameworks does DDEV support?
DDEV supports a modern development stack including PHP, Node.js, MySQL, PostgreSQL, nginx, Apache, Redis, and Mailpit. It also offers specific presets for popular CMS and frameworks such as Laravel, WordPress, Drupal, and Magento.
Source: ddev.com