What is the scripts section in composer.json?
The "scripts" section in composer.json is used to define custom commands that can be triggered with Composer to simplify the automation of repetitive tasks in PHP projects. Common use cases include running PHPUnit tests ("test": "phpunit"), analyzing code with PHPStan ("analyze": "phpstan analyze"), clearing cache in Laravel ("clear-cache": "php artisan config:clear && php artisan cache:clear"), and starting a development server ("start": "php -S localhost:8000"). To define a script, you need to add key-value pairs under "scripts" and execute it through composer run-script or abbreviation composer run, and also support passing parameters. Composer also supports built-in events such as "pre-install-cmd", "post-install-cmd", etc., which can automatically trigger operations in a specific life cycle. Suggestions for writing good scripts include keeping short and meaningful, using cross-platform commands, combining multiple commands, naming them clearly and considering adding comments to illustrate complex logic.
The "scripts" section in a composer.json file is where you define custom commands that can be triggered using Composer. These commands are often used to automate tasks related to your PHP project — like running tests, clearing caches, or starting development servers — without having to remember long command lines.
Common Use Cases for the Scripts Section
Developers use the scripts section to simplify repetitive tasks and integrate with other tools. Here are some typical examples:
- Running PHPUnit tests:
"test": "phpunit" - Linting code with PHPStan:
"analyze": "phpstan analyze" - Clearing cache in a framework like Laravel:
"clear-cache": "php artisan config:clear && php artisan cache:clear" - Starting a local development server:
"start": "php -S localhost:8000"
By defining these in composer.json , anyone working on the project can run them consistently, regardless of their environment.
How to Define and Run Scripts
Defining a script is straightforward. You add a key-value pair under the "scripts" section. The key is the name of the command, and the value is what gets executed.
For example:
"scripts": {
"test": "phpunit",
"start": "php -S localhost:8000"
}To run a script, you use the Composer CLI like this:
composer run-script test
Or use the shorthand:
composer run test
You can also pass arguments to your scripts if needed:
"scripts": {
"serve": "php -S localhost:$PORT"
}Then run it with:
composer run serve -- --PORT=8080
Built-in Script Events
Composer also supports built-in events that automatically trigger during certain lifecycle moments, such as:
-
"pre-install-cmd"/"post-install-cmd" -
"pre-update-cmd"/"post-update-cmd" -
"post-autoload-dump"
These are useful for doing things like regenerating autoload files, notifying after an install/update, or setting up environment files before dependencies are installed.
For example:
"scripts": {
"post-install-cmd": [
"echo 'Project installed successfully!'"
],
"post-update-cmd": [
"php think migrate"
]
} These commands will run automatically after composer install or composer update .
Tips for Writing Good Scripts
Here are a few practical tips when working with scripts:
- Keep them short and meaningful.
- Use cross-platform commands if possible (especially if your team uses different OSes).
- Chain multiple commands together when needed:
"clear-all": "php artisan config:clear && php artisan route:clear"
- Use describe names so others know what they do without guessing.
- Consider adding documentation in comments inside
composer.jsonif a script is complex.
Basically that's it.
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