Services

Databases, cache and mail run as Anvil services. Nothing runs until you add it. Add a service by picking its kind, a name and a port, and add as many of each as you need: two MySQL servers for two projects, a separate Redis for queues, a second Mailpit inbox.

anvil service add mysql                      # named "mysql", usual port
anvil service add redis cache --port 6380    # a second Redis named "cache"
anvil service list

In the macOS app, Services sits next to Applications in the sidebar; the + button (⌘N) adds one. New services get a readable name such as redis-swift-ember; you can type your own.

Available servicesCopy Anchor Link

Each service except Mailpit offers a few versions; anvil service versions lists them and --version picks one when you add a service. Redis is compiled on your Mac and needs the Xcode command line tools.

Versions and dataCopy Anchor Link

A service keeps the version it was added with, like a container image: data folders don't survive a major version change, so run a new version as a new service next to the old one.

Each version's program is downloaded the first time you add a service with it and shared after that, in ~/.anvil/services/<kind>/<version>. Every service keeps its own data in ~/.anvil/data/<name> and its own log in ~/.anvil/log. anvil service uninstall <kind> <version> removes a program version once no service uses it.

Removing a service keeps its data unless you pass --delete-data (or choose to delete it in the app), so adding the same name again finds your databases.

PortsCopy Anchor Link

When the usual port is taken, by another service or another program, the next free one is suggested. Change it with anvil service port <name> <port>; leave the port out to go back to the usual one. Mailpit's web inbox port is set with anvil service port <name> --web <port>.

AccountsCopy Anchor Link

Services listen on 127.0.0.1 only.

• MySQL starts with a root user without a password.
• PostgreSQL starts with a postgres user and trust authentication.

Starting and stoppingCopy Anchor Link

Enabled services start with Anvil (anvil start or the app); anvil service enable <name> and disable <name> choose which. In the app each service also has Start, Stop and Restart.

Connecting applicationsCopy Anchor Link

Tag services (anvil service tag <name> queue) and attach them to the applications that use them (anvil service link <name> myapp). Each service shows the .env lines to connect in the app.

For each application, Anvil also reads its .env and tells you where every database, cache and mail server it points at comes from: an Anvil service, a Docker container or Compose service, another program on your Mac, or a remote host. anvil usage <site> shows the same in the terminal.

What's insideCopy Anchor Link

For a running service, anvil service databases <name> lists MySQL and PostgreSQL databases with their sizes, Redis keys and memory, or Mailpit messages. Create and drop databases with anvil service create-db and drop-db. The app can also flush Redis, delete all Mailpit messages and open a service in a database app you have installed (TablePlus, Sequel Ace, Postico, DBeaver, DataGrip, Beekeeper Studio, RedisInsight).