- What is eloquage/docker-php used for?
- It is a PHP client for the Docker Engine API that lets you manage containers, images, networks, and volumes programmatically. It is built for Laravel and includes a Livewire management UI. Developers use it to add Docker automation or admin dashboards directly into Laravel applications.
- How do I install eloquage/docker-php in a Laravel app?
- Install it with Composer using composer require eloquage/docker-php. Laravel package discovery should register the service provider automatically. Check the README for any required configuration publishing, UI route setup, or asset steps.
- Does Docker PHP support Laravel?
- Yes, Docker PHP is described as a Docker Engine API client for Laravel with a built-in Livewire management UI. For the exact supported Laravel versions, check the package composer constraints and repository documentation before installing.
- How do I configure the Docker host or socket for Docker PHP?
- The package needs access to a Docker Engine API endpoint, typically a local Unix socket such as /var/run/docker.sock or a TCP host. Configure the connection details as described in the package README and make sure the PHP process has permission to access the socket. For remote Docker hosts, use a secured endpoint such as TLS.
- Can I manage Docker containers without using the Livewire UI?
- Yes, the package provides a clean object-oriented client for the Docker Engine API, so you can manage Docker resources from your own Laravel code. The Livewire UI is a built-in management interface, but the programmatic client is useful for automation and custom workflows.
- What Docker resources can I manage with eloquage/docker-php?
- The package is designed to manage containers, images, networks, and volumes through the Docker Engine API. This makes it suitable for common Docker administration and automation tasks inside PHP or Laravel applications. Refer to the repository for the exact methods and operations exposed by the client.
- Is eloquage/docker-php suitable for production use?
- It can be used in production, but Docker API access is powerful and should be secured carefully. Protect any management UI with authentication and authorization, restrict network exposure, and use TLS or tight socket permissions where appropriate. Test the package against your Docker version and deployment model before relying on it in production.
- How should I test Docker PHP operations safely?
- Use a dedicated test Docker host or disposable containers rather than pointing tests at a production Docker socket. Integration tests can run in CI with a local Docker service, while unit tests can mock the client layer. Always verify permissions and cleanup behavior so test runs do not leave orphaned resources.
- What are alternatives to eloquage/docker-php?
- Alternatives include other Docker Engine API clients for PHP, direct HTTP calls to the Docker API, or shelling out to the Docker CLI. If you only need local development environments, Laravel Sail or Docker Compose may be enough. Choose based on whether you need a Laravel-integrated client and management UI.
- How is eloquage/docker-php maintained and which versions should I use?
- Check the GitHub repository and Packagist releases for current activity, open issues, and version constraints. Review the composer.json requirements to confirm compatibility with your Laravel and PHP versions. Pin a stable release and test upgrades before deploying to production.