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Phinx

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Spec score 7.8 #16 of 32 in Database Migration Tools

Spec sheet

Purpose
Phinx manages database migrations for PHP applications.Read 8 Oct 2026 · phinx.org
Audience
Phinx is presented as a migration tool for PHP applications that avoids the bloat of an ORM or application framework.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The Phinx site points users to its documentation and GitHub issue tracker for support.Read 8 Oct 2026 · phinx.org
Configuration security
The documentation warns that configuration files contain database credentials and should be stored outside publicly accessible web directories.Read 8 Oct 2026 · book.cakephp.org
Custom adapters
Users can register a custom adapter that implements Phinx’s AdapterInterface.Read 8 Oct 2026 · book.cakephp.org
Data seeding
Phinx can seed data after database creation.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Database adapters
Native adapters are listed for MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server.Read 8 Oct 2026 · book.cakephp.org
Deployment integration
Because Phinx runs from the command line, the maker says it can integrate with deploy, build, or CI tools.Read 8 Oct 2026 · phinx.org
Environments
Phinx supports multiple database environments, so migrations can be created in development and run in production.Read 8 Oct 2026 · book.cakephp.org
Installation
The site recommends installing Phinx with Composer and running it from the command line.Read 8 Oct 2026 · phinx.org
Migration actions
Phinx supports migrating up and down, and running migrations during deployment.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Migration formats
Migrations can be written in PHP or SQL.Read 8 Oct 2026 · phinx.org
Migration operations
Phinx supports migrating up and down and running migrations during deployment.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
MySQL limitation
The documentation says failed MySQL migrations may leave the database partially migrated because operations such as CREATE TABLE can cause implicit commits.Read 8 Oct 2026 · book.cakephp.org
PostgreSQL limitation
The repository README lists inability to set a unique constraint on a table as a PostgreSQL limitation.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Price
The maker describes Phinx as permanently free, open-source software and invites commercial users to donate or buy a screencast.Read 8 Oct 2026 · phinx.org
Runtime requirement
Phinx requires a 64-bit version of PHP.Read 8 Oct 2026 · book.cakephp.org
Screencast
The Phinx site lists an introductory DRM-free MP4 screencast for $5 USD with a duration of 16 minutes 51 seconds.Read 8 Oct 2026 · phinx.org
Security guidance
The documentation warns that the configuration file contains database credentials and should be stored outside publicly accessible web-server directories.Read 8 Oct 2026 · book.cakephp.org
Seeding
Phinx can seed data after database creation.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free Free, open-source software Read 8 Oct 2026 · phinx.org

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