Laravel
Web DevelopmentLaravel is a PHP web application framework that provides a structured way to build websites and APIs using the MVC pattern, routing, templating, and a rich set of built-in tools. It emphasizes developer productivity with features like an ORM, migrations, queues, caching, and authentication scaffolding. In hosting contexts, Laravel has specific runtime, filesystem, and deployment needs that affect plan selection.
How It Works
Laravel runs on PHP and is typically served through a web server such as Nginx or Apache, with requests routed through a single entry point (public/index.php). The framework maps URLs to controller actions, renders views with the Blade templating engine, and accesses databases through Eloquent ORM. Configuration is managed via environment variables, and common tasks like sessions, caching, and mail are handled through pluggable drivers.
A typical Laravel deployment also relies on Composer for dependency management and often uses background workers for queues and scheduled tasks. It writes to storage directories (logs, cache, compiled views) and expects correct permissions and a writable filesystem. Many applications use a process manager (for queue workers), a cron job for the scheduler, and optional services like Redis for caching/queues, plus a separate database server such as MySQL or PostgreSQL.
Why It Matters for Web Hosting
Laravel requirements influence which hosting plans are practical. You typically need a compatible PHP version, required PHP extensions, SSH access for Composer, and the ability to set the document root to the public directory. For production sites, look for support for cron jobs, queue workers, and enough CPU/RAM for dependency-heavy apps. Plan choice also depends on whether you need Redis, separate databases, HTTPS, and deployment workflows (Git, CI/CD, or zero-downtime releases).
Common Use Cases
- Database-driven business websites and dashboards
- REST APIs and backends for mobile or SPA front ends
- Ecommerce and subscription platforms with custom logic
- Multi-tenant SaaS applications
- Internal tools, admin panels, and automation services
- Job processing and event-driven systems using queues
Laravel vs WordPress
Laravel is a general-purpose framework for building custom applications, while WordPress is a ready-made CMS focused on publishing and content management. WordPress hosting often centers on one-click installs and plugin themes, whereas Laravel hosting must support Composer-based deployments, a public web root, and often background workers and cron scheduling. Choose Laravel when you need tailored business logic and APIs; choose WordPress when you want a faster path to a content site with minimal custom development.