How to set up an Apache2 virtual host with Laravel on Ubuntu

To set up an Apache2 virtual host with Laravel on Ubuntu, follow these steps:

1. Install Apache2

If not already installed, install Apache2 with the following command:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install apache2

2. Install PHP and Required Extensions

Make sure you have PHP and the required extensions for Laravel installed:

sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql php-xml php-mbstring php-curl

3. Configure Apache for Virtual Hosts

Ensure that the mod_rewrite module is enabled, as Laravel relies on it:

sudo a2enmod rewrite

Restart Apache to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

4. Set Up Laravel Directory

Place your Laravel project in the /var/www/ directory or wherever you prefer. Here’s an example:

sudo mv /path/to/your/laravel-project /var/www/laravel

Make sure the Apache user has the correct permissions:

sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/laravel
sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/laravel

5. Create Virtual Host Configuration

Create a virtual host configuration file for your Laravel project:

sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/laravel.conf

Add the following content (replace example.test with your domain):

<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerName example.test
    DocumentRoot /var/www/laravel/public

    <Directory /var/www/laravel/public>
        AllowOverride All
        Require all granted
    </Directory>

    ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/laravel_error.log
    CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/laravel_access.log combined
</VirtualHost>

6. Enable the Virtual Host

Enable the new virtual host:

sudo a2ensite laravel.conf

Then, disable the default site if necessary:

sudo a2dissite 000-default.conf

7. Update /etc/hosts

Edit your /etc/hosts file to map your domain to localhost:

sudo nano /etc/hosts

Add the following line:

127.0.0.1   example.test

8. Restart Apache

Finally, restart Apache to apply all the changes:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

9. Test in Browser

Visit http://example.test in your browser, and you should see your Laravel application.

Let me know if you encounter any issues!