Hey everyone,
I hope you're doing well. I have a question regarding installing PHP on a Unix system without root privileges. I've been trying to set up a development environment on a server where I don't have administrative access.
I've heard about tools like phpbrew and rbenv that allow you to install and manage multiple versions of PHP and Ruby without needing root privileges. However, I'm not sure if these tools can be used to install PHP on a Unix system without root access.
I wanted to know if anyone has any experience with using phpbrew or rbenv in such a scenario. Can I use either of these tools to install PHP on a Unix system where I don't have root privileges?
Any information or guidance on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help!
Best, [Your Name]

Hello [Your Name],
I've had the opportunity to work with rbenv in a similar situation where I didn't have root privileges on a Unix system. Let me share my experience with you.
rbenv is a fantastic tool for managing multiple versions of Ruby on a Unix system without requiring administrative access. It allows you to install and switch between different Ruby versions with ease. However, unlike phpbrew, rbenv does not directly support PHP installations.
To install and manage PHP versions without root access, you might consider using a tool like phpenv, which is inspired by rbenv. With phpenv, you can install and manage multiple PHP versions on your system without administrative privileges. It operates in a similar fashion to rbenv, creating separate directories for each installed version.
I must note that phpenv might have some limitations compared to the more popular phpbrew. It might not support all PHP extensions, and there could be compatibility issues with certain projects. So, it's important to carefully evaluate your requirements and test the compatibility of your projects before proceeding.
In conclusion, if you're specifically looking to install and manage PHP versions without root privileges, I would recommend exploring phpenv as an alternative to phpbrew. It can provide the flexibility you need in a similar manner to rbenv for Ruby.
I hope this provides some helpful insights for you.
Best regards,
User 2