Mastering Complex PHP Projects with Monorepos
As PHP projects grow in size and complexity, managing their codebases can become a daunting task. One effective solution to this problem is to split the project into independent packages and use Composer to import them. However, this approach introduces a new challenge: managing the hosting of these packages.
The Problem with Decentralized Package Hosting
When packages are hosted in separate repositories, managing their versions and dependencies can become a nightmare. Submitting a pull request for a project may require modifying multiple packages, creating new branches, and updating composer.json files. This process can be error-prone and time-consuming.
The Monorepo Solution
A monorepo is a single repository that hosts all packages, allowing for version control and management of the entire project codebase. This approach simplifies the development and distribution of packages, making it easier to submit pull requests and track changes across packages.
Decoupling Development and Distribution
To address the constraints of Packagist, a monorepo can be used for development, while separate repositories are used for distribution. The monorepo is split into individual package repositories, which are then distributed through Packagist.
Splitting the Monorepo
Tools like Git Subtree Splitter, Git Subsplit, and Monorepo Builder can be used to split the monorepo into individual package repositories. These tools automate the process of synchronizing the code between the monorepo and package repositories.
Organizing the Monorepo Structure
A well-organized monorepo structure is essential for managing complex projects. A simple structure can include a root packages/ folder with each package in its own subfolder. More complex structures can include multiple levels of folders, such as layers/ and packages/.
Migrating Code and Git History
When migrating code from separate repositories to a monorepo, it’s essential to preserve the Git history and commit hashes. Tools like Multi-To Mono-repository and Shopsys Monorepo Tools can be used to migrate the code and Git history.
Managing Dependencies with Monorepo Builder
Monorepo Builder provides a single composer.json file that manages dependencies for all packages. This approach ensures that all packages use the same version of dependencies, avoiding conflicts and simplifying the development process.
Splitting and Releasing Packages
When a pull request is merged, the monorepo is split into individual package repositories, and new versions are released. GitHub Actions can be used to automate this process, ensuring that all packages are updated and released simultaneously.
The Benefits of Monorepos
Monorepos offer several benefits, including simplified code management, easier submission of pull requests, and improved tracking of changes across packages. By using a monorepo, developers can focus on writing code rather than managing complex dependencies and versions.
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