- What is nshenry/valet-plus and how does it relate to Laravel Valet?
- nshenry/valet-plus is a Composer package that extends Laravel Valet with additional commands and conveniences for local PHP development on macOS. It is designed as a lightweight add-on rather than a standalone environment, so it builds on an existing Valet installation. You still use Valet for core site serving while valet-plus streamlines everyday workflows.
- How do I install nshenry/valet-plus on macOS?
- Install it as a Composer package, typically globally, after Laravel Valet is already set up on your Mac. Check the repository README for the exact install command and any post-install steps. Make sure your Composer global bin directory is on your PATH so the valet-plus commands are available in the terminal.
- Does valet-plus work on Windows or Linux?
- No, valet-plus is built around Laravel Valet, which is a macOS-only development environment. It targets macOS PHP workflows and is not intended for Windows or Linux machines. For those platforms, you would need a different local development stack such as Docker, Laravel Herd, or a native web server setup.
- Which Laravel versions are supported by valet-plus?
- valet-plus is a development environment add-on, so it is not tied to a specific Laravel application version in the way a runtime package would be. Compatibility depends on the Valet, PHP, and macOS requirements documented in the repository. Always check the README and recent releases before installing it alongside your current Valet setup.
- What extra commands does nshenry/valet-plus add to Laravel Valet?
- The package adds extra commands and conveniences for managing local sites, services, and configuration on macOS. The exact command list can change between releases, so the repository README is the authoritative reference. The goal is to reduce repetitive Valet tasks and streamline common development workflows.
- Is valet-plus a replacement for Laravel Valet?
- No, valet-plus is an extension or add-on for Laravel Valet, not a replacement. It assumes Valet is installed and working, then layers additional commands and conveniences on top. You should keep Valet installed and maintained alongside it.
- Can I use nshenry/valet-plus in production?
- No, valet-plus is intended for local PHP development on macOS, not for production servers. Like Laravel Valet, it is a developer convenience tool for serving local sites and managing services. Production deployments should use a proper web server and hosting environment.
- How do I configure sites and services with valet-plus?
- Use the additional commands provided by valet-plus alongside your normal Laravel Valet workflow for linking sites, managing services, and adjusting local configuration. Exact configuration options and command syntax are documented in the repository README. If a command is unclear, check the package version you installed and review its release notes.
- How can I verify that valet-plus is installed and working correctly?
- Confirm the package is installed globally with Composer and that its commands resolve in your terminal PATH. Then run the relevant valet-plus commands and check that your Valet sites and services still behave as expected. If commands are not found, review your Composer global bin path and restart the terminal.
- Is nshenry/valet-plus actively maintained, and what alternatives exist?
- Maintenance activity should be verified directly on the GitHub repository by checking recent commits, issues, and releases before adopting it. Alternatives for macOS PHP development include Laravel Valet itself, Laravel Herd, and container-based workflows such as Docker. Choose based on your need for extra Valet conveniences versus a more actively maintained or broader environment.