Setting Up Drupal with DDEV and Docker on macOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever dreamed of creating stunning websites with Drupal, but felt intimidated by the setup process on your Mac? Fear not, fellow developer! This guide unveils the magic of DDEV (development environment) and Docker, transforming Drupal development into a smooth and local experience. So, let's buckle up and unlock the power of Drupal on your Mac!

Gear Up for Development:

Before we embark on this Drupal adventure, ensure you have these essentials:

• Your Mighty Mac: Make sure you're running a recent version of macOS. You can check this by navigating to System Preferences > General > About This Mac.
• Homebrew, the Package Master: This handy tool simplifies software installation on your Mac. If you don't have it yet, head over to Homebrew and follow the instructions to become a Homebrew hero.
• Docker, the Container King: Docker provides the containerization technology powering DDEV. Download and install Docker Desktop for Mac from the official website: Docker Desktop for Mac.

Step 1: Installing DDEV - Two Paths to Success

There are two ways to bring DDEV onboard your Mac:

• Homebrew's Helping Hand (Recommended): Open your terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal) and unleash the power of Homebrew with this command:

brew tap ddev/ddev && brew install ddev

• DDEV Installation Script: If you prefer to skip Homebrew for now, download the DDEV installation script from the DDEV website and follow the provided instructions.

Step 2: Verifying DDEV - Is It Working?

Once the installation is complete, let's confirm DDEV is ready for action! Open your terminal again and type:

ddev --version

If you see the installed DDEV version displayed, congratulations! You're one step closer to Drupal development bliss.

Step 3: Forge Your Drupal Project - A New Beginning

Navigate to your desired project directory in the terminal using the cd command. Now, ignite the power of DDEV with this command to create a brand new Drupal project:

ddev config --project-name my-drupal-site

Replace "my-drupal-site" with your preferred project name. DDEV will guide you through the configuration process, asking a few questions to set up your project, including the Project Type and Web Container Image.

Step 4: Starting Your Drupal Project - Let's Get Coding!

With configuration complete, it's time to bring your Drupal project to life! In your terminal, execute this command:

ddev up

This command performs some magic behind the scenes, including downloading essential Docker images, setting up the development environment, and starting your Drupal website.

Step 5: Accessing Your Drupal Playground - Hello, World!

DDEV typically assigns your Drupal website a URL that looks something like http://[project-name].ddev.local. Open this URL in your web browser, and voila! You'll be greeted by your brand new Drupal installation, ready for you to customize and build upon.

Bonus Tips for Smoother Sailing:

• DDEV Command Central: Explore a variety of commands for managing your project using the helpful ddev help command in your terminal.
• Code Like a Pro: Modify Drupal files within the project directory using your favorite code editor. DDEV will automatically detect changes, updating your website on the fly.
• Database Delving: Access the Drupal database using tools like phpMyAdmin. Use the command ddev phpmyadmin in your terminal to open the administration panel in your browser.

Embrace the Power of DDEV and Docker!

With DDEV and Docker at your fingertips, you've unlocked a streamlined and efficient Drupal development environment on your Mac. This setup empowers you to experiment, build, and test your Drupal website with ease. Remember, DDEV offers extensive documentation and resources for further exploration: DDEV Documentation. Happy Drupal development!