Objectives & prerequisites
- Compare the DDEV installation process on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Explain why it is recommended to install a tool like mkcert alongside DDEV.
- Having installed Docker using one of DDEV's suggested procedures.
- Basic command-line usage.
Overview
You can install DDEV on Linux, macOS, and Windows systems.
DDEV recommends installing mkcert as well, so you can visit your local development sites via HTTPS (SSL) without your browser warning you about danger and untrusted certificates.
Once installed, mkcert silently does what it needs to do, and does not need any configuration or maintenance.
Installing on Linux or macOS is typically quick and painless, something which can't be said for Windows systems unfortunately. If at all possible, we recommend running Linux or macOS as your development machine's main operating system (a.k.a. Host OS) instead of Windows.
Regardless, DDEV is a fantastic, indispensable tool for modern container-based development environments, and certainly worth the effort of installing.
Installing DDEV on Linux
Available installation methods on Linux:
- Native install packages
- Homebrew
- Installation script
Installing DDEV using a native package manager will be the fastest and easiest method for most people.
You typically need to add DDEV's code repository to your trusted repositories once, and then install or update as you do any other package.
If for any reason none of the installers are a good option for you, try the installation script.
Installing DDEV on macOS
Installation methods on macOS:
- Homebrew
- Installation script
Installing DDEV on Windows
On Windows, things can get a bit complicated and confusing.
How you install DDEV depends on how you chose to install Docker, and whether you're using WSL2 (recommended), or no Windows Subsystem for Linux at all.
Generally, as quoted directly from the DDEV documentation, there are three ways to install DDEV on Windows:
- Using WSL2 with Docker inside
- Using WSL2 with Docker Desktop
- Installing directly on traditional Windows with an installer
Activity
What is mkcert, and what problem does it solve?
mkcert is an open source tool that lets browsers trust secure connections to DDEV environments. Without this tool your browser would complain each time you try to access a local site.
Summary
- You can install DDEV on all major platforms.
- Installing on Linux and macOS is usually straightforward.
- Installing on Windows is more complex and time-consuming, and depends on how / if Docker and/or WSL2 were installed.
- All installation methods include installing mkcert to let your browser trust secure connections to your local development sites.
- DDEV evolves fast; always review the official documentation when installing DDEV on a new machine.