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NativePHP

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What Is NativePHP?

NativePHP is a collection of tools and a runtime environment that embeds a PHP environment inside a native app shell. Instead of building a website or a progressive web app, your PHP code will run directly inside the app on the device itself, just like a real native mobile app that you would publish on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Under the hood:

  • A PHP runtime is bundled with your app.
  • A bridge connects PHP to the device’s native capabilities.
  • Your app runs natively, not on a web server.

Why Developers Use NativePHP

Here are the main reasons professionals love NativePHP:

  1. Use PHP Skills for Native Apps : If you already know PHP and Laravel, you can build mobile and desktop apps without learning Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android). The process stays within your comfort zone — writing PHP code.
  2. Real Native Experience : NativePHP wraps your app in actual native capabilities, allowing access to device hardware such as camera, GPS, notifications, biometrics (Face ID/Touch ID), and more — all with PHP.
  3. Offline and Local Functionality : Because your app runs on the device, it can work without internet access, handle offline features, and store data locally.
  4. Cross-Platform Development : One codebase (PHP + Laravel) can be compiled to run on iOS, Android, and desktop systems. This saves time compared to maintaining separate code for each platform.

What You Can Build with NativePHP

NativePHP is versatile — you can create a wide variety of applications, including:

  • Customer-facing mobile apps (ecommerce, social, services)
  • Internal tools for teams
  • Utility apps (camera, secure storage, notifications)
  • Offline-first applications
  • Desktop applications using the same PHP foundation

 

All of these can have access to native device features like secure storage, haptic feedback, deep linking, and the device camera.

How It Works (Simple Step-by-Step Explanation)

The way NativePHP runs your app involves a few core pieces:

  1. Embedded PHP Runtime : Instead of relying on a web server like Apache or Nginx, NativePHP includes PHP inside the app so your code executes directly on the device.
  2. Native Bridge : A bridge written in the native language of the platform (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android) communicates between the operating system and your PHP code.
  3. Native APIs : This bridge exposes device capabilities (camera, biometrics, location, notifications) to your PHP code through simple function calls.
  4. Single Codebase : You write your logic once in Laravel or PHP, and the platform compiles it into native apps for multiple devices.

The result is an app that feels native, performs well, and still uses the tools you already know.

NativePHP Version 3 and Free Model (2026 Update)

In 2026, NativePHP introduced a major update to make the platform more accessible and powerful:

Free Core: The entire core framework and essential plugins necessary to start building and shipping native apps are now available for free. You no longer need to pay just to get started with mobile app development using PHP.

Modular Plugins: Instead of one big package, NativePHP uses a plugin system. You include only the features you need (camera, dialogs, device information, etc.) which helps keep your app small and efficient.

Instant Device Preview: Tools are available that let you preview your mobile app on a real device instantly without full app compilation — speeding up development and testing.

AI-Assisted Coding: New AI tools help you describe what you want and generate mobile app code automatically from natural language, making native app creation even easier.

 

Pros and Considerations

Pros

  • You can build mobile apps using PHP — no need to learn Swift or Kotlin.
  • Single codebase for iOS and Android apps.
  • Full access to native device features.
  • Now free to start with essential functionality.
  • Integrates with Laravel for backend logic and routing.

 

Considerations

  • Larger app sizes compared to some lightweight frameworks.
  • Learning curve for mobile-specific features if you are new to app development.
  • Some advanced plugins or features may still have costs or dependencies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

NativePHP is a framework that enables developers to build native desktop applications using PHP, especially with Laravel. It bridges PHP with system-level desktop features like file access, notifications, and window management.

NativePHP was created by Marcel Pociot, a well-known developer in the Laravel community and co-founder of Beyond Code.

NativePHP wraps a Laravel application inside a desktop runtime (commonly powered by technologies similar to Electron). It allows:

  • PHP backend logic

  • Laravel routing and controllers

  • Blade or frontend frameworks for UI

  • Access to native system APIs

So your Laravel app runs as a desktop application instead of inside a browser.

As of 2026, NativePHP primarily supports:

  • Windows

  • macOS

Linux support may vary depending on runtime implementation.

FeatureNativePHPElectron
Main LanguagePHPJavaScript
BackendLaravelNode.js
Target UsersPHP developersJS developers
EcosystemLaravel ecosystemNPM ecosystem

Electron uses Node.js, while NativePHP allows PHP developers to stay in the Laravel ecosystem.

Electron uses Node.js, while NativePHP allows PHP developers to stay in the Laravel ecosystem.

  • Reuse existing Laravel knowledge

  • Build desktop apps without learning new languages

  • Access to native OS features

  • Faster development for Laravel developers

  • Package apps as installable desktop software

Yes. NativePHP can access:

  • File system

  • Notifications

  • System tray

  • Native menus

  • Background processes

  • Clipboard access

This makes it suitable for productivity tools, dashboards, and internal enterprise apps.

NativePHP works well for:

  • Internal business tools

  • SaaS companion apps

  • Admin dashboards

  • Utility software

However, for high-performance graphics apps or game engines, other frameworks may be better suited.

Typically:

  1. Install Laravel

  2. Install NativePHP via Composer

  3. Configure your desktop environment

  4. Build and package the app

The future of NativePHP looks promising because:

  • The Laravel ecosystem continues to grow

  • More developers want PHP-based desktop tools

  • Demand for cross-platform desktop apps remains strong

  • Passwordless, secure desktop SaaS tools are increasing

It represents a major shift: bringing PHP beyond the web into native desktop development.

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