Request: Precompiled PHP Binaries for Linux (ELF, DEB, RPM) for No-Root Users

[codeformatstudio]

Request: Precompiled PHP Binaries for Linux (ELF, DEB, RPM) for No-Root Users

Description

It would be very helpful to provide precompiled PHP binaries for popular Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, etc.) with the following features:

• No root required: Users can run PHP without needing sudo or installing system packages.
• Self-contained: All required libraries are included so the PHP binary works independently of the host system.
• Official ELF, DEB, and RPM packages: Preferred formats for native Linux installations.
• Multiple versions: Official binaries for major PHP releases (e.g., 8.2, 8.3, 8.5) to allow developers to test or run different projects.

Motivation

Currently, installing a specific PHP version from source requires root access to install dependencies (libxml2-dev, libssl-dev, etc.). Many developers, especially in shared environments, CI pipelines, or user-only accounts, cannot install these libraries. Precompiled ELF, DEB, or RPM binaries would:

• Make PHP accessible in no-root environments.
• Simplify testing and switching between multiple PHP versions.
• Reduce friction for Linux developers needing portable, self-contained PHP installations.

Suggested Approach

• Provide official ELF binaries and/or self-contained DEB/RPM packages.
• Include all common extensions and dependencies.
• Provide clear instructions on how to run the binaries without root.

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Thank you for considering this enhancement. It would make PHP much more versatile for Linux developers in restricted or user-only environments.