PHP · deploy guide

Deploy PHP on DockHive

Plain PHP served by PHP's built-in server. DockHive recognises it from composer.json, index.php or public/index.php (without Laravel), so you don't write a Dockerfile or a deploy config. Drone builds it, fixes failed builds and puts it live with HTTPS.

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01

Deploy with Drone (zero config)

Drone is DockHive's AI deploy agent. It reads the repository, works out the stack, writes the Dockerfile, picks the port and health check and lists the env vars your PHP site needs.

  1. 1 Push to GitHubPush the project to a GitHub repository. No Dockerfile or deploy config needed.
  2. 2 Pick the repoIn the DockHive console, open App Hosting and choose the repository.
  3. 3 Deploy with DroneDrone builds it. If the build or health check fails it reads the logs, fixes the build setup and retries, then goes live on <app>.dockhive.app with HTTPS.

Drone saves the working setup, so every push to the repository redeploys automatically. How Drone works

02

Deploy from the terminal

Install the hivepod CLI, sign in once, then run hivepod deploy in the project folder. It uploads the folder (without .git, node_modules, virtualenvs or secrets) and Drone builds it.

macOS and Linux
$ curl -fsSL https://dockhive.io/install.sh | sh
Windows (PowerShell)
> irm https://dockhive.io/install.ps1 | iex
Sign in
$ hivepod login
In your PHP folder
$ hivepod deploy

Deploying the same folder again updates the same app. Set variables on the way with hivepod deploy --env KEY=value.

03

Deploy from your AI agent (MCP)

The CLI includes an MCP server. Add it to Claude Code, then ask your agent to "deploy this to DockHive". The agent calls the deploy tool and hands back the live URL, or Drone's summary and any missing env vars if something needs your input.

Claude Code
$ claude mcp add dockhive -- hivepod mcp

Using Claude Desktop, Cursor or Windsurf? Set up the DockHive MCP server.

04

What DockHive detects for PHP

Detection reads your files; it never runs your code. Recognised by composer.json, index.php or public/index.php (without Laravel). These are the defaults; DockHive derives the exact commands from your repository (lockfile, scripts, entry module).

Default port
8080
Install
composer install --no-dev
Start
php -S 0.0.0.0:$PORT
  • Document root: public/ when public/index.php exists, otherwise the app root.
  • Recognised by composer.json, index.php or public/index.php.
  • Runs on PHP 8.3.
  • Install: composer install --no-dev --optimize-autoloader when there is a composer.json.
  • Generated images set PORT, listen on 0.0.0.0:$PORT and run as a non-root user wherever the runtime allows. Nothing is written back to your repository.
  • Monorepo? When the repository root isn't an app, DockHive looks one level down (app, web, frontend, backend, server, api, src, site, client first).

05

Environment variables and custom domains

Environment variables

Drone spots the variables your app reads. Set the values in the console, with --env on hivepod deploy, or through your agent. Values are write-only. Secrets and .env files are never uploaded.

Custom domains

Every app gets <app>.dockhive.app with HTTPS. To use your own domain, add it to the app and point a CNAME record at DockHive; the Let's Encrypt certificate is issued automatically.

PHP on DockHive: FAQ

Do I need a Dockerfile to deploy PHP on DockHive?

No. DockHive recognises a PHP site (from composer.json, index.php or public/index.php (without Laravel)) and generates the build itself. If your app directory already has a Dockerfile, DockHive builds that instead.

Which port does a PHP site use on DockHive?

The default for PHP is 8080. DockHive sets the PORT environment variable and starts the app on 0.0.0.0:$PORT, so code that reads PORT works as-is.

How do I set environment variables for my PHP site?

Drone spots the variables your app needs. Set the values in the DockHive console, with hivepod deploy --env KEY=value, or from your AI agent over MCP. Secrets and .env files are never uploaded.

Does every push redeploy my PHP site?

Yes. After the first successful deploy Drone saves the working setup, and every push to the connected GitHub repository redeploys automatically.

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