How to Utilize the Command 'valet' in Laravel Development (with Examples)

Valet is a sophisticated but simple command-line tool tailored specifically for developers working within the Laravel framework. It serves as a powerful development environment that enables the hosting of websites via local tunnels accessible through a .test TLD. Valet streamlines the local development process by allowing quick and easy site hosting, tunneling, and management without interrupting the developers’ workflow. Here’s how you can harness the full potential of this Laravel development utility through various commands and use cases.

Use case 1: Starting the Valet Daemon

Code:

valet start

Motivation: The first step in utilizing Valet is to activate its daemon. The daemon process runs in the background and is essential for handling incoming HTTP requests to your local development sites. Starting the daemon ensures that the development environment is active and ready to serve requests as needed. This is akin to turning on the ignition switch in your car before beginning your journey.

Explanation:

• valet: This is the main command for the Laravel Valet tool.
• start: This argument initiates the Valet background process or daemon, which is necessary for running your local development server.

Example Output:

Valet services have been started.

Use case 2: Registering the Current Directory with Valet

Code:

valet park

Motivation: In Laravel development under Valet, developers often work with multiple projects simultaneously. By registering the current directory as a “parked” directory, Valet can automatically detect and serve any Laravel applications within this folder onto a local domain. This command is akin to setting up a particular zone in your garage for your car, making it always ready to drive out without additional setup each time.

Explanation:

• valet: This refers to the command-line tool for Laravel development.
• park: This argument instructs Valet to mark the current directory as a hot zone to automatically serve Laravel applications without needing individual site configuration.

Example Output:

This directory has been added to Valet's paths.

Use case 3: Viewing ‘Parked’ Paths

Code:

valet paths

Motivation: When working on multiple Laravel projects across different directories, it’s crucial to track which directories are currently “parked” with Valet. Viewing parked paths allows developers to quickly determine where their Valet-managed projects are located, akin to checking a directory map for the correct parking and retrieval of your vehicle.

Explanation:

• valet: The Laravel-oriented development tool.
• paths: This argument lists all currently parked directories managed by Valet, offering a clear overview of your local environment.

Example Output:

The following directories are parked:
- /Users/yourusername/Sites
- /Users/yourusername/Projects

Use case 4: Serving a Single Site

Code:

valet link application_name

Motivation: Sometimes, developers need to serve a specific project for demonstration or singular development purposes rather than dealing with an entire directory. Serving a single site allows for a focused approach, and creating an alias for the site utilizing Valet enhances ease of access. This is like setting a specific spotlight on one vehicle in a showroom, bringing attention and eliminating any distraction from other models.

Explanation:

• valet: The tool for managing local development environments.
• link: Creates a symbolic link for serving an individual project.
• application_name: The chosen alias for your project site, typically matching the project name.

Example Output:

A [application_name] symbolic link has been created.
Your site is now accessible at [http://application_name.test]

Use case 5: Sharing a Project with Ngrok Tunnel

Code:

valet share

Motivation: Local development is excellent for testing, but sometimes you need external feedback or client approval. Using the ‘share’ command opens your local Laravel project to others over the internet through Ngrok, creating a secure tunnel. This feature is essential for collaborative efforts similar to unveiling your latest car design to a select audience outside the garage.

Explanation:

• valet: The Laravel development utility.
• share: Activates an Ngrok tunnel to make your locally developed site temporarily accessible via the internet to others with the link.

Example Output:

You are now sharing your site at:
Forwarding                    https://some-random-id.ngrok.io

Conclusion:

Laravel Valet offers an efficient and robust solution for developers seeking to streamline their local development workflow. From initiating the daemon process to providing a temporary URL for sharing your work, Valet’s commands empower developers to manage their environment effectively, focusing less on setup and more on building outstanding applications. Whether you’re looking to work on a single project or manage multiple directories, Valet equips you with the tools to optimize your Laravel development experience.