Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's briefly understand the prerequisites for deploying a Laravel app on shared hosting without SSH:
Prerequisites for Deployment
- Shared Hosting Plan: Ensure you have a reliable shared hosting plan with adequate resources to support your Laravel application.
- FTP Client: You'll need an FTP client to upload your Laravel files to the hosting server.
- Database Access: Make sure you have access to the database credentials and control panel.
- Laravel Application: Have your Laravel application ready, tested, and working locally.
- Composer: Install Composer on your local machine to manage Laravel dependencies.
Now that we have the essentials in place, let's proceed with the deployment process:
Step 1: Compressing Your Laravel Application
Before uploading your Laravel app to the hosting server, it's a good practice to compress it into a zip file. This will simplify the upload process and save time.
Step 2: Uploading Your Laravel App to Shared Hosting
Using your FTP client, connect to the shared hosting server and navigate to the root directory. Upload the compressed zip file containing your Laravel app to the server.
Step 3: Extracting the Laravel App
Once the upload is complete, extract the contents of the zip file in the root directory. Ensure that the necessary Laravel files and folders are in the correct location.
Step 4: Setting Up the Database
Using the control panel provided by your hosting provider, create a new database for your Laravel application. Take note of the database name, username, and password.
Step 5: Configuring Laravel
In the root directory of your Laravel app, locate the .env file. Update the database connection settings with the credentials you obtained in the previous step.
Step 6: Installing Dependencies
Open your terminal or command prompt, navigate to the root directory of your Laravel app, and run composer install to install all the required dependencies.
Step 7: Generating the Application Key
Still in the terminal or command prompt, run php artisan key:generate to generate the application key, which is essential for Laravel's encryption and security features.
Step 8: Running Migrations
To set up the database tables, run the migrations using the command php artisan migrate.
Step 9: Symbolic Link
Create a symbolic link for storage using php artisan storage:link. This is necessary for accessing publicly-stored files.
Step 10: Final Checks
Ensure all permissions are correctly set, and there are no errors in the logs or configurations.
Congratulations! Your Laravel app is now successfully deployed on shared hosting without SSH access.
FAQs
- Can I deploy a Laravel app on any shared hosting plan? While most shared hosting plans should support Laravel applications, it's essential to check for the necessary PHP and database requirements. Some hosting providers offer specialized Laravel hosting plans for optimal performance.
- Is SSH access mandatory for Laravel deployment? No, SSH access is not mandatory for deploying a Laravel app. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can deploy your app using FTP and control panel access.
- What if I encounter errors during the deployment process? It's common to encounter errors during deployment. Make sure to double-check your configurations, file permissions, and database settings. Additionally, refer to Laravel's documentation and online forums for solutions to common deployment issues.
- Can I use a version control system for deployment? Yes, using version control systems like Git can streamline the deployment process. You can push changes to your shared hosting repository and pull them on the server.
- Is it recommended to use shared hosting for a production Laravel app? Shared hosting is suitable for small to medium-sized applications with moderate traffic. For high-traffic or mission-critical applications, consider dedicated or cloud hosting for better performance and scalability.
- Can I deploy multiple Laravel apps on the same shared hosting account? Yes, you can deploy multiple Laravel apps on the same shared hosting account by creating separate directories for each app and configuring their respective databases.
Conclusion
Deploying a Laravel app to shared hosting without SSH might seem challenging, but with the right approach and following the outlined steps, you can achieve a smooth and successful deployment. Remember to double-check your configurations and test your application thoroughly after deployment. Happy hosting!