# Laravel Herd for Windows launches in March '24

Herd is a dedicated Laravel and PHP development environment tailored for macOS users, designed to enhance speed and streamline the development process. Notable features and advantages of Herd include:

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1707183380223/ba9886c9-c866-4585-ac83-dc17f72b77bb.png align="center")

1. **Optimized Performance:**
    
    * Leveraging static binaries for PHP, nginx, and dnsmasq, Herd boasts superior performance compared to other PHP development environments.
        
    * Developers can benefit from a claimed 35% faster test execution and 100% faster web request response times.
        
2. **All-Inclusive Package:**
    
    * Herd comes pre-packaged with essential components like PHP and nginx, eliminating the need for manual setup and configuration. This provides a hassle-free and efficient development experience.
        
3. **CLI Integration:**
    
    * The inclusion of Composer, Laravel installer, and Expose binaries in the Command-Line Interface (CLI) ensures immediate access to crucial tools for dependency management, Laravel installation, and project exposure.
        
4. **Terminal Management:**
    
    * Developers can conveniently handle site and service management directly from the terminal, aligning with the preferences of those who favor command-line interfaces for development tasks.
        
5. **Smooth Migration from Valet:**
    
    * Herd facilitates a seamless transition for developers currently using Laravel Valet. Existing Valet preferences are automatically migrated, allowing developers to switch to Herd without disruptions to their workflow.
        
6. **Intuitive UI for Configuration:**
    
    * The presence of an intuitive User Interface (UI) for configuration, encompassing settings for PHP versions and SSL certificates, enhances user-friendliness. This UI-driven approach simplifies the management of development environment preferences.
        

In summary, Herd is a developer-centric environment that prioritizes speed and user convenience. Its focus on providing a swift transition for Laravel developers accustomed to Valet, coupled with features like an intuitive UI and CLI integration, positions Herd as an appealing choice for macOS users seeking a high-performance Laravel development environment.

%[https://twitter.com/taylorotwell/status/1754574643879403856] 

## Images leaked from Laracon EU

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1707184288692/e70b0ddf-ccdd-40aa-93db-f5aa1917ed58.jpeg align="center")

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1707184358438/fabb823f-f876-4718-96f4-c8934a1650b9.jpeg align="center")

%[https://x.com/_stefanzweifel/status/1754573775482339505] 

%[https://twitter.com/ruslansteiger/status/1754556188316864665?s=20]