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Php-built-in-web-server

Test Hosting with the PHP Built-in Web Server

The PHP command line (CLI SAPI) has a built-in Web server that is useful for quick Grav site testing or demos. It is not a full-featured Web server and should not be used on a public network.

Using the CLI Web Server

  1. On the command line, navigate to the [GRAV_ROOT] folder.

  2. Run php -S localhost:8080 system/router.php to start the server. You should see a response like the one below. 

    php -S localhost:8080 system/router.php
PHP 7.3.27 Development Server started at Thu Jun 17 09:24:46 2021
Listening on http://localhost:8080
Document root is /Users/somerandom/Desktop/quick-grav-test
Press Ctrl-C to quit.

  3. Browse to the URL specified, e.g., http://localhost:8080/.

  4. To stop the Web server, press Ctrl-C.

Address Already in Use Error

If you get an "Address already in use" error when executing the php -S command, there is already a Web server running on your machine at the specified port number (e.g., :8080). You can resolve this by changing the port number in your command (e.g., :8181) and trying again.

Real-Time Log Display

The CLI Web server displays its log in real-time as you browse the site, which can be helpful for quick testing.

PHP 7.3.27 Development Server started at Thu Jun 17 09:24:46 2021
Listening on http://localhost:8080
Document root is /Users/somerandom/Desktop/quick-grav-test
Press Ctrl-C to quit.
[Thu Jun 17 09:26:15 2021] 127.0.0.1:63965 [200]: /
[Thu Jun 17 09:26:15 2021] 127.0.0.1:64007 [200]: /assets/fd2c5827e1f18bb54d20265f4fc56b59.css?g-74e4c5a3
[Thu Jun 17 09:26:15 2021] 127.0.0.1:64008 [200]: /assets/d87a2d24fae663a8c55e144c963a1915.js?g-74e4c5a3
[Thu Jun 17 09:26:15 2021] 127.0.0.1:64014 [200]: /assets/1d8c5ea92966046d4649472f1630a253.js?g-74e4c5a3
[Thu Jun 17 09:26:16 2021] 127.0.0.1:64024 [200]: /user/images/navigation/logo_small.png
[Thu Jun 17 09:26:16 2021] 127.0.0.1:64028 [200]: /user/images/navigation/bgdark.svg
[Thu Jun 17 09:26:16 2021] 127.0.0.1:64030 [200]: /user/images/navigation/bglight_50.png
[Thu Jun 17 09:26:16 2021] 127.0.0.1:64032 [200]: /user/images/navigation/brand.svg

Learn More

Visit the PHP Web site to learn more about the CLI Web server.

Found errors? Think you can improve this documentation? Simply click the Edit link at the top of the page, and then the icon on Github to make your changes.

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