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DDEV

ddev.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.2 #12 of 50 in Development Environment Managers

What it is

DDEV is a free, open-source local development environment for people who build websites. It launches Docker-based projects for PHP and Node.js on macOS, Windows, and Linux. A project can be started, customized, shared, and extended, with compose workflows, IDE integration, and resource controls. The supported stack includes PHP, Node.js, MySQL, PostgreSQL, nginx, Apache, Redis, and Mailpit. Presets cover Laravel, WordPress, Drupal, TYPO3, Backdrop, Magento, Craft CMS, and other projects. Its router manages custom domain names and HTTPS automatically. Add-ons, lifecycle hooks, and user-supplied Dockerfiles provide extension points. Provider recipes and integrations include Acquia, Git, Lagoon, local files, Pantheon, Upsun, and rsync. DDEV concentrates on local development and does not deploy code. Public hosting is described as experimental, without backing from a security team. Support is available through documentation, GitHub issues, Discord, and contact options.

Spec sheet

Purpose
DDEV is a local development environment for web developers that launches Docker based environments for PHP and Node.js.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com
Audience
DDEV describes itself as made for people who make websites and says it handles Docker so teams can focus on their work.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com
Support
The project points users to documentation, GitHub issues, Discord, and contact options for support.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com
Founded
2016Read 28 Sep 2026 · ddev.com
Deployment limit
DDEV focuses on local development and does not provide capabilities for deploying code.Read 2 Oct 2026 · docs.ddev.com
Domains and HTTPS
Its included router handles custom domain names and HTTPS automatically.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com
Extensibility
Users can add add-ons, run lifecycle hook scripts, and provide their own Dockerfiles.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com
Governance and funding
DDEV is an open-source project governed through the DDEV Foundation and funded by recurring sponsorships.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com
History
DDEV originated at Drud around 2016, and the company shut down in 2021 after losing venture funding.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com
Hosting integrations
Provider recipes and integrations include Acquia, Git, Lagoon, local files, Pantheon, Upsun, and rsync.Read 2 Oct 2026 · docs.ddev.com
Project presets
Presets are available for Laravel, WordPress, Drupal, TYPO3, Backdrop, Magento, Craft CMS, and more.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com
Project setup
Projects can be started in seconds, customized, shared, and extended.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com
Security note
The documentation says public hosting with DDEV is experimental and that no security team backs that approach.Read 2 Oct 2026 · docs.ddev.com
Supported platforms
DDEV is supported and tested on macOS, Windows, and Linux.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com
Supported stack
The stack includes PHP, Node.js, MySQL, PostgreSQL, nginx, Apache, Redis, and Mailpit.Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com

Plans and prices

DDEV Free Free and open source · Apache 2.0 license Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com

Every DDEV plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source under Apache 2.0
  • Supports macOS, Windows, and Linux
  • Presets for major PHP frameworks and CMSs
  • Automatic custom domains and HTTPS
  • Extensible with add-ons and Dockerfiles

Limits

  • Does not provide code deployment capabilities
  • Public hosting is described as experimental
  • No local Kubernetes support

Who it suits

DDEV suits web developers and teams who need local Docker environments for PHP or Node.js projects. It is available across macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Verdict

DDEV provides a broad, extensible local stack for web projects at no cost. Its scope stops at local development, so deployment requires another solution.

Where Specifiction places it

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