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Introduction

LaraEnv is a native Windows development environment for PHP, Laravel, WordPress, and Node.js projects. It ships as a single ~13 MB binary that runs on the WebView2 runtime built into modern Windows — there is no WSL, no Docker, and no Electron involved.

Why LaraEnv​

Most local dev stacks ask you to choose between heavy virtualization (WSL/Docker) and aging all-in-one bundles. LaraEnv takes a different path:

  • Native and fast. Services run directly on Windows, not inside a VM or container.
  • Tiny footprint. A single small binary backed by WebView2 — no bundled browser engine.
  • Multi-version everything. Run PHP 5.6 through 8.4 and multiple Node.js versions side by side, and switch the active version with a click.
  • Batteries included. Web servers, databases, cache, mail, a terminal, SSH, cron, and deployments are all integrated into one app.

Who it's for​

LaraEnv is built for Windows developers working on:

  • PHP / Laravel applications
  • WordPress sites
  • Node.js apps and tooling

If you build on Windows and want a clean, native stack without containers, LaraEnv is for you.

What's included​

LaraEnv bundles and manages the tools a typical web project needs:

  • Web servers: Nginx and Apache
  • Databases: MySQL and PostgreSQL
  • Cache: Redis
  • Mail: Mailpit (catches outgoing mail for local testing)
  • Languages: PHP 5.6–8.4, Node.js (LTS and Current), Python 3.13
  • Tooling: Composer, Cmder
  • Built-in features: an integrated terminal, SSH, cron scheduling, and deployments

How it compares​

If you've used Laragon, XAMPP, or Herd, LaraEnv will feel familiar but more capable:

  • Faster and native — no container or VM overhead.
  • True multi-version PHP and Node, switchable on the fly.
  • Integrated tools — terminal, SSH, cron, and deploys in one place.
  • Optional cloud — sync and remote deployments when you want them.

Free vs Pro​

  • Free covers every local feature — servers, databases, multiple PHP/Node versions, terminal, SSH, cron, and projects.
  • Pro ($3/mo) adds cloud sync and deployments.

Next steps​

Ready to get going? Head to Installation.