Sites Information
- Site name and local domain
- Technology stack (PHP version, database, etc.)
- Last accessed timestamp
Visual Management Interface
DAMP’s visual interface eliminates the complexity of command-line development environment management. This guide covers every aspect of the desktop application, from basic navigation to advanced project management.
Interface Overview
Section titled “Interface Overview”The DAMP interface is designed around three core principles:
- Simplicity: Common tasks require minimal clicks
- Clarity: Visual status indicators show everything at a glance
- Efficiency: Quick access to all development tools
Main Dashboard
Section titled “Main Dashboard”The dashboard is your command center for all development projects:
DAMP
Dashboard
Docker Engine
Running
Version 28.3.2
Web Server
Running
Caddy reverse proxy
MySQL
Not Installed
MySQL database server
Mailpit
Stopped
Email testing/capture service
Docker Engine Status
Connection Status
Docker daemon connectivity
Engine Version
Docker runtime version
Quick Actions
Key Areas
Section titled “Key Areas”- Service Status Bar - Global service health indicators
- Quick Actions - New project, settings, and tools
- System Tray - Always-accessible project controls
Sites Management
Section titled “Sites Management”Sites Cards
Section titled “Sites Cards”Each sites is represented by an intelligent card displaying:
Quick Actions
- Start/Stop site services
- Open in browser with one click
- Launch VS Code with DevContainer
Site Actions Menu
Section titled “Site Actions Menu”- 🌐 Open in Browser - Launch default browser
- 💻 Open in VS Code - Start DevContainer environment
- 📁 Show in Explorer - Open site folder
- ⚙️ Site Settings - Configure site options
- 🗑️ Delete Site - Remove site (with confirmation)
Service Management
Section titled “Service Management”Global Services
Section titled “Global Services”DAMP manages several global services that support all projects:
Reverse Proxy Status
Section titled “Reverse Proxy Status”- 🟢 Active - Routing traffic to projects
- 🟡 Configuring - Setting up network rules
- 🔴 Inactive - Manual intervention needed
MySQL Database
Section titled “MySQL Database”- 🟢 Running - MySQL is available for all sites
- 🟡 Starting - MySQL is initializing
- 🔴 Stopped - MySQL needs to be started
- ⚠️ Error - MySQL configuration issue
Mailpit Email Testing
Section titled “Mailpit Email Testing”- 🟢 Active - Mailpit is capturing emails
- 🟡 Starting - Mailpit is initializing
- 🔴 Inactive - Mailpit is stopped or unavailable
Service Controls
Section titled “Service Controls”Access global service controls via the System menu:
-
View Service Status
Click the “Services” tab to see detailed status for:
- Reverse Proxy configuration
- MySQL Database health
- Mailpit status
-
Restart Services
Use “Restart All” to refresh all global services.
-
Update Configuration
“Reconfigure” rebuilds network and service settings.
Project Creation Wizard
Section titled “Project Creation Wizard”The New Project wizard guides you through project setup:
Step 1: Project Type Selection
Section titled “Step 1: Project Type Selection”Choose from optimized templates:
Laravel
Full-stack PHP framework
- PHP 8.2+ with extensions
- MySQL/PostgreSQL database
- Redis caching
- Mailpit email testing
- Xdebug debugging
WordPress
Coming Soon
WordPress project creation is not yet implemented.
Basic PHP Starter
Minimal PHP development environment
- PHP with Composer support
- Node.js available for frontend tooling
- Start with a basic PHP index page
- Easily extend with Composer packages
- Use Node.js for asset building if needed
Import Existing PHP Project
Import an existing PHP codebase
- Select a folder containing your PHP project
- Configure environment for your codebase
- Instantly start and manage imported projects
Step 2: Project Configuration
Section titled “Step 2: Project Configuration”Customize your project settings:
- Project Name: Determines folder and domain names
- Local Domain: Auto-generated from project name
- Technology Versions: PHP, Node.js, database versions
- Additional Services: Redis, Elasticsearch, etc.
- VS Code Integration: Enable DevContainer setup
Step 3: Advanced Options
Section titled “Step 3: Advanced Options”Fine-tune your environment:
- Claude AI Integration: Enable AI-powered features
Settings and Configuration
Section titled “Settings and Configuration”Application Settings
Section titled “Application Settings”Access via Settings → Application:
General Preferences
Section titled “General Preferences”- Startup Behavior: Launch on system boot
- Auto Updates: Enable automatic updates
- Notifications: Control system notifications
Productivity Features
Section titled “Productivity Features”System Tray Integration
Section titled “System Tray Integration”DAMP lives in your system tray for always-available access:
Tray Menu Features
Section titled “Tray Menu Features”- Quick Project List - Start/stop projects instantly
- Service Status - View global service health
- Settings Access - Rapid configuration changes
- Exit Application - Safely shut down all services
Project Context Menus
Section titled “Project Context Menus”Right-click project names in the tray for:
- Open in browser
- Launch VS Code
- View logs
- Restart services
The visual interface makes DAMP accessible to developers of all experience levels while providing the power and flexibility needed for professional development workflows.
- View logs
- Restart services
The visual interface makes DAMP accessible to developers of all experience levels while providing the power and flexibility needed for professional development workflows.