Current & Future Trends in Local Development Enviroments

I’ve tested countless local development setups over the years, and it feels like there’s always some shiny new solution popping up every few weeks.

I started this article a few months back and have been fine-tuning it since. I’ll definitely revisit it soon, as I’m currently experimenting with kiosk and low-power hardware solutions quite a bit. I know its long, but not every section is for everyone ;), use the TOC!

Updates: Added DDEV and FlyEnv.
Upcoming: Using FrankePHP for local PHP development, with some extra fun using it under WSL2 on Windows ;) Using it under WSL2 blew my mind on a lower powered solution.

The landscape of local development environments continues to evolve with several noticeable trends:

1. Containerization Dominance
   • More traditional environments are adopting container-based approaches
   • Integration of Docker becoming standard across solutions
   • Kubernetes integration for more complex setups
2. Configuration as Code
   • Version-controlled environment configurations
   • Reproducible environments across team members
   • Tools like Terraform for infrastructure as code
3. Remote Development Extensions
   • Hybrid local/remote development workflows
   • Cloud-synced development environments like GitHub Codespaces
   • Integration with VS Code Remote Development
4. AI-Enhanced Development
   • Integration of AI coding assistants
   • Automated environment configuration and troubleshooting
   • Tools like GitHub Copilot to streamline development

1. What are your specific needs:

• For Laravel developers, Herd or Laravel Valet provides the most optimized experience
• For WordPress developers, Local by Flywheel or DevKinsta offer specialized tooling
• For cross-platform development, XAMPP remains a versatile choice
• For Windows users, Laragon provides an excellent balance of features and performance
• For macOS users, MAMP offers a native experience with good integration
• For multi-language developers, FlyEnv delivers native performance across different programming languages
• For containerized workflows, Docker Desktop, Lando, DDEV,, or Devilbox are excellent choices
• For low-powered systems or kiosks, Laragon, XAMPP, Laravel Valet and FlyEnv are the most suitable options

When selecting a local development environment, consider your primary development focus, operating system, required services, and hardware constraints. For most general purposes, free versions of these tools provide ample functionality, while paid versions typically offer additional convenience features, support, and integration with hosting platforms.

By carefully evaluating your needs against the features offered by each environment, you can select the ideal tool to enhance your development workflow and productivity. The growing diversity of options means there’s truly a perfect solution for every development scenario.

2. What is a Local Development Environment?

A local development environment allows developers to create, test, and debug websites and applications on their own computers before deploying to production servers. These environments typically bundle web servers, databases, and programming language interpreters in a single, easy-to-install package. They’re essential for web development, enabling faster development cycles, offline work, and risk-free experimentation.

3. Top Local Development Environments Compared

FlyEnv

FlyEnv is a modern, cross-platform development environment manager that focuses on native performance and comprehensive technology support.

Key Features:

• Native static binaries (no containerization) for optimal performance
• Multi-version support for PHP, Node.js, Java, Go, Python
• Multiple web servers (Apache, Nginx, Caddy, Tomcat)
• Various database systems (MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
• Built-in DNS server for local domain resolution
• AI module integration with Ollama and DeepSeek
• Data cache and queue systems (Redis, Memcached, RabbitMQ)

Pricing: Free and open-source (BSD-3-Clause license)

Best For: Full-stack developers needing a lightweight, native performance environment supporting multiple technologies

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Herd

Herd is a Laravel-focused development environment originally designed for macOS but now also available for Windows. Created by the Laravel team, it offers a streamlined setup specifically optimized for Laravel projects.

Key Features:

• One-click PHP development environment
• Includes PHP (versions 7.4 up to 8.3), nginx, and dnsmasq
• Automatic virtual host configuration
• Blazingly fast performance
• Native application (not Docker-based)

Pricing: Free version available, Pro version with additional features (pricing varies)

Best For: Laravel developers seeking a specialized, optimized environment

Laragon

Laragon is a universal development environment primarily for Windows users but with cross-platform capabilities. It supports multiple programming languages and frameworks.

Key Features:

• Isolated, portable environment (can run from USB drive)
• Custom service orchestration (not using Windows services)
• Auto-configuration for virtual hosts
• Support for PHP, Node.js, Python, Java, Go, Ruby
• Automatic database creation
• Quick app installation

Pricing: Completely free until Version 6, current versions require a license.

Best For: Multi-language developers on Windows, especially those needing portability or working on low-powered systems

Local by Flywheel

Local (formerly Local by Flywheel) is specifically designed for WordPress development with a focus on simplicity and user experience.

Key Features:

• One-click WordPress site creation
• Live Links for sharing development sites
• Push/pull capability with Flywheel and WP Engine hosting
• Root SSH access and WP-CLI integration
• Easy PHP environment switching
• Blueprint feature for templating sites

Pricing: Free for the application; paid hosting plans start at $300/year

Best For: WordPress developers who value streamlined workflows and potential hosting integration

XAMPP

XAMPP is one of the oldest and most widely used development environments, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its name stands for Cross-Platform (X), Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl.

Key Features:

• Cross-platform compatibility
• Easy installation and configuration
• Control panel for managing services
• Multiple PHP versions available
• Includes phpMyAdmin for database management

Pricing: Completely free

Best For: General PHP development and educational settings due to its simplicity and wide platform support

WampServer

WampServer is a Windows-specific development environment focused on simplicity and ease of use.

Key Features:

• Windows-optimized performance
• Intuitive management interface
• Easy PHP extension management
• Multiple PHP versions
• Includes phpMyAdmin for database management

Pricing: Completely free

Best For: Windows developers needing a straightforward, reliable solution

MAMP

MAMP (for macOS and Windows) provides a complete local server environment with Apache, Nginx, PHP, and MySQL.

Key Features:

• Cross-platform (macOS and Windows)
• Graphical user interface
• Multiple PHP versions
• Easy virtual host configuration
• Built-in mail server testing

Pricing: Free version available, Pro version costs $59-$99

Best For: macOS developers wanting a native experience with good integration

DevKinsta

DevKinsta is a free WordPress-focused development environment created by Kinsta, a WordPress hosting company.

Key Features:

• One-click WordPress installations
• Easy site management
• Built-in database management
• Email testing
• Push/pull with Kinsta hosting
• Automatic HTTPS

Pricing: Completely free

Best For: WordPress developers, especially those using or considering Kinsta hosting

ServBay

ServBay is a comprehensive web development environment with a focus on multiple services and team collaboration features.

Key Features:

• Support for PHP, Node.js, and Python
• Multiple database systems (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
• Caddy web server for advanced routing
• Team collaboration tools
• Multiple PHP version support
• Web-based admin panel

Pricing: Free version with paid Pro plans available (pricing varies)

Best For: Development teams needing comprehensive features and collaboration tools

+ Additional Docker or Virtualized Solutions

Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop is a comprehensive containerization platform that allows developers to build, share, and run containerized applications in isolated environments.

Key Features:

• Containerized applications with complete isolation
• Kubernetes integration for orchestration
• Intuitive GUI for container management
• Volume mounting for code synchronization
• Built-in networking capabilities
• Extensions marketplace

Pricing: Free for personal use, paid for business use (starting at $5/month per user)

Best For: Developers working with microservices architecture or complex multi-container applications

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Lando

Lando is an open-source, cross-platform development tool built on Docker that focuses on simplicity and standardization.

Key Features:

• Pre-configured recipes for popular frameworks (WordPress, Drupal, Laravel, etc.)
• Shareable configuration via .lando.yml
• Integrated tooling and commands
• Automatic environment setup
• Proxy service for custom domains

Pricing: Free and open-source

Best For: Teams needing standardized environments across multiple developers

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Devilbox

Devilbox is a dockerized PHP stack supporting full LAMP and MEAN development with extensive customization options.

Key Features:

• Support for multiple PHP versions simultaneously
• Multiple database engines (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
• Automatic virtual host configuration
• Built-in email catching
• Extensive customization options
• Pre-installed PHP modules

Pricing: Free and open-source

Best For: PHP developers requiring different versions and extensive configuration options

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Laravel Valet

Laravel Valet is a minimalist development environment for macOS focused on speed and simplicity.

Key Features:

• Zero configuration setup
• Automatic domain name creation (.test domains)
• Nginx-based for performance
• Minimal resource usage
• SSL support
• Site sharing capabilities

Pricing: Free and open-source

Best For: Laravel developers on macOS wanting a lightweight solution

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Laravel Homestead

Laravel Homestead is the official Laravel development environment using Vagrant and VirtualBox for virtualization.

Key Features:

• Pre-packaged Vagrant box
• Nginx, PHP, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, Memcached, Node
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Multiple site support
• Consistent environment across team members
• Official Laravel support

Pricing: Free and open-source

Best For: Laravel developers wanting a pre-configured, consistent environment

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DDEV

DDEV is a Docker-based open-source local development environment that focuses on simplicity and flexibility, particularly for PHP-based applications.

Key Features:

• Docker-based containerization with minimal configuration
• Extensive support for PHP frameworks (Drupal, WordPress, Laravel, TYPO3, etc.)
• Built-in web server (Nginx or Apache)
• Multiple database options (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
• Command-line interface for workflow automation
• Automatic HTTPS with mkcert
• Integration with hosting platforms

Pricing: Free and open-source

Best For: PHP developers seeking a standardized, containerized environment with minimal configuration overhead

7. Local Development Environment Comparison

Some development environments offer advanced features that may be critical for specific workflows:

Group 1: Traditional LAMP Stacks

Feature	Herd	Laragon	Local	XAMPP	WampServer
SSL Support	✓	✓	✓	~	~
Multiple PHP Versions	✓	✓	✓	~	✓
Email Testing	×	~	✓	×	×
Site Sharing/Live Links	×	×	✓	×	×
Hosting Integration	×	×	✓	×	×
Command Line Tools	✓	✓	✓	~	~
Container-Based	×	×	✓	×	×
Config Version Control	~	✓	~	×	×
Multi-language Support	~	✓	×	~	×

Group 2: Modern Dev Environments

Feature	MAMP	DevKinsta	ServBay	Docker Desktop	Lando
SSL Support	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Multiple PHP Versions	✓	×	✓	✓	✓
Email Testing	✓	✓	✓	×	✓
Site Sharing/Live Links	×	✓	~	✓	✓
Hosting Integration	×	✓	×	✓	~
Command Line Tools	~	✓	✓	✓	✓
Container-Based	×	✓	×	✓	✓
Config Version Control	×	~	~	✓	✓
Multi-language Support	~	×	✓	✓	✓

Group 3: Framework-Specific & Specialized

Feature	Devilbox	Laravel Valet	Laravel Homestead	DDEV	FlyEnv
SSL Support	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Multiple PHP Versions	✓	~	✓	✓	✓
Email Testing	✓	×	~	✓	✓
Site Sharing/Live Links	×	✓	×	✓	~
Hosting Integration	×	×	×	✓	×
Command Line Tools	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Container-Based	✓	×	×	✓	×
Config Version Control	✓	×	✓	✓	✓
Multi-language Support	~	×	~	~	✓

8. Performance Considerations

Performance varies significantly between these environments, particularly in these areas:

1. Startup Time:
   • Herd, FlyEnv and Laragon typically have the fastest startup times
   • XAMPP and WampServer have moderate startup times
   • Local by Flywheel and DevKinsta can be slower due to their WordPress-specific optimizations
2. Memory Usage:
   • Laragon and FlyEnv are notably efficient, often using less than 200MB RAM when idle
   • XAMPP and WampServer typically consume 300-500MB RAM
   • Local by Flywheel and DevKinsta can use 1GB+ due to their virtualization approach
3. CPU Utilization:
   • Docker-based solutions like Local by Flywheel can have higher CPU overhead
   • Native solutions like Laragon, FlyEnv and WampServer generally have lower CPU usage

9. Best Options for Low-Powered Systems or Kiosks

When considering local development environments for low-powered systems or kiosks, these factors are especially important:

1. Minimal resource usage: The environment should run efficiently on limited hardware
2. Stability: Must be reliable for long-running operations
3. Simplicity: Easy setup and minimal maintenance required
4. Automation: Support for automated startup and recovery

Based on these criteria, the following options stand out:

Top Recommendations for Low-Powered Systems

1. Laragon:
   • Extremely lightweight and portable
   • Can run from a USB drive
   • Custom service orchestration minimizes system impact
   • Very flexible for different project types
   • Ideal for Windows-based kiosks
2. XAMPP:
   • Cross-platform compatibility makes it versatile
   • Simple installation and configuration
   • Widely used with extensive community support
   • Relatively light resource requirements
   • Works well on older hardware
3. WampServer:
   • Windows-optimized performance
   • Simple management interface
   • Lower resource requirements
   • Good stability for continuous operation
   • Easy to automate startup
4. Laravel Valet:
   • Extremely lightweight (consumes minimal resources)
   • Perfect for macOS devices with limited resources
   • Minimal background processes
   • Fast startup and low CPU usage
   • Works well on older Mac hardware
5. FlyEnv:
   • Native binaries without containerization overhead
   • Optimized performance for limited resources
   • Cross-platform support
   • Modular installation (install only what you need)
   • Efficient memory management

10. Use Case-Specific Recommendations

For Enterprise Teams

• Docker Desktop for complex microservices architectures
• Lando for standardized environments across large teams
• DDEV for PHP-based projects requiring consistent environments
• ServBay or MAMP Pro offer team collaboration features
• Local by Flywheel with team licenses for WordPress-focused teams
• Laravel Homestead for Laravel teams needing consistent environments

For Educational Settings

• XAMPP is ideal for classrooms due to simplicity and cross-platform support
• Laragon for Windows-based computer labs
• Docker Desktop for teaching modern containerization concepts
• DDEV for teaching PHP framework development
• FlyEnv for teaching diverse programming languages and technologies

For Freelancers

• Local by Flywheel for WordPress specialists
• Laragon for versatile project requirements
• Laravel Valet for macOS-based Laravel developers
• Devilbox for developers working with multiple PHP versions
• FlyEnv for full-stack freelancers working with multiple technologies

For Continuous Integration

• Docker Desktop for consistent testing environments
• Lando for configuration-as-code approach
• Laragon with its command-line capabilities
• XAMPP for cross-platform testing environments

For Containerized Workflow

• Docker Desktop as a complete containerization solution
• Lando for simplified Docker-based workflows
• Devilbox for containerized PHP development
• DDEV for streamlined Docker-based PHP development

11. Security Considerations

Local development environments are primarily designed for development, not production use:

1. Default Security:
   • Most come with minimal security configurations
   • Default passwords are often used for databases
   • Consider using tools like OWASP ZAP for security testing
2. Public Access:
   • Local by Flywheel and DevKinsta offer secure public sharing options
   • Other environments require manual configuration for secure external access
   • Consider using ngrok for temporary secure tunneling
3. For Kiosks:
   • Implement an application-level security layer
   • Configure firewalls to restrict access to local network only
   • Consider read-only file systems for critical components
   • Use AppArmor or SELinux for additional protection

12. Resources and Community Support

Environment	Official Documentation	Community Size	Active Development	Support Options
Herd	Good	Growing	Very Active	Community
Laragon	Good	Large	Active	Community
Local	Excellent	Very Large	Very Active	Community + Commercial
XAMPP	Good	Very Large	Moderate	Community
WampServer	Basic	Large	Moderate	Community
MAMP	Good	Large	Active	Community + Commercial
DevKinsta	Excellent	Medium	Active	Community + Commercial
ServBay	Good	Small	Active	Community + Commercial
Docker Desktop	Excellent	Very Large	Very Active	Community + Commercial
Lando	Good	Medium	Active	Community
Devilbox	Excellent	Medium	Active	Community
Laravel Valet	Good	Large	Active	Community
Laravel Homestead	Excellent	Large	Active	Community
DDEV	Excellent	Large	Very Active	Community
FlyEnv	Good	Small	Active	Community

13. Future Trends in Local Development

The landscape of local development environments continues to evolve with several noticeable trends:

1. Containerization Dominance
   • More traditional environments are adopting container-based approaches
   • Integration of Docker becoming standard across solutions
2. Configuration as Code
   • Version-controlled environment configurations
   • Reproducible environments across team members
3. Remote Development Extensions
   • Hybrid local/remote development workflows
   • Cloud-synced development environments
4. AI-Enhanced Development
   • Integration of AI coding assistants
   • Automated environment configuration and troubleshooting

15. Thoughts

My choice would be FlyEnv right now. Why ?

1. Native Performance

FlyEnv runs as native static binaries rather than using containers or virtual machines. This results in significantly better performance – according to its documentation, it uses less than one-third of the resources compared to Docker setups. This addresses one of the most common complaints about container-based solutions – their resource overhead.

2. All-in-One Comprehensive Solution

FlyEnv provides an integrated environment with extensive tool support:

• Multiple web servers (Apache, Nginx, Caddy, Tomcat)
• Various databases (MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
• Multiple programming languages (PHP, Java, NodeJS, Python, Go, Erlang, Ruby)
• Data services (Redis, Memcached, RabbitMQ)
• Modern AI integration (Ollama, DeepSeek, Chatbox)
• Additional utilities (DNS Server, FTP Server)

3. Multi-Version Support

FlyEnv excels at handling multiple versions of the same technology. You can run PHP 5.6 alongside PHP 8.3, or switch between JDK 8 and JDK 20 in seconds. This is crucial for developers working on multiple projects with different version requirements.

4. Cross-Platform Consistency

Unlike many alternatives that are platform-specific (MAMP for Mac, WampServer for Windows), FlyEnv works consistently across macOS, Windows, and Linux, providing the same experience regardless of operating system.

5. Developer-Friendly Features

• Configuration and log management tools
• One-click SSL certificate generation
• Custom domain support
• Real-time log streaming with error highlighting

6. FlyEnv is particularly well-suited for:

• Individual developers and small teams
• Developers working across multiple projects with different technology requirements
• Those with less powerful machines who find Docker’s resource consumption problematic
• Developers who prefer GUI-based management over command-line configuration
• Web developers working with common web technologies

FlyEnv’s approach of using native binaries instead of containers or VMs offers tangible performance benefits while still providing the isolation and version flexibility that modern development requires, making it a standout option in 2024.

Others

• For Laravel developers, Herd or Laravel Valet provides the most optimized experience
• For WordPress developers, Local by Flywheel or DevKinsta offer specialized tooling
• For cross-platform development, XAMPP remains a versatile choice
• For Windows users, Laragon provides an excellent balance of features and performance
• For macOS users, MAMP offers a native experience with good integration
• For containerized workflows, Docker Desktop, Lando, or Devilbox are excellent choices
• For low-powered systems or kiosks, FlyEnv, Laragon, XAMPP, and Laravel Valet are the most suitable options

When selecting a local development environment, consider your primary development focus, operating system, required services, and hardware constraints. For most general purposes, free versions of these tools provide ample functionality, while paid versions typically offer additional convenience features, support, and integration with hosting platforms.

By carefully evaluating your needs against the features offered by each environment, you can select the ideal tool to enhance your development workflow and productivity. The growing diversity of options means there’s truly a perfect solution for every development scenario.