• make sure your project already contains a composer.json file, Laravel cannot run or install dependencies without it.

Requirement: composer.json Must Exist

Before running any Composer or Laravel command:

• Confirm that composer.json exists in the project root

• Laravel uses this file to know:

  • Which packages to install

  • Which Laravel version to run

  • How the application should boot

Without composer.json, Laravel will not work

Installation Steps

1. Make Sure the App Is Registered in Laravel Toolkit

• Plesk → Websites & Domains → Laravel

• If not listed → Scan existing application

2. Install Dependencies Safely

Run Composer only if composer.json exists:

• Installs dependencies
• Prevents dangerous scripts from running

3. Run Laravel Commands Manually

• After installation:

Do not run migrations unless you know what they do.

4. Fix PHPUnit Issues (If Needed)

5. Set the Correct Document Root

In Plesk:

Never change the project structure.

6. Set Safe Permissions

When Is It Safe to Delete vendor or composer.lock?

Only if dependencies are broken and composer.json is present:

This does NOT delete:

• .env

• Database

• Uploaded files

Summary

• composer.json must exist first

• Never delete .env

• Use composer install --no-scripts

• Avoid blind migrations

• Use PHP 8.1

• Document root must be public