Installation

RepairCore includes a web-based installer that guides you through the setup process.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have met the System Requirements.

Installation Steps

1. Upload Files

RepairCore uses a different folder structure than standard Laravel applications. Instead of having the public folder inside the application code, we separate public_html from repair-core for better security.

Why this structure?

Standard Laravel puts the public folder inside the application code. This means if you upload everything to public_html (as many cPanel users do), your application code becomes publicly accessible - a serious security risk.

Our structure keeps the application code (repair-core) outside the web-accessible directory, so only the public files are exposed.

For cPanel Users (Recommended)

Most cPanel hosting doesn't allow changing the document root. Upload files as follows:

/home/username/
├── repair-core/          ← Upload repair-core folder here (same level as public_html)
│   ├── app/
│   ├── config/
│   ├── database/
│   └── ...
└── public_html/          ← Upload contents of public_html INTO this folder
    ├── themes/
    ├── index.php
    └── ...

Steps:

1. Upload the repair-core folder to your home directory (same level as public_html)
2. Upload the contents of the public_html folder into your existing public_html folder

For SSH/VPS Users

If you have SSH access and can configure your web server's document root:

/var/www/yoursite/
├── repair-core/
│   ├── app/
│   ├── config/
│   └── ...
└── public_html/          ← Set this as document root in your web server config
    ├── themes/
    ├── index.php
    └── ...

Steps:

1. Upload both repair-core and public_html folders to your server
2. Configure your web server (Apache/Nginx) to set public_html as the document root

Apache example (in virtual host config):

DocumentRoot /var/www/yoursite/public_html

Nginx example:

root /var/www/yoursite/public_html;

2. Access the Installer

Navigate to your domain in a web browser. The installer will automatically start.

3. System Check

The installer checks your server meets all requirements:

• PHP version and extensions
• Directory permissions

4. Database Configuration

Enter your database credentials:

• Database host
• Database name
• Database username
• Database password

Enter your Site Settings:

• Site Name
• Site URL

5. Admin Account

Create your administrator account:

• Email address
• Password
• Confirm Password

6. Complete Installation

Click Start Installation to complete the setup. The installer will:

• Create tables
• Set up default settings
• Create your admin account
• Seed demo data

7. Access Admin Panel

After installation, log in to the admin panel with your credentials.

Post-Installation

Review Settings

Check all settings pages to customize RepairCore for your business.

Troubleshooting

Installer Not Loading

• Check file permissions
• Verify web server configuration
• Check PHP version

Database Connection Failed

• Verify database credentials
• Ensure database server is running
• Check database user has proper permissions

Permission Errors

Ensure these directories are writable:

• storage/
• bootstrap/cache/