How to Check Laravel Version – A Quick Guide

Knowing which Laravel version your project is running on is essential for smooth development, debugging, and staying up-to-date with the latest features. Whether you’re a beginner exploring Laravel or a seasoned developer working with complex applications, identifying your framework version is a skill you’ll use often. For Laravel development experts, this is a quick and easy step, but if you’re new to the framework, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through straightforward methods to check your Laravel version using simple commands and practical steps. By the end of this post, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to manage your Laravel projects confidently. Let’s dive in!

How to Check the Laravel Version?

Knowing your Laravel version is key to maintaining a smooth and secure development process. Here, we’ll explore various methods employed by industry experts to identify the version you’re working with:

Method 1: Check Laravel Version Using Artisan Commands

Artisan, Laravel’s built-in command-line interface, provides the quickest way to determine your Laravel version. These commands offer a user friendly approach without requiring you to delve into project files.

1. php artisan –version

Artisan, Laravel’s command-line interface, offers the quickest and easiest method to check your Laravel version. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown using the php artisan –version command:

Step 1: Open Terminal or Command Prompt. Locate your terminal or command prompt application depending on your operating system. On Windows, this might be Command Prompt or PowerShell. On macOS or Linux, it’s typically the Terminal application.

Step 2: Navigate to Laravel Project Directory. Use the cd command within your terminal to navigate to the root directory of your Laravel project. This directory contains the artisan executable file we’ll be using.

cd /path/to/your/laravel/project

Replace /path/to/your/laravel/project with the actual location of your project directory on your system.

Step 3: Run the php artisan –version Command. Once you’re within your project’s root directory, type the following command and press Enter:

php artisan --version

This command will display the current Laravel version of your project on the next line.

Example Output:

Laravel Framework 11.x (whichever your specific version is)

You’ve successfully retrieved your Laravel version using Artisan. This method is efficient and perfect for a quick check.

2. php artisan about

Laravel’s command-line interface provides a more detailed approach to checking your Laravel version with the php artisan about command. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Open your Terminal or Command Prompt. Locate your terminal or command prompt application depending on your operating system. On Windows, this might be Command Prompt or PowerShell. On macOS or Linux, it’s typically the Terminal application.

Step 2: Navigate to your Laravel Project Directory. Use the cd command within your terminal to navigate to the root directory of your Laravel project. This directory contains the artisan executable file we’ll be using.

For Example:

cd /path/to/your/laravel/project

Replace /path/to/your/laravel/project with the actual location of your project directory on your system.

Step 3: Run the php artisan about Command. Once you’re within your project’s root directory, type the following command and press Enter:

php artisan about

This command will display a complete overview of your Laravel installation on the next lines.

Example Output:

Laravel Framework 11.x.x (whatever your specific version is)
Framework Version: 8.53.22
PHP Version: 8.1.13 (cli)
Environment: local
Server: localhost
Port: 8000
HTTP Host: localhost
HTTPS: off
Debug Mode: true

With the php artisan about command, you gain valuable insights beyond just the Laravel version. This can be helpful for troubleshooting or ensuring compatibility with other tools.

Method 2: Check Laravel Version Using Composer

Composer, the dependency manager for PHP projects, plays an important role in managing Laravel installations. It stores information about your project’s dependencies, including the Laravel version. Here, we’ll explore the two methods within this approach:

 1. composer.json and composer.lock Files

While the Composer terminal command provides a quick overview, the composer.json and composer.lock files offer a more detailed look at your Laravel version. Here’s how to use them:

Step 1: Locate the Files. These files are typically located in the root directory of your Laravel project. You can use your file explorer or terminal to navigate to this location.

Step 2: Open composer.json. Open the composer.json file using a text editor. This file defines your project’s dependencies, including Laravel.

Step 3: Find the require Section. Within the composer.json file, look for the require section. This section specifies the required packages for your project, including Laravel. It might look something like this:

"require": {
    "php": ">=7.4.0",
    "laravel/framework": "^11.x.x" (replace x.x with your specific version)
}

In this example, the laravel/framework entry specifies the required Laravel version. The ^ symbol indicates a compatible version range. This allows for minor updates while maintaining major version compatibility.

Step 4: Check composer.lock. The composer.lock file acts like a snapshot of the exact versions of your project’s dependencies. It ensures consistent builds across different environments.

Open the composer.lock file and look for the laravel/framework entry. This will display the exact Laravel version currently installed on your system, even if it’s a specific patch version within the allowed range defined in composer.json.

Understanding the Information:

By examining both composer.json and composer.lock, you gain insights into:

• Required Laravel Version. The version specified in composer.json defines the minimum compatible Laravel version your project needs to function.
• Installed Laravel Version. The version in composer.lock reflects the exact Laravel version currently running on your system.

This information is valuable for ensuring compatibility with your project’s requirements and identifying potential upgrade paths.

Method 3: Check Laravel Version Using Source Code

For developers comfortable with inspecting code directly, this method offers a granular approach to identifying the Laravel version.

Step 1: Navigate to the Source Code. Open your project’s root directory using your file explorer or terminal. Navigate to the vendor directory and then locate the laravel/framework folder within it. Finally, open the src/Illuminate/Foundation/Application.php file with a text editor.

Step 2: Find the Version Constant. Within the Application.php file, search for the line containing the definition for the constant VERSION. This constant holds the specific Laravel version currently installed in your project.

<?php
namespace Illuminate\Foundation;
class Application extends Container
{
    /**
     * The Laravel framework version.
     *
     * @var string
     */
    const VERSION = '11.x.x'; // Replace with the actual version you find
}

Step 3: Identify the Version. The value assigned to the VERSION constant represents your Laravel version (e.g., 11.x.x). This method provides a direct way to inspect the Laravel version embedded within the framework’s source code.

If navigating version control, or keeping up with the latest advancements seems daunting, consider partnering with experienced Laravel developers. They possess the knowledge and expertise to optimize your project’s development. This ensures you reap the benefits of the most suitable Laravel version for your specific needs.

Additional Tips About Laravel Version

Understanding your Laravel version is just the first step. Here are some additional tips to ensure you’re making the most of your chosen version:

1. Stay Up-to-Date

While stability is important, consider migrating to newer Laravel versions periodically. Newer versions often introduce exciting features, performance improvements, and critical security patches. Aim to stay within a reasonable update window to benefit from these advancements.

2. Long-Term Support (LTS) Versions

If long-term stability is paramount for your project, consider using an LTS (Long-Term Support) version of Laravel. LTS versions receive bug fixes and security patches for a longer duration, providing a more predictable development environment.

3. Version Compatibility

Before upgrading Laravel, ensure compatibility with your project’s dependencies (packages, libraries). Consult documentation and changelogs to identify any potential conflicts. Upgrading can sometimes require adjustments to your codebase to maintain functionality.

4. Version Control

Use a version control system (like Git) to track changes to your project’s Laravel version. This allows you to revert to a previous version if necessary and maintains a clear history of your development process.

5. Test After Upgrades

After upgrading your Laravel version, test your application to ensure all functionalities remain intact. Pay close attention to areas that might be impacted by changes introduced in the new version.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can manage your Laravel version and leverage its capabilities. Remember, staying updated, considering LTS versions and testing thoroughly are crucial for a smooth development experience.

Conclusion

Checking your Laravel version is a simple yet important step to keep your development process smooth. Whether you’re troubleshooting, updating, or adding features, knowing your framework version helps you stay organized and efficient.

Even Laravel development experts rely on these quick methods to ensure compatibility and maintain a seamless workflow. By mastering this basic skill, you can focus on building great projects and exploring the full potential of Laravel.