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Laravel Herd PHP Version Not Changing: Troubleshooting and Solutions

Struggling with Laravel Herd PHP version not changing? Discover why this happens and learn step-by-step fixes to resolve it easily. Simplify your workflow today!

Laravel Herd has quickly become one of the most popular tools for PHP developers. With its promise of simplifying local PHP development on macOS, Laravel Herd eliminates the complexities of setting up and managing multiple PHP environments. However, developers occasionally face an issue where the PHP version in Laravel Herd does not seem to change despite their efforts. This article dives deep into the problem, explores its causes, and provides practical solutions.

In fact, if you’ve encountered this issue, you’re not alone. Many developers have reported it, and while it might be frustrating, the good news is that it can be resolved. Let’s break it down step by step.

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What Is Laravel Herd?

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Before jumping into the problem, let’s first understand what Laravel Herd is and why it has gained traction among developers. Laravel Herd is an all-in-one macOS-based tool for PHP development. It simplifies the setup process by bundling PHP, MySQL, and Nginx into a single tool. Besides that, it allows developers to switch between different PHP versions with just a few commands, making it an excellent alternative to tools like Laravel Valet and MAMP.

The ability to switch PHP versions is crucial for testing and compatibility. However, when this feature doesn’t work as expected, it can disrupt workflows. Therefore, let’s explore why the PHP version might not change in Laravel Herd and how to address it.

Why Is the PHP Version Not Changing in Laravel Herd?

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There are several reasons why the PHP version in Laravel Herd might not change. Understanding these reasons is the first step toward resolving the issue. Below are the most common causes:

  1. Misconfigured Shell Environment: The shell environment might not be configured to point to the correct PHP binary.
  2. Conflicting PHP Installations: Other PHP installations on your system (e.g., through Homebrew or XAMPP) might interfere with Laravel Herd.
  3. Improper Use of Commands: Using the wrong commands or not restarting services after switching the PHP version can cause the issue.
  4. Caching Issues: Configuration or shell caches might prevent the changes from reflecting immediately.
  5. Permission Problems: Insufficient permissions can block Laravel Herd from making the necessary changes to the system.

Indeed, these issues might sound daunting, but each of them has a straightforward solution. Let’s explore them in detail.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Verify Your Current PHP Version

Before doing anything else, it’s essential to verify the PHP version currently in use. Open your terminal and type:

php -v

This command will display the PHP version being used by your system. If the output does not match the version you set in Laravel Herd, it’s a clear indication of an issue.

Why This Happens: The php command might be pointing to a different PHP binary than the one managed by Laravel Herd.

2. Check Laravel Herd’s Installed PHP Versions

Laravel Herd comes with multiple PHP versions pre-installed. To see which versions are available, run:

herd php:list

This will display all the PHP versions that Laravel Herd can switch to. If the desired version is not listed, you’ll need to install it. To install a specific version, use:

herd php:install

For example:

herd php:install 8.1

Note: Ensure you have an active internet connection because Laravel Herd downloads the PHP version during the installation process.

3. Switch the PHP Version

To switch to a different PHP version in Laravel Herd, use the following command:

herd php:use

For example:

herd php:use 8.0

Once you’ve switched, verify the change by running php -v again. If the PHP version still hasn’t changed, proceed to the next steps.

4. Update Your Shell Configuration

One common issue is that the shell environment is not pointing to the PHP binary managed by Laravel Herd. During the installation of Laravel Herd, it typically modifies your shell configuration file (e.g., .zshrc, .bashrc, or .bash_profile).

To ensure your shell is configured correctly:

        Open your shell configuration file. For example:

        nano ~/.zshrc

        Look for the Laravel Herd path, which usually resembles:

        export PATH=“/opt/herd/bin:$PATH”

        If it’s missing, add it manually.

        Save the file and reload the shell configuration:

        source ~/.zshrc

        Finally, check the PHP version again. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, there might be conflicts with other PHP installations.

        5. Resolve Conflicting PHP Installations

        Despite setting Laravel Herd as the default PHP environment, other installations like Homebrew or XAMPP can override it. To identify conflicts, run:

        which php

        This command shows the path to the PHP binary currently in use. If it’s not pointing to Laravel Herd’s path (e.g., /opt/herd/bin/php), you’ll need to adjust your PATH variable.

        How to Resolve:
        1. Locate the conflicting installation paths (e.g., /usr/local/bin/php for Homebrew).
        2. Remove these paths from your PATH variable in your shell configuration file.
        3. Reload the shell configuration using source as explained earlier.

        6. Restart Services

        Sometimes, changes don’t take effect because services need to be restarted. Run the following commands:

        herd restart

        Or restart your terminal or shell session entirely. Afterward, verify the PHP version again.

        7. Clear Cache

        Cache can prevent the changes from reflecting immediately. To clear the cache, run:

        herd cache:clear

        Additionally, you can clear your terminal’s cache with:

        hash -r

        Indeed, clearing cache often resolves lingering issues.

        8. Check for Permission Issues

        Laravel Herd might require administrative permissions to make certain changes. To ensure proper permissions:

        Run commands with sudo if needed:

        sudo herd php:use

        Grant Laravel Herd the necessary permissions:

        sudo chmod -R 755 /opt/herd

        Finally, test the PHP version again.

        9. Reinstall Laravel Herd

        If all else fails, reinstalling Laravel Herd can fix underlying issues. Uninstall Laravel Herd first:

        sudo herd uninstall

        Then, reinstall it by following the official documentation on the Laravel Herd website. During reinstallation, ensure all prerequisites are met.

        10. Use a Clean Environment

        Finally, if the issue persists despite troubleshooting, consider testing Laravel Herd on a clean macOS environment. Use a virtual machine or a fresh macOS installation to rule out system-specific conflicts.

        Conclusion

        The Laravel Herd PHP version not changing issue can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it’s entirely solvable. By carefully following the steps outlined above, you can identify and resolve the root cause of the problem. Whether it’s a misconfigured shell, conflicting PHP installations, or caching issues, there’s a solution that works.

        Indeed, Laravel Herd is an excellent tool for PHP developers, and overcoming these challenges ensures you can fully leverage its potential. Therefore, don’t let this issue discourage you from using Laravel Herd.

        If you found this guide helpful, share it with your fellow developers! Need help with your Laravel or PHP projects? At Codemixx, we specialize in web development solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today and let our expert team help you build and optimize your applications seamlessly.