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Installing Yii2 Framework Using Git & Composer

Post The official instructions to install the Yii2 Framework will give you everything you need to get started, but if you’re using the codebase in a Git project environment, here’s a better way to get things installed (I’m using the advanced project as an example here):

  1. Create your project dir and clone the repo: “git clone https://github.com/yiisoft/yii2-app-advanced.git <project dir here>”
  2. Navigate to the project directory and simulate the dependencies install using Composer: “php composer.phar install –prefer-dist –dry-run”. By default, Composer will save everything into the vendor folder, and in the future, if you need to update your dependencies, just run a simple “php composer.phar update” in the root folder of your project. Once you’re satisfied with the dry run, go ahead and execute the install: “php composer.phar install –prefer-dist”
  3. Create a new Git branch to begin your new doodad project and snapshot your install in a clean state: “git checkout -b doodadBranch master”
  4. Proceed with the “Getting Started” section of the official instructions to get your project up and running.

In the future, to update the Yii2 installation base, here are those steps:

  1. Commit your latest branch changes: git commit -m “your comments here”
  2. Switch to your original master branch: “git checkout master”
  3. Pull the latest changes: “git pull origin master”
  4. Switch back to your project branch: “git checkout doodadBranch”
  5. Rebase the branch to the new master: “git rebase master”

Happy coding.