How to Create a Laravel Project in 2026?

Best PHP Books to Buy in March 2026

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PHP & MySQL: Server-side Web Development

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PHP and MySQL: The Comprehensive Guide to Server-Side Web Development with PHP 8 – Build Dynamic Websites with Database Integration, Security, and More (Rheinwerk Computing)

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Front-End Back-End Development with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, and MySQL

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Programming PHP: Creating Dynamic Web Pages

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PHP Crash Course: The Complete, Modern, Hands-On Guide

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Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Dynamic Websites

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PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide

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Modern PHP: New Features and Good Practices

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Creating a Laravel project in 2026 is a streamlined process thanks to the powerful tools and community-driven resources that support this PHP framework. Laravel remains one of the most popular web development frameworks thanks to its elegant syntax, vibrant ecosystem, and consistent updates. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a new Laravel project and offer tips on choosing a PHP book to enhance your learning experience.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following installed on your system:

• PHP 8.1 or Higher: Keeping up with the latest PHP versions will ensure compatibility and security.
• Composer: The PHP dependency manager, essential for Laravel.
• Node.js and npm: Useful for frontend scaffolding.
• Git: For version control.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment

1. Install Composer: Make sure you have Composer installed by running composer -V in your terminal. If not, download it from the official site.

2. Install Laravel Installer Globally:

   composer global require laravel/installer
   

   Ensure your PATH variable is set to include the Composer vendor's bin directory.

Step 2: Creating a New Laravel Project

1. Create a New Project: Use the Laravel Installer to create a new project:

   laravel new my-awesome-project
   

   Alternatively, install Laravel via Composer directly:

   composer create-project --prefer-dist laravel/laravel my-awesome-project
   

2. Navigate to Your Project Directory:

   cd my-awesome-project
   

3. Serve Your Application Locally: Use Laravel's built-in development server:

   php artisan serve
   

   Your Laravel application will be accessible at http://localhost:8000.

Step 3: Exploring Advanced Laravel Concepts

Once your project is up and running, you may want to delve into more complex features:

• Connecting Oracle to Laravel: Learn how to work with Oracle databases in Laravel.
• Retrieving Count from Subquery: Master subqueries to enhance data retrieval in Laravel.
• Integrating Third-Party Packages: Discover how to extend Laravel's functionality with third-party packages.

Choosing the Right PHP Book

Selecting the right PHP book can significantly enhance your Laravel development skills. Here are some tips:

1. Look for Updated Editions: Ensure the book covers PHP versions compatible with Laravel 2025 editions.

2. Check for Practical Examples: Books that include practical projects can provide hands-on experience.

3. Community Recommendations: Visit forums or communities such as Stack Overflow for book recommendations from experienced developers.

4. Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure the book covers essential PHP topics such as object-oriented programming, database interaction, and error handling.

Conclusion

Creating a Laravel project in 2026 is straightforward with the right setup and understanding. As you grow in your Laravel journey, consider deepening your knowledge through reliable PHP books and exploring advanced Laravel topics to fully leverage this robust framework. Happy coding!