⚡ BosonPHP: Bringing Native Power to PHP Applications

In a world where Electron dominates cross-platform desktop development, PHP developers have often been left out of the conversation. But what if you could build native-feeling apps using the language you already love? Enter BosonPHP—a blazing-fast runtime that reimagines what PHP can do beyond the browser.

🚀 What Is BosonPHP?

BosonPHP is a high-performance runtime and kernel designed to run PHP applications with native UI capabilities. Think of it as PHP’s answer to Electron—but lighter, faster, and more developer-friendly. It leverages Saucer v6.0 bindings to create desktop interfaces using HTML, JavaScript, and PHP—all without leaving your comfort zone.

🧩 Key Features

Webview Integration: Render HTML directly in a native window and bind JavaScript functions to PHP callbacks.
Framework Bridges: Seamless integration with Laravel, Symfony, Spiral, and PSR-7 via dedicated adapters.
Compiler Support: Package your PHP app into a standalone executable using the Boson compiler.
System Insights: Access CPU and OS info, manage static files, and intercept requests natively.

🛠️ Getting Started

Install BosonPHP via Composer:

composer require boson-php/runtime

Here’s a minimal example:

$app = new Boson\Application();
$app->webview->html = <<<HTML
  <button onclick="foo('HELLO');">Hello</button>
HTML;
$app->webview->bind('foo', fn($msg) => var_dump($msg));

This snippet creates a native window with a button that triggers a PHP function—no browser required.

🔌 Laravel Integration

BosonPHP offers a Laravel Service Provider that lets you boot your app inside the Boson runtime. This means you can build desktop tools powered by Laravel’s routing, Eloquent, and Blade—all wrapped in a native shell.

🎯 Use Cases

Developer Utilities: Build code analyzers, dashboards, or CLI tools with a GUI.
Internal Tools: Create cross-platform desktop apps for teams without relying on Electron.
Educational Apps: Package interactive learning tools using PHP and HTML.

🤔 Why It Matters

BosonPHP isn’t just a novelty—it’s a statement. It shows that PHP is still evolving, still relevant, and still capable of surprising us. For developers who want to stay in the PHP ecosystem while exploring new frontiers, BosonPHP is a breath of fresh air.

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