Laravel - SQL server setup - Laravel Integration with SQL Server

1. Install Prerequisite Programs Before proceeding, ensure you have the following programs installed: XAMPP SQL Server 2019 Express SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) (a download link will appear after installing SQL Server) Visual Studio Code (VS Code) Composer (requires PHP to be installed beforehand) Here’s a rephrased version of your instructions: Note: Whether you install PHP via XAMPP or as a standalone package, both options work. Just make sure to take note of the PHP version when setting up Composer. Instructions: 1. Install Prerequisite Programs Before proceeding, ensure you have the following programs installed: Node.js Git SQL Server 2019 Express SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) (a download link will appear after installing SQL Server) Visual Studio Code (VS Code) Composer (requires PHP to be installed beforehand) 2. Set Up SQL Server with the PHP Driver Steps: Download the SQL Server PHP Driver Identify your PHP version and configuration: Run php -v in the command prompt to check the PHP version (e.g., PHP 8.2.1 → version 82). Run php -i | findstr "Thread" to determine if PHP is thread safe (TS) or not thread safe (NTS). Extract and copy the driver files: Extract the driver folder contents. Locate the correct files (php_sqlsrv_ and php_pdo_sqlsrv_) based on your PHP version, thread safety, and bit version (x86 or x64). Copy these files into the php/ext directory of your PHP installation. Update the php.ini file: Locate the php.ini file (often listed as the "configuration file" in your PHP setup). Follow the video instructions to correctly add the driver configurations. Test the connection: Ensure everything is set up correctly by testing the connection. 2.5. Configure SQL Server Ports Open SQL Server Configuration Manager. Navigate to: SQL Server Network Configuration - Protocols for SQLEXPRESS - TCP/IP. Enable TCP/IP, then: Go to Properties. Clear the TCP Dynamic Port field. Set the TCP Port to 1433.