How To Install PhpStorm on AlmaLinux 10
AlmaLinux 10 has emerged as a premier choice for developers seeking a robust, enterprise-grade Linux distribution. When combined with PhpStorm, JetBrains’ flagship PHP IDE, it creates an unparalleled development environment for modern web applications. This comprehensive guide walks you through multiple installation methods, configuration steps, and optimization techniques to get PhpStorm running seamlessly on your AlmaLinux 10 system.
Whether you’re a seasoned PHP developer migrating from other platforms or a system administrator setting up development environments, this tutorial provides everything needed for a successful PhpStorm installation. We’ll cover three distinct installation approaches, troubleshoot common issues, and optimize your setup for maximum productivity.
The combination of AlmaLinux 10’s stability with PhpStorm’s advanced features creates an ideal platform for PHP development, Laravel framework work, WordPress customization, and enterprise web application development. Let’s dive into the installation process and unlock the full potential of this powerful development stack.
Understanding PhpStorm and AlmaLinux 10
What is PhpStorm?
PhpStorm stands as the industry’s leading PHP integrated development environment (IDE), developed by JetBrains specifically for professional PHP development. This powerful IDE offers comprehensive code completion, advanced debugging capabilities, and seamless testing framework integration that dramatically improves developer productivity.
The IDE supports PHP versions from 5.3 through the latest 8.3 release, ensuring compatibility with both legacy applications and cutting-edge projects. PhpStorm’s intelligent code analysis detects errors in real-time, suggests improvements, and provides automated refactoring tools that maintain code quality throughout development cycles.
Integration with popular PHP frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, CodeIgniter, and WordPress makes PhpStorm indispensable for modern web development. The IDE also includes built-in support for HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and Node.js, providing a complete solution for full-stack development projects.
AlmaLinux 10 Overview
AlmaLinux 10 represents the latest evolution in enterprise Linux distributions, offering complete binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux while maintaining community-driven development principles. This distribution provides enhanced security features, improved performance optimizations, and extended hardware support that makes it ideal for development workstations.
The latest AlmaLinux 10 release includes updated kernel versions, modern compiler toolchains, and enhanced container support that benefit PHP developers working with containerized applications. System administrators appreciate AlmaLinux 10’s predictable release cycle, long-term support commitments, and enterprise-grade security updates.
Performance enhancements in AlmaLinux 10 include optimized memory management, faster boot times, and improved I/O operations that directly benefit IDE performance. These improvements make AlmaLinux 10 an excellent choice for developers running resource-intensive applications like PhpStorm alongside multiple development tools.
System Requirements and Prerequisites
Hardware Requirements
PhpStorm requires adequate system resources to deliver optimal performance on AlmaLinux 10. The minimum RAM requirement stands at 2 GB, though 8 GB or more is strongly recommended for professional development work involving large codebases or multiple projects simultaneously.
Modern multi-core processors significantly improve PhpStorm’s responsiveness, particularly during code indexing, syntax analysis, and project-wide search operations. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors provide excellent performance for most development scenarios, while i7 or Ryzen 7 chips excel with complex enterprise applications.
Storage requirements include 3.5 GB minimum disk space for PhpStorm installation, though 5 GB on solid-state drives (SSD) is recommended for optimal performance. SSD storage dramatically reduces IDE startup times, file indexing duration, and overall system responsiveness during development sessions.
Monitor resolution should be at least 1024×768 pixels, though 1920×1080 or higher provides the best experience for code editing, debugging interfaces, and multi-window layouts. Dual monitor setups are particularly beneficial for simultaneous code editing and debugging activities.
Network connectivity remains essential for downloading PhpStorm updates, accessing documentation, syncing settings across devices, and integrating with version control systems like Git repositories hosted on GitHub or GitLab.
Software Prerequisites
AlmaLinux 10 installation should be complete and properly configured before attempting PhpStorm installation. The system should include a functional desktop environment such as GNOME, KDE Plasma, or XFCE, depending on your preference and hardware capabilities.
Administrative privileges through sudo access are mandatory for system-wide PhpStorm installation and configuration. Users must be able to install packages, modify system directories, and configure desktop integration features during the installation process.
Java Runtime Environment considerations are simplified since PhpStorm bundles its own optimized JetBrains Runtime (JBR), eliminating compatibility issues with system Java installations. However, developers working with Java-based tools may want to maintain separate OpenJDK installations.
GLIBC 2.27 or later versions are required for PhpStorm compatibility, which AlmaLinux 10 satisfies by default. Package management familiarity with DNF (Dandified YUM) helps during dependency installation and system maintenance tasks.
Basic command-line knowledge proves valuable for advanced configuration tasks, troubleshooting, and integration with development tools like Composer, Git, and various PHP utilities commonly used in modern development workflows.
Pre-Installation Setup
System Updates and Preparation
Begin PhpStorm installation by ensuring your AlmaLinux 10 system includes the latest security updates and package versions. Open a terminal and execute the following commands to refresh package repositories and apply available updates:
sudo dnf update -y
sudo dnf upgrade -yInstall the Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) repository, which provides additional software packages not included in the standard AlmaLinux repositories. This repository contains useful development tools and libraries:
sudo dnf install epel-release -yEnable additional repositories that may contain dependencies required for optimal PhpStorm performance and integration with other development tools:
sudo dnf config-manager --enable powertoolsVerify system compatibility by checking kernel version, available memory, and disk space using these diagnostic commands:
uname -r
free -h
df -hCreate a system backup or snapshot if running AlmaLinux 10 in a virtual machine environment. This precautionary step allows quick recovery if installation issues arise during the PhpStorm setup process.
Installing Required Dependencies
Install essential development tools and libraries that support PhpStorm’s advanced features and integration capabilities. The Development Tools group provides compilers, debuggers, and other utilities commonly used in PHP development:
sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools" -yInstall network utilities required for downloading PhpStorm and managing remote repositories, file transfers, and HTTP requests during development:
sudo dnf install wget curl tar unzip -yConfigure firewall settings to allow PhpStorm’s built-in web server and debugging features to function properly. Create firewall rules for common development ports:
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=8080/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=9000/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --reloadInstall Git version control system, which integrates seamlessly with PhpStorm for project management, code collaboration, and deployment workflows:
sudo dnf install git -ySet up database tools if your PHP development involves database interactions. MariaDB or MySQL installation provides local database services:
sudo dnf install mariadb-server mariadb -y
sudo systemctl enable mariadb
sudo systemctl start mariadbInstallation Methods Overview
PhpStorm installation on AlmaLinux 10 can be accomplished through three primary methods, each offering distinct advantages depending on your specific requirements and preferences.
Manual installation via tarball provides complete control over installation location, configuration, and customization options. This method works best for developers who prefer traditional Linux software installation approaches and need maximum flexibility in system configuration.
Snap package installation offers simplified deployment with automatic updates and dependency management handled by the snap ecosystem. This approach benefits users who prioritize convenience and automated maintenance over fine-grained control.
JetBrains Toolbox installation provides centralized management for multiple JetBrains IDEs, simplified updates, and easy version switching. This method proves ideal for developers using multiple JetBrains products or frequently switching between PhpStorm versions.
Security considerations vary between methods, with manual installation offering maximum control over file permissions and system integration, while package-based installations provide automated security updates and sandboxing features.
Method 1: Manual Installation via Tarball
Downloading PhpStorm
Navigate to the official JetBrains PhpStorm download page using your web browser or download directly using command-line tools. The official download ensures you receive the latest stable version with proper digital signatures and security validation.
Use wget to download PhpStorm directly to your system, replacing the URL with the current version link from JetBrains:
cd ~/Downloads
wget https://download.jetbrains.com/webide/PhpStorm-2025.1.4.1.tar.gzVerify the download integrity by checking the file size and comparing it with the official specifications on the JetBrains website. Large files sometimes experience corruption during download, making verification crucial:
ls -lh PhpStorm-2025.1.4.1.tar.gz
sha256sum PhpStorm-2025.1.4.1.tar.gzConsider downloading to the /tmp directory for temporary storage if disk space is limited, though the Downloads folder provides better organization for installer files.
Extraction and Installation
Create a dedicated installation directory structure in /opt for system-wide PhpStorm access. This location follows Linux Filesystem Hierarchy Standard conventions for optional software packages:
sudo mkdir -p /opt/phpstormExtract the PhpStorm tarball to the installation directory, preserving file permissions and directory structure:
sudo tar -xzf ~/Downloads/PhpStorm-2024.2.tar.gz -C /opt/phpstorm --strip-components=1Set proper file permissions to ensure PhpStorm can execute correctly while maintaining system security. The installation directory should be owned by root with appropriate read and execute permissions:
sudo chown -R root:root /opt/phpstorm
sudo chmod -R 755 /opt/phpstormVerify the installation by checking the directory structure and ensuring all necessary files are present:
ls -la /opt/phpstorm
ls -la /opt/phpstorm/binThe extraction process creates a complete PhpStorm installation with all required libraries, configuration files, and executable scripts ready for system integration.
Creating Desktop Entry and Shortcuts
Create a desktop entry file to integrate PhpStorm with your AlmaLinux 10 desktop environment’s application menu and launcher. Desktop entries provide standardized application metadata for GUI environments:
sudo nano /usr/share/applications/phpstorm.desktopAdd the following content to create a proper desktop entry with appropriate metadata and launch parameters:
[Desktop Entry]
Version=1.0
Type=Application
Name=PhpStorm
Comment=Professional PHP IDE
Exec=/opt/phpstorm/bin/phpstorm.sh
Icon=/opt/phpstorm/bin/phpstorm.png
Categories=Development;IDE;
Terminal=false
StartupWMClass=jetbrains-phpstormMake the desktop entry executable and update the application database to ensure the entry appears in system menus:
sudo chmod +x /usr/share/applications/phpstorm.desktop
sudo update-desktop-databaseCreate a symbolic link in /usr/local/bin to enable command-line launching of PhpStorm from any directory:
sudo ln -s /opt/phpstorm/bin/phpstorm.sh /usr/local/bin/phpstormTest desktop integration by searching for PhpStorm in your desktop environment’s application launcher or activities overview. The IDE should appear with proper branding and description.
Validate command-line access by opening a terminal and executing:
phpstormDesktop environment integration varies between GNOME, KDE, and other desktop managers, but the standard desktop entry format ensures compatibility across different interfaces.
Method 2: Snap Package Installation
Installing Snapd on AlmaLinux 10
AlmaLinux 10 doesn’t include snap support by default, requiring manual snapd installation and configuration. Install snapd package manager using the standard DNF package manager:
sudo dnf install snapd -yEnable and start the snapd system service to provide snap package management functionality:
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket
sudo systemctl enable --now snapdCreate a symbolic link to make snap binaries accessible from standard PATH locations:
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snapVerify snapd installation and functionality by checking service status and available snap commands:
sudo systemctl status snapd
snap versionLog out and log back in to ensure PATH changes take effect, or reload your shell configuration to recognize snap command availability.
PhpStorm Snap Installation
Install PhpStorm using the snap package manager with classic confinement mode, which provides the necessary system access for IDE functionality:
sudo snap install phpstorm --classicThe classic confinement flag is essential because PhpStorm requires extensive file system access, network connectivity, and system integration that strict confinement would prevent.
Monitor the installation progress, which may take several minutes depending on network speed and system performance. Snap automatically handles dependency resolution and creates necessary system integration:
snap listLaunch PhpStorm directly from the command line after snap installation completes:
phpstormSnap packages automatically appear in desktop environment application menus without additional configuration. The snap package manager handles desktop integration, file associations, and system PATH updates automatically.
Automatic updates occur in the background as JetBrains releases new PhpStorm versions. Check update status or manually refresh using:
sudo snap refresh phpstormMethod 3: JetBrains Toolbox Installation
Toolbox Setup
JetBrains Toolbox provides centralized management for all JetBrains IDEs, including PhpStorm, IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, and others. Download the Toolbox application from the official JetBrains website:
cd ~/Downloads
wget https://download.jetbrains.com/toolbox/jetbrains-toolbox-2.0.5.17700.tar.gzExtract the Toolbox archive and make it executable:
tar -xzf jetbrains-toolbox-2.0.5.17700.tar.gz
cd jetbrains-toolbox-2.0.5.17700
./jetbrains-toolboxThe Toolbox application launches and automatically configures itself for your user account. It creates desktop integration and manages IDE installations in your home directory under ~/.local/share/JetBrains/Toolbox/apps.
Configure Toolbox preferences including automatic updates, installation directories, and desktop integration options through the application interface.
PhpStorm Installation via Toolbox
Open JetBrains Toolbox and locate PhpStorm in the available applications list. Click the Install button to begin downloading and installing the latest PhpStorm version.
Toolbox manages multiple PhpStorm versions simultaneously, allowing easy switching between stable releases, early access programs, and release candidate versions for testing purposes.
The installation process handles desktop integration, file associations, and system PATH configuration automatically. PhpStorm appears in system application menus once installation completes.
Launch PhpStorm directly from Toolbox or through desktop environment application launchers. Toolbox continues running in the system tray, providing notifications for available updates and managing IDE processes.
Post-Installation Configuration
First Launch Setup
Launch PhpStorm for the first time using your preferred method (desktop launcher, command line, or Toolbox). The initial startup process includes several configuration steps that customize the IDE for your development environment.
Accept the JetBrains Privacy Policy and User Agreement to proceed with IDE initialization. These agreements cover data collection, usage analytics, and feature improvement programs that help JetBrains enhance PhpStorm functionality.
Configure licensing by entering your PhpStorm license key, starting a free trial period, or using educational licenses if available. Students and educators can access free licenses through the JetBrains Academic Program.
Select your preferred UI theme between Light, Dark, or High Contrast options based on your visual preferences and working environment. The theme selection affects syntax highlighting, interface colors, and overall visual appearance.
Choose initial plugin configuration by reviewing recommended plugins for PHP development. Essential plugins include Laravel Plugin, WordPress Plugin, and various version control integrations that enhance development productivity.
Configure keyboard shortcuts by selecting from predefined schemes (Default, Eclipse, Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text) or creating custom mappings that match your existing muscle memory and workflow preferences.
Essential Configuration Steps
Configure PHP interpreter paths to enable proper syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging functionality. Navigate to File > Settings > Languages & Frameworks > PHP and set the PHP language level and interpreter path:
/usr/bin/phpSet up project default locations by configuring the default project directory where PhpStorm creates new projects. This setting streamlines project creation and organization:
~/PhpstormProjectsConfigure version control integration by setting up Git configuration, SSH keys for remote repositories, and GitHub/GitLab authentication. Access these settings through File > Settings > Version Control.
Establish database connections for PHP projects requiring database integration. Configure database drivers, connection strings, and authentication credentials through the Database tool window.
Customize code style and formatting preferences to maintain consistent coding standards across projects. Configure PSR-12 compliance, indentation settings, and automatic formatting rules through File > Settings > Editor > Code Style > PHP.
Set up debugging configuration by configuring Xdebug integration, breakpoint behavior, and debug server settings. These configurations enable step-through debugging of PHP applications during development.
Configure web server integration for testing PHP applications locally. Set up built-in web server options or configure Apache/Nginx integration for realistic development environments.
Integration with AlmaLinux 10 Development Environment
PHP Environment Setup
Install PHP 8.3 on AlmaLinux 10 to provide a modern, secure runtime environment for your development projects. Add the Remi repository which provides current PHP versions:
sudo dnf install https://rpms.remirepo.net/enterprise/remi-release-9.rpm -y
sudo dnf module enable php:remi-8.3 -y
sudo dnf install php php-cli php-common php-curl php-gd php-json php-mbstring php-mysqli php-pdo php-xml php-zip -yConfigure multiple PHP versions using update-alternatives if you need to maintain compatibility with different projects requiring various PHP versions:
sudo alternatives --install /usr/bin/php php /usr/bin/php83 83Install Composer, the PHP dependency manager, to handle modern PHP project dependencies and autoloading:
curl -sS https://getcomposer.org/installer | php
sudo mv composer.phar /usr/local/bin/composer
sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/composerConfigure Apache HTTP server for local development environments with PHP support:
sudo dnf install httpd -y
sudo systemctl enable httpd
sudo systemctl start httpdSet up virtual hosts and document root directories for organizing multiple PHP projects under Apache web server configuration.
Database and Additional Tools
Install MariaDB server for local database development, which provides MySQL compatibility for most PHP applications:
sudo dnf install mariadb-server -y
sudo systemctl enable mariadb
sudo systemctl start mariadb
sudo mysql_secure_installationInstall phpMyAdmin for web-based database administration, providing a convenient interface for database management during development:
sudo dnf install phpmyadmin -ySet up Node.js and npm for modern web development workflows that integrate frontend build tools with PHP applications:
sudo dnf install nodejs npm -yConfigure Git with your identity and preferred settings for version control integration with PhpStorm:
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"
git config --global init.defaultBranch mainThese tools create a comprehensive development environment that maximizes PhpStorm’s capabilities for full-stack PHP development.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Installation Problems
Permission denied errors during installation typically result from insufficient sudo privileges or incorrect file ownership. Ensure your user account has proper sudo access and verify ownership of installation directories:
sudo chown -R $USER:$USER ~/Downloads
sudo chmod +x ~/Downloads/PhpStorm-*.tar.gzJava compatibility issues may occur with older system Java installations conflicting with PhpStorm’s bundled runtime. Remove conflicting Java versions or configure PhpStorm to use specific Java installations:
export PHPSTORM_JDK=/opt/phpstorm/jbrMissing dependencies can prevent PhpStorm from launching properly. Install required libraries using DNF and verify all prerequisites are satisfied:
sudo dnf install glibc glibc-devel libX11 libXext libXi libXrender libXtst -yDownload corruption can cause extraction failures or runtime errors. Re-download PhpStorm from official sources and verify checksums before extraction:
sha256sum PhpStorm-*.tar.gzDesktop entry creation failures may prevent proper application menu integration. Manually create desktop entries with correct paths and permissions as shown in previous sections.
Performance and Runtime Issues
Memory allocation optimization improves PhpStorm performance on systems with limited RAM. Modify PhpStorm’s JVM options by editing the custom VM options file:
nano ~/.config/JetBrains/PhpStorm2024.2/phpstorm64.vmoptionsAdd memory optimization settings:
-Xms2g
-Xmx4g
-XX:ReservedCodeCacheSize=512mSlow startup troubleshooting involves disabling unnecessary plugins, clearing caches, and optimizing system performance. Access these options through File > Invalidate Caches and Restart.
Plugin conflicts can cause instability or feature malfunctions. Disable recently installed plugins through File > Settings > Plugins and restart PhpStorm to identify problematic extensions.
Theme and display issues may occur with certain graphics drivers or desktop environments. Switch between different UI themes and adjust font rendering settings in File > Settings > Appearance & Behavior.
File association problems prevent PhpStorm from opening PHP files by default. Configure file associations through system settings or using the xdg-mime command:
xdg-mime default phpstorm.desktop application/x-phpNetwork connectivity issues for license validation require proper firewall configuration and network access to JetBrains license servers.
Best Practices and Optimization
Performance Optimization
Allocate sufficient memory for PhpStorm based on your project size and system capabilities. Large projects with extensive dependencies benefit from increased heap sizes and cache allocations.
Utilize SSD storage for PhpStorm installation and project directories to significantly improve IDE responsiveness, file indexing speed, and overall system performance during development sessions.
Monitor system resources using built-in Linux tools to identify performance bottlenecks:
htop
iotop
free -mOptimize background processes by disabling unnecessary services and applications that compete for system resources during development work.
Configure PhpStorm’s indexing settings to balance thoroughness with performance, particularly for large codebases or projects with extensive third-party dependencies.
Security and Maintenance
Update PhpStorm regularly through your chosen installation method (manual downloads, snap refresh, or Toolbox updates) to receive security patches and feature improvements.
Implement security considerations for development environments by configuring proper user permissions, firewall rules, and access controls for development servers and databases.
Create backup strategies for PhpStorm configurations, including custom settings, plugins, key mappings, and code templates. Export settings through File > Manage IDE Settings > Export Settings.
Maintain plugin security by installing only trusted extensions from official JetBrains repositories and regularly updating installed plugins to their latest versions.
Configure network security for remote development features by using secure protocols (SSH, HTTPS) and proper authentication methods for accessing remote servers and repositories.
Alternative Installation Scenarios
WSL2 Integration
Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2) users can run PhpStorm on Windows while developing for AlmaLinux 10 environments. Install PhpStorm natively on Windows and configure remote development connections to WSL2 AlmaLinux instances.
Cross-platform development considerations include file system performance differences between Windows and Linux file systems, path separator handling, and line ending conversions.
Optimize file system performance by storing projects on the Linux file system within WSL2 rather than Windows drives to improve I/O performance and maintain proper file permissions.
Remote Development Setup
Configure PhpStorm for remote AlmaLinux 10 server development using SSH connections and deployment configurations. This setup enables development on local workstations while deploying to remote production-like environments.
Set up SSH key-based authentication for secure, password-less connections to remote AlmaLinux 10 servers:
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096
ssh-copy-id user@remote-server.comConfigure remote PHP interpreters through File > Settings > Languages & Frameworks > PHP > CLI Interpreter, enabling local PhpStorm instances to execute PHP code on remote servers.
Establish SFTP deployment configurations for automatic file synchronization between local development environments and remote AlmaLinux 10 servers during development workflows.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed PhpStorm. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing PhpStorm IDE on your AlmaLinux OS 10 system. For additional or useful information, we recommend you check the official PhpStorm website.
