DDEV
What it is
DDEV is a free, open-source local development environment for web developers. It launches Docker-based environments for PHP and Node.js, with a stack that includes MySQL, PostgreSQL, nginx, Apache, Redis, and Mailpit. Projects can be started, customized, shared, and extended, and presets cover Laravel, WordPress, Drupal, TYPO3, Backdrop, Magento, Craft CMS, and more. An included router handles custom domain names and HTTPS automatically. Developers can add add-ons, run lifecycle hook scripts, or provide their own Dockerfiles. DDEV is supported and tested on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Provider recipes and integrations include Acquia, Git, Lagoon, local files, Pantheon, Upsun, and rsync. The project is free under the Apache 2.0 license. DDEV focuses on local development and does not provide code deployment capabilities. Its documentation describes public hosting with DDEV as experimental and notes that no security team backs that approach. Support options include documentation, GitHub issues, Discord, and contact channels.
For and against
For
- Free and open source under Apache 2.0.
- Presets cover several popular web platforms.
- Automatic custom domains and HTTPS.
- Add-ons, lifecycle hooks, and custom Dockerfiles.
- Supported on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Against
- Does not provide code deployment.
- Public hosting is experimental.
- No security team backs its public-hosting approach.
The verdict
DDEV provides a broad local development stack with project presets and extension options. Its focus is local development, so plan for deployment separately and note the project’s caution about public hosting.
Who it suits
DDEV suits web developers who want Docker-based local environments for PHP and Node.js projects. It can also suit teams sharing customized project setups, but not those seeking code deployment from the tool.
Plans and prices
DDEV
Free and open source · Apache 2.0 license
Read 2 Oct 2026 · ddev.com
On the record
- Audience
- DDEV describes itself as made for people who make websites and says it handles Docker so teams can focus on their work.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Deployment limit
- DDEV focuses on local development and does not provide capabilities for deploying code.docs.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Domains and HTTPS
- Its included router handles custom domain names and HTTPS automatically.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Users can add add-ons, run lifecycle hook scripts, and provide their own Dockerfiles.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Governance and funding
- DDEV is an open-source project governed through the DDEV Foundation and funded by recurring sponsorships.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- History
- DDEV originated at Drud around 2016, and the company shut down in 2021 after losing venture funding.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Hosting integrations
- Provider recipes and integrations include Acquia, Git, Lagoon, local files, Pantheon, Upsun, and rsync.docs.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Project presets
- Presets are available for Laravel, WordPress, Drupal, TYPO3, Backdrop, Magento, Craft CMS, and more.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Project setup
- Projects can be started in seconds, customized, shared, and extended.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- DDEV is a local development environment for web developers that launches Docker based environments for PHP and Node.js.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Security note
- The documentation says public hosting with DDEV is experimental and that no security team backs that approach.docs.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project points users to documentation, GitHub issues, Discord, and contact options for support.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- DDEV is supported and tested on macOS, Windows, and Linux.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
- Supported stack
- The stack includes PHP, Node.js, MySQL, PostgreSQL, nginx, Apache, Redis, and Mailpit.ddev.com · read 2 Oct 2026
