PHP · deploy guide

Deploy PHP on DockHive

Plain PHP sites, with or without Composer. Push your code, click Drone, and it's live with HTTPS. No deploy config to write, and every push redeploys.

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01

Deploy with Drone (zero config)

Drone is DockHive's AI deploy agent. It reads your code, builds your PHP site and deploys it, fixing problems along the way so it goes live.

Before you start

  • Your PHP project in a GitHub repository, or on your machine if you deploy from the terminal.
  • A DockHive account. The Free Tier is enough to start.
  1. 1 Push to GitHubPush the project to a GitHub repository. No deploy config needed.
  2. 2 Pick the repoIn the DockHive console, open App Hosting and choose the repository.
  3. 3 Deploy with DroneClick Deploy with Drone. It builds and deploys your app, fixes problems along the way and goes live on <app>.dockhive.app with HTTPS.

After the first deploy, 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 takes it live.

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

Good to know for PHP

  • Sites with index.php at the root and sites with a public/ folder both work.
  • Using Laravel? See the Laravel guide.

05

Environment variables and custom domains

Environment variables

If your app needs env vars, Drone tells you which ones. Set the values in the console, with --env on hivepod deploy, or through your agent. Values are write-only. Secrets and .env files never leave your repo.

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 any deploy config to deploy PHP on DockHive?

No. Push your PHP site to GitHub and click Deploy with Drone. There is no config file to write.

What if the first deploy fails?

Drone fixes problems along the way and retries until your app is live. If it needs something from you, like a missing env var, it tells you what.

How do I set environment variables for my PHP site?

Set the values in the DockHive console, with hivepod deploy --env KEY=value, or from your AI agent over MCP. Secrets and .env files never leave your repo.

Can I use my own domain for my PHP site?

Yes. Every app gets <app>.dockhive.app with HTTPS. Add your own domain to the app and point a CNAME record at DockHive; the HTTPS certificate is issued automatically.

Does every push redeploy my PHP site?

Yes. Once the first deploy is live, every push to the connected GitHub repository redeploys automatically.

More deploy guides

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