What Is PHP Composer?

• Key Features of PHP Composer in Plesk

1. Automatic Detection

   • Plesk automatically detects if a composer.json file exists in your website’s root.

   • You can install dependencies with a single click.

2. Run Composer Commands from UI

   • Perform common Composer tasks such as:

     • Install (install all required dependencies)

     • Update (update all or selected packages)

     • Remove (uninstall dependencies)

     • Validate (check composer.json for errors)

3. Automatic Installation

   • If Composer is not yet installed on your Plesk server, Plesk can install it automatically.

4. Environment Management

   • You can run Composer in different PHP versions configured under your subscription.

5. Command-Line Access (Optional)

   • Advanced users can still use SSH to run Composer commands manually.
     
     

• Typical Use Case

Let’s say your website runs Laravel, Symfony, or WordPress with custom plugins.
When you upload or create a composer.json file that defines all needed libraries, you can use PHP Composer in Plesk to install those dependencies — no terminal needed.

Example:

{
"require": {
"monolog/monolog": "^3.0",
"guzzlehttp/guzzle": "^7.0"
}
}

Plesk will install both monolog and guzzle packages into your project directory automatically.

• How to Use PHP Composer in Plesk
  
  ◦ Log in to your Plesk panel
  
  ◦ Go to Websites & Domains → select your website.
  
  ◦ Click PHP Composer (you’ll see this if a composer.json file exists).

  ◦ Use the available buttons to:

  • Install dependencies
  • Update dependencies
  • Remove vendor folder
  • Run custom commands