DDEV vs DevPod

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.

DevPod creates repeatable development environments in containers described by devcontainer.json. It can place those environments on the developer’s computer, a reachable remote machine, or a public or private cloud, while the client itself runs locally without a server backend. The software is open source and extensible, with maintained providers for Docker, Kubernetes, SSH, AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, and DigitalOcean; users can also add providers from GitHub, a URL, or a local provider.yaml file. It works with VS Code and the JetBrains suite, and other IDEs can connect over SSH. Prebuilds, automatic shutdown during inactivity, and Git and Docker credential synchronization are included. Machine providers use secure tunnels, including AWS Instance Connect, Google Cloud IAP, and Azure Bastion. DevPod is free, with desktop downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux and a CLI for macOS, Windows, and Linux on AMD or ARM. Port forwarding depends on an IDE or SSH session.