Laravel is a modern PHP framework designed for developers, offering seamless routing, authentication, and database management to build scalable web applications efficiently. Can such a sophisticated tool survive in the restrained environment of shared hosting? In this blog, we will take a look at the possibility of running Laravel on shared hosting, the challenges of doing so, various possible workarounds, and whether this is a viable option for the project.
We will examine the technical requirements, performance considerations, and best practices to help you make an informed decision. Let’s uncover the truth behind running Laravel on shared hosting and whether it is the right choice for you.
What is Shared Hosting?
Shared hosting is a hosting service where users get shared server resources. These resources include CPU, RAM, and SSD disk space, which are shared with multiple users who host websites. Web hosts provide different add-ons, such as unmetered bandwidth, performance, and security features, for higher web project efficiency.
Shared hosting’s major advantage is affordability. This is because the server resources are shared among many users, and the cost per website is significantly lower than dedicated or VPS hosting. Many individuals are attracted to this web hosting option. Small businesses, individuals, or bloggers who are launching their website for the first time, prefer this cost-effective web hosting option.However, one of the biggest problems is that resources are shared.
It doesn’t provide isolation as that would come with dedicated hosting or VPS hosting, resulting in slower performance. The website is not only unpredictable in speed and availability but also unpredictable during peak hours. Additionally, shared hosting usually uses limitations on the use of resources, for instance, CPU time, RAM, and storage space.
What If We Use Shared Hosting Laravel?
Laravel applications are hosted on shared host infrastructure, here are some difficulties you can face:
- Only limited bandwidth and disk space is available that restricts user to host multiple domains.
- After a certain time, users are required to upgrade to dedicated hosting or higher.
- Users do not get any access to the SSH terminal.
- Application performance is slow and compromised.
Why Should You Avoid to Run Laravel on Shared Hosting Servers?
Different factors lead to avoiding shared hosting services to host Laravel projects.
1. SSH or Command Terminal
Many shared hosting service providers don’t have the features of SSH terminal features. Moreover, there is also an absence of control support. That is why developers have limited options when they have to work with FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
Most of the developers are highly critical for the deployment of the Laravel app through FTP. Without an SSH terminal, developers cannot have access to the composer, artisan, or any other command-line tools.
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2. Cron Jobs
Cron Jobs can be tough to schedule if you use a shared hosting service. On shared hosting websites, you will not be able to set task scheduling functionality for Laravel-based applications.
Users face the limitations of restricted access because shared hosting gives access to multiple users. In shared hosting, there is a lack of CLI (Command Line Interface) access or the ability to execute custom scripts required for setting up and managing cron jobs.
Even if it does offer limited access, it’s often strongly restricted for safety purposes, meaning the commands for Laravel’s scheduler cannot be run. Thus, using built-in Laravel scheduling techniques is not usually possible in shared hosting environments.
3. Application Backup
The major concern while using Laravel is that shared hosting services lack backup features. Losing any data in times of disaster will lead to a major loss. That is why many developers are still worried about hosting Laravel applications on shared hosting.
Some of the shared web hosting service provider offers basic backup services that lack granularity and control. A robust Laravel application backup strategy requires this control. In addition to the database, if you have any cached data or application files and configurations, a comprehensive backup should include all of those things.
Data backups are strictly prohibited and it’s impossible to implement the automated, incrementally, easy to restore in the shared hosting. It not only mitigates the risk of the data backup process but hampers disaster recovery.
4. Security and Performance
On shared server resources, developers do not get the maximum efficiency and fast speed of Laravel applications. By migrating all files into your root document, you are giving an invitation to hackers to breach all data. Keeping your sensitive data vulnerable to hacking and malicious attacks will impact negatively.
The shared environment in the shared hosting environment also introduces security vulnerabilities. Because multiple websites reside on the same server, a compromise of one website could potentially provide a pathway to access others. This risk is amplified by the limited control users have over server-level security configurations.
Whereas shared hosting hosts apply universal security practices, they do not have the fine-grained level of control or customization that one can find under dedicated or VPS hosting, leaving Laravel apps more vulnerable to attacks. The increased security vulnerability is a notable issue for developers who value data security and app integrity.
Related: Benefits Of Laravel Performance Optimization
Are MilesWeb’s Shared Hosting Services The Same?
MilesWeb is the leading web hosting service provider offering reliable services. They offer shared hosting services with SSD NVMe storage and robust features. You might have thought that our hosting services will be the same as others. But you are WRONG! Developers can easily host Laravel applications on our shared hosting infrastructure because:
- We provide SSH access to our clients so there is a blockade or hurdle while developers work with FTP accounts. With our plans, they can easily access the composer, artisan, or any other command-line tools.
- Cron Jobs are automatically enabled in every shared hosting plan. Thus, there is no major concern about scheduling its functionality.
- The prominent control panel, cPanel is configured with every shared hosting plan. In this, a backup option is provided so developers make the database disaster-proof.
- To get full-proof web security we leverage WAF (Web Application Firewall) along with antimalware on the server. As a result, there is no chance that hackers can intrude on your database.
After reading the cons of Laravel on shared hosting and MilesWeb’s role in Laravel hosting, it is time to choose the right shared hosting plan according to your needs. Get our web hosting plans at 80% Off with compelling features like 24×7 support, free SSL certificates and domains, unmetered bandwidth, and MySQL databases. For developers, we have everything in our plan’s basket. So, where are you? Add to the cart our shared hosting plans.
FAQs
What are the challenges of running Laravel on shared hosting?
Several challenges like resource (CPU, RAM, and database) limitations affect the performance. Limited server access restricts control over configurations and cron jobs. Shared server security risks increase vulnerability to attacks and data loss.
How can I optimize a Laravel application for shared hosting?
Optimizing database queries, aggressive caching data, and minimizing resource-intensive operations for different optimization measures. Optimize images, use lightweight templating, and leverage CDNs. Repeatedly clear caches and rigidly test under high traffic conditions.
What are the security considerations when running Laravel on shared hosting?
Always use the latest software version, always have input validation there, and always have a 2-factor authentication. We update server software regularly, and we use a WAF. Keep all files backed up and watch all log activity for suspicious activity.
How can I troubleshoot common issues when running Laravel on shared hosting?
Errors will show up in checking application logs, monitoring server resource usage, and controlling database queries. Look into CDNs and check out how they’re used for slow page loading. Use the support with your hosting provider and then use a local dev environment to troubleshoot.
