# How to install composer

> Canonical: https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-install-composer/ · Last modified: 2026-09-08T11:02:33+00:00

Composer is the standard tool for dependency management in PHP. It downloads and updates the libraries your project needs, based on a single configuration file. This guide shows you how to **install Composer** on your JetHost hosting account over SSH.

## Before you start

On JetHost shared hosting, SSH is enabled by default, so you can connect right away. If you are not sure how, see our guide on [how to use SSH](https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-ssh/). Once you are connected to the console, you are ready to install Composer.

## Install Composer

First, download and run the official installer with a single command:

```
curl -sS https://getcomposer.org/installer | php
```

This creates a file named `composer.phar` in your current directory. You can then run Composer like this:

```
php composer.phar --version
```

If it prints a version number, Composer is installed and working.

## Make Composer easier to run

Next, to run `composer` instead of `php composer.phar`, move it to a personal `bin` folder that is in your PATH:

```
mkdir -p ~/bin
mv composer.phar ~/bin/composer
```

Log out and back in, then test it with `composer --version`. If the command is not found, add `~/bin` to your PATH in your shell profile.

## Using Composer

Finally, move into your project directory and run `composer install` to fetch the dependencies listed in your `composer.json` file, or `composer require vendor/package` to add a new one.

Composer records the exact versions it installs in a `composer.lock` file. Commit both `composer.json` and `composer.lock` to your project, so every environment installs the same versions. When you deploy, run `composer install` to match the lock file exactly, and use `composer update` only when you deliberately want newer versions.

## Need more help?

Explore more [Linux commands](https://jethost.com/kb/category/linux-commands/) with examples, or get full root control to install tools system-wide with a [JetHost VPS](https://jethost.com/vps/). If you run into a PHP version issue while installing Composer, our support team can help you choose the right one.