When starting a new Symfony project, you can set it up in two ways:
- Using the Symfony CLI (recommended for most developers)
- Using Composer directly
Both methods will create the same result: a brand-new Symfony 7.3 application, ready to use. Let’s go through both approaches step by step.
Installing Symfony CLI
The Symfony CLI is an official developer tool that helps you build, run, and manage Symfony applications. It works on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and once installed, you can use it for all your projects.
Step 1: Download the Symfony CLI
Depending on your operating system, you can install it as follows:
On macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install symfony-cli/tap/symfony-cli
On Linux (using cURL)
curl -sS https://get.symfony.com/cli/installer | bash
mv ~/.symfony*/bin/symfony /usr/local/bin/symfony
On Windows
Download the installer from the official Symfony website:
https://symfony.com/download
Step 2: Verify the Installation
Run the following command to make sure Symfony is installed correctly:
symfony -v
This should display the installed Symfony CLI version.
Step 3: Create a New Symfony Project
Now you can create a Symfony 7.3 application using:
symfony new my_project --webapp
This command will:
- Create a new folder called
my_project/ - Install Symfony 7.3 with all the necessary dependencies
- Include the WebApp pack by default (Twig, Doctrine, UX, etc.)
After installation, move into your project directory:
cd my_project
Then start the local web server:
symfony serve
Now, open http://localhost:8000 in your browser—you’ll see your brand-new Symfony app running! 🚀
Creating a Symfony Project with Composer
If you prefer not to use the Symfony CLI, you can still set up your project using Composer.
Step 1: Create the Project Skeleton
composer create-project symfony/skeleton:"7.3.x" my_project_directory
This generates a minimal Symfony project with only the essentials.
Step 2: Navigate into Your Project
cd my_project_directory
Step 3: Install the WebApp Pack
composer require webapp
This installs common Symfony bundles (Twig, Doctrine, etc.) so you’re ready to build a full application.
What’s the Difference?
- Symfony CLI is faster and includes everything you need out of the box, including a built-in local web server.
- Composer gives you a more manual approach where you start with a minimal skeleton and add features as needed.
Both methods result in a fully functional Symfony 7.3 application—you just pick the workflow you prefer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to Symfony, I recommend starting with the Symfony CLI because it simplifies setup and includes handy tools for local development. However, if you prefer complete control or already use Composer extensively, the Composer method works just as well.
Either way, once your project is created, you’re ready to start defining routes, creating controllers, and building your Symfony application.
