Discussion: Improve PHP track docs for PHPUnit / composer

[mk-mxp]

I think our track docs make things too complicated for new students.

Right after the required installation of PHP we have a short paragraph about installing composer. For PHPUnit we then describe composer as the main means of installation. Using the PHPUnit PHAR is last and "optional". But composer is not required to solve Exercism exercises.

The easiest way to use PHPUnit for Exercism is downloading the PHAR. So we should provide tutorial-style instructions on that first. Also we should check, that exercism test runs the PHAR when using these instructions.

In a more optional looking paragraph we may then describe and explain composer and PHPUnit installation using it. There is a nice short description of composer and installation we may use to improve the composer introduction and installation. We should also mention that composer is wide-spread in the PHP ecosystem.

[tomasnorre]

That sounds like a good approach.

[almin-dolic]

Hi @mk-mxp and @tomasnorre,
is this change still wanted? I'd be happy to update the docs to make PHPUnit PHAR the default method and improve the explanation of Composer as an optional approach. Let me know if this is still relevant! 😊

[tomasnorre]

I would say it's still wanted :) Would be happy to review the PR.

[A-O-Emmanuel]

Hi @mk-mxp and @tomasnorre has this issue been resolved? I would like to give it a go, please let me know if it's still needed.

[tomasnorre]

I think @almin-dolic already signed up for it. But not head anything final back. Lets give Almin a change to answer first.

[A-O-Emmanuel]

Alright, agreed, thanks for your response.

[mk-mxp]

Whoever works on this:

• Fork this repository and edit the file docs/INSTALLATION.md
• Create a PR as soon as possible, so we can discuss the changes early
• The composer instructions mentioned above have moved and we should link to the website, not steal the Markdown :)