Keep projects in order
Group applications and sites in one workspace. Choose which server hosts each project and inspect its configuration when you need it.
Your local development workspace
A home for
your next project.
Create servers, launch projects, and keep your dev workflow organized. Fez brings everything together in one place.
One workspace, with room to grow.
Studio serverApache · PHP · MySQL · Redis
portfolio.testshop.test
Experiments serverApache · Python WSGI
api.test
Why Fez?
Spend more time on the project.
A side project becomes a second project. A quick experiment needs a different stack. Fez gives those projects a consistent home: named servers, repeatable starters and clear commands for the work around your code.
Start with the essentials
Pick a supported stack and starter. Fez connects the project, its database and its local address through a single workflow.
Make room to experiment
Pause projects, retain their data and rehearse restores into fresh destinations. Keep recovery part of your development routine.
Fez come, Fez serve
From a blank folder to a working day.
Named Docker servers
Create servers from presets or compatible service selections. Start, stop, inspect and add services with the Fez CLI.
Explore servers →Project starters
Create static, PHP, Laravel, WordPress and minimal Python WSGI projects. Give each a place in your apps or sites folder.
Choose a starter →Local domains & HTTPS
Use memorable .test domains through a shared gateway, with local certificate trust and DNS setup.
Set up local access →Supporting services
Add compatible databases, Redis, mail capture and database administration tools. Database-backed starters get their own database credentials.
See supporting services →Background work
Enable database queue workers and scheduled tasks for supported Laravel projects, with lifecycle controls and logs.
Run background jobs →Backup & diagnostics
Inspect service health, collect project or database backups, and restore into fresh compatible destinations to test recovery.
Plan a recovery →GUI or CLI? The choice is yours.
Use the local dashboard to inspect resources, create servers and projects, and run everyday controls. Prefer a terminal? The Fez CLI provides the same underlying workflows, with additional advanced operations. Switch between them as you work.
Apache & NginxPHPPython WSGIMySQL & MariaDBPostgreSQLMongoDBRedisMailpit
Available combinations depend on the selected runtime and starter. The guide explains feature requirements and current limits.
Choosing your workflow
Fez & Laradock: different starting points.
Both help you develop locally with Docker. Laradock offers a broad PHP development environment and an extensive service catalog. Fez focuses on a smaller, managed workflow for named servers, project creation and everyday operations within one workspace.
| Consideration | Fez | Laradock |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Manage server and project lifecycles through a dedicated CLI. | Configure a PHP development environment from a broad set of Docker services. |
| Service selection | A focused catalog with validated combinations and starter compatibility checks. | An extensive catalog spanning web, databases, queues, search and other development tools. |
| Project organization | Named servers and managed starters, connected by a shared local HTTPS gateway. | Supports a dedicated setup per project or one shared setup for multiple projects. |
| Best fit | You want a consistent workflow for creating projects and handling local operations. | You want broad service choice and flexibility around a PHP development stack. |
| Current scope | Early development, with macOS verified. Wider host testing and public packaging are in progress. | An established project whose site documents Linux, macOS and Windows workflows. |
This comparison describes the projects' focus, not an exhaustive feature audit. Laradock information is based on its official overview. Fez is an independent project.
Download & install
Your next project starts here.
Fez's public installation packaging is still being prepared. This section will host the release download and final installation instructions when they are available.
Have a copy of the source already?
Use the source-based setup below. There is no packaged download linked yet.
- Prepare your computer
Check the prerequisites before starting. You need Docker with Compose, Bash, Python 3.9+, Git, curl, OpenSSL and mkcert. macOS is the currently verified environment.
- Choose a permanent home
Place the complete Fez source folder in a writable local directory and open a terminal there. On a fresh checkout, copy
.env.exampleto.envand replace its password placeholders. Keep your existing configuration if already installed. - Check your setup
./bin/fez doctor ./bin/fez catalog:checkThe guide explains how to set PATH symlink, which lets you use
fezinstead of./bin/fez. - Create your first server and project
Run
./bin/fez dashboardto open the GUI dashboard. Create a new server and project, then configure local HTTPS.
Note: Initial docker image and framework downloads require internet access.
Built for local use
A useful foundation, still growing.
Fez is ready for hands-on local evaluation. Production deployment and hardening remain thoughts for the future; the current focus is making your local workflow dependable.