Moving something you built yourself.
WHAT TO MOVE
Application code The database Uploaded files and generated assets Configuration, recreated rather than copied Cron jobs Any SSL certificates installed manually
THE SEQUENCE
- Set up the destination: PHP version, extensions, database.
- Deploy the code, ideally by cloning from the repository.
- Install dependencies.
- Import the database.
- Create the configuration file with the new credentials.
- Copy uploads and generated files.
- Set permissions and ownership.
- Recreate cron jobs.
- Test with a hosts file entry.
- Change DNS.
- Keep the old environment for a week.
WHAT PEOPLE FORGET
Cron jobs File permissions after copying The storage symlink, in frameworks that use one
Environment differences: PHP version, missing extensions
Hardcoded absolute paths in configuration
VERIFYING
Every page type, every form, login, and any integration. Not just the homepage.
