# Laravel 5.0 and PHP Compatibility Guide

## Issue: mcrypt Extension Required

Laravel 5.0 requires the `mcrypt` PHP extension, which was:

- **Deprecated** in PHP 7.1
- **Removed** in PHP 7.2+

## Solutions

### Option 1: Use PHP 5.6 (Current Implementation)

The `Dockerfile.minimal` has been updated to use PHP 5.6 which is the ideal match for Laravel 5.0.

**Pros:**

- Perfect compatibility with Laravel 5.0
- Native mcrypt support
- All packages available and tested
- Matches original development environment

**Cons:**

- PHP 5.6 reached end-of-life in December 2018
- Security concerns for long-term production use

### Option 2: Upgrade Laravel (Recommended for Production)
Upgrade to Laravel 5.5+ which doesn't require mcrypt.

```bash
# Update composer.json
"laravel/framework": "5.8.*"

# Remove mcrypt dependencies and update encryption
php artisan key:generate
```

### Option 3: Use OpenSSL Instead (Laravel 5.2+)
If upgrading Laravel, update encryption configuration:

```php
// config/app.php
'cipher' => 'AES-256-CBC',
```

## Current Docker Configuration

The Dockerfile now uses:

- **Base Image**: `php:5.6-apache`
- **mcrypt Extension**: Native support (no installation issues)
- **Other Extensions**: All Laravel 5.0 requirements met
- **Package Compatibility**: Perfect match for PHP 5.6

## Production Recommendations

For a production deployment, consider:

1. **Upgrade Laravel** to 5.8 or later (LTS)
2. **Use PHP 7.4+** for better performance and security
3. **Replace mcrypt** with OpenSSL encryption

## Quick Upgrade Path (Optional)

If you want to modernize the application:

### Step 1: Update composer.json
```json
{
    "require": {
        "laravel/framework": "5.8.*"
    }
}
```

### Step 2: Update Dockerfile to use PHP 7.4
```dockerfile
FROM php:7.4-apache
# Remove mcrypt installation
```

### Step 3: Update configuration
```bash
php artisan key:generate
php artisan config:cache
```

## Security Note

Since PHP 7.1 is end-of-life, monitor for security updates and consider upgrading the Laravel version for long-term production use.

## Testing the Current Setup

The current configuration should work with:
```bash
./start-local.sh
```

This will use PHP 7.1 with mcrypt support for Laravel 5.0 compatibility.