How to Install CakePHP on Ubuntu 24.04

What is CakePHP?

CakePHP is an open-source PHP framework designed for rapid application development using the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture. It simplifies the process of building scalable and secure web applications by offering a structured approach, reusable components, and convention-over-configuration principles.

Running CakePHP on Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat) offers a modern, stable, and secure environment for hosting PHP applications with long-term support and compatibility with the latest system libraries and web technologies.

Key Features of CakePHP

MVC Architecture

Clean separation of logic (Model), presentation (View), and routing/controllers (Controller)
Promotes modular code and easier maintenance

Convention over Configuration

Reduces the need for manual configuration by following naming conventions and folder structures
Speeds up development and enforces best practices

Built-in ORM

Powerful Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) system for interacting with databases using PHP objects
Supports associations, eager/lazy loading, custom finders, and complex queries

Form and Input Validation

Secure and flexible form handling
Rule-based and custom validation system for input sanitization

Security Tools

Built-in tools for CSRF protection, input validation, SQL injection protection, and password hashing
Secure authentication and authorization systems via CakePHP Authentication Plugin

Bake Console Tool

Command-line tool (bin/cake bake) to generate models, controllers, views, migrations, and tests
Ideal for scaffolding CRUD interfaces quickly

Routing and Middleware

Flexible routing system for REST APIs and SEO-friendly URLs
Middleware stack for request/response lifecycle customization

Internationalization (i18n)

Support for multilingual applications and localized content

Why Use CakePHP on Ubuntu 24.04?

Ubuntu 24.04 is a modern Long-Term Support (LTS) release ideal for running PHP applications due to:

Availability of PHP 8.2/8.3, required by recent CakePHP versions
Up-to-date Apache, Nginx, MariaDB/MySQL, and SQLite packages
Improved systemd service management and AppArmor security enhancements
Long-term security updates (supported until 2029)
Smooth compatibility with Composer, Docker, and DevOps tools

System Requirements for CakePHP

Component	Requirement
OS	Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (64-bit)
PHP Version	PHP 8.1 or higher (8.2+ recommended)
Web Server	Apache 2.4 or Nginx
Database	MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite
PHP Extensions	`mbstring`, `intl`, `pdo`, `openssl`, `simplexml`, `curl`, `gd`, `xml`, `mbstring`
Composer	Required for dependency management

Typical Use Cases

Content management systems (CMS)
eCommerce platforms
Enterprise business applications
RESTful APIs and backend services
Admin panels and CRUD interfaces
Educational platforms, blogs, and small business websites

CakePHP vs Other PHP Frameworks

Feature	CakePHP	Laravel	Symfony	CodeIgniter
Architecture	MVC	MVC	MVC + Components	MVC
Learning Curve	Moderate	Beginner to moderate	Steep	Easy
ORM	Built-in	Eloquent ORM	Doctrine (external)	Query Builder
CLI Tool	`bake`	`artisan`	`console`	Minimal
Routing	Custom/RESTful	RESTful + Named	RESTful/Annotations	Basic
Best Use Case	Rapid dev, CRUD	Modern web apps	Complex enterprise	Lightweight apps

Deployment Stack Example

Web Server: Apache with mod_rewrite or Nginx with PHP-FPM
PHP Runtime: PHP 8.2 with required extensions
Database: MariaDB or PostgreSQL
Dependency Manager: Composer
SSL: Let’s Encrypt via Certbot
Reverse Proxy (optional): Nginx in front of Apache or used alone

Security Best Practices

Disable unnecessary PHP functions (exec, passthru, etc.)
Set correct file and folder permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories)
Keep CakePHP and dependencies updated via Composer
Use HTTPS and force HTTPS redirects
Limit access to administrative tools and folders
Configure firewall (UFW/iptables) and use fail2ban for SSH protection

Monitoring and Maintenance

Use systemd for service monitoring and restart
Monitor performance with htop, netdata, or Prometheus
Log access and errors via Apache/Nginx and PHP logs
Schedule regular database backups and application updates

CakePHP on Ubuntu 24.04 is a modern, secure, and rapid development platform for building structured PHP applications. With its focus on conventions, reusable components, and built-in tools, CakePHP significantly reduces development time and complexity—especially for CRUD-heavy applications and admin interfaces.

Combined with the stability and security of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, this stack is well-suited for developers looking to build reliable, scalable PHP-based web applications in a predictable and supportable environment.

Step 1: Launch Your VPS on Shape.Host

Go to https://shape.host and log in.

Click Create, then select Instance.

Pick a location close to your users.

Shape.host instance form with the data center location selector highlighted.

Choose Ubuntu 24.04 (64-bit) as the OS.

Select a plan with at least 2 CPUs, 4 GB RAM, and 20 GB SSD.

Shape.host instance form with the operating system image selector highlighted.

Click Create Instance.

Shape.host instance form with the Create Instance button highlighted.

Copy your IP address from the Resources section once the server is ready.

Shape.host Resources dashboard with the server IP address highlighted.

Step 2: Connect to the Server

Linux/macOS:

ssh root@your_server_ip

Windows:
Use PuTTY and connect with your server’s IP as root.

Step 3: Update System Packages

apt update

Updates your package list so you’re installing the latest versions.

Terminal showing APT package management commands and output.

Step 4: Install Composer and Required PHP Modules

apt install composer php8.3-curl php8.3-sqlite3 php8.3-xml php8.3-mysql

Installs Composer (the PHP dependency manager) and CakePHP’s required PHP extensions.

Step 5: Adjust PHP Configuration

nano /etc/php/8.3/cli/php.ini

Scroll to around line 1614 and find:

zend.assertions = 1

Make sure it’s set to 1 to enable runtime assertions, which CakePHP uses for development.

Terminal showing php commands or output during Adjust PHP Configuration.

Step 6: Create a Project Directory

mkdir project
cd project

This creates and enters a folder where you’ll install CakePHP.

Step 7: Install CakePHP Using Composer

composer create-project cakephp/app MyApp
cd MyApp

This downloads and installs CakePHP into a directory called MyApp.

Terminal showing file and directory setup commands.

Terminal showing php commands or output during Install CakePHP Using Composer.

Step 8: Run the CakePHP Development Server

./bin/cake server -H 0.0.0.0 -p 8765

Starts the built-in PHP development server, making the app accessible from any IP on port 8765.

Step 9: Test in Your Browser

Go to:

http://your_server_ip:8765

You should see the CakePHP welcome page.

CakePHP welcome page with environment and database checks.

You’ve installed CakePHP on Ubuntu 24.04, edited your PHP config, and launched your first app — all using clean and minimal commands.

Shape.Host is a great match for CakePHP with:

Fast SSD-powered Cloud SSD VPS
Full root control
Great performance for PHP-based apps

Get started at https://shape.host