


How do I search for packages on Packagist using Composer? (composer search)
Aug 02, 2025 am 10:56 AMYou can search packages directly from the command line via Composer's search command, which is an effective way to find a specific library or tool. The usage method is composer search <term>, such as composer search logger; multiple keywords can be used to narrow the scope, such as composer search cache redis; you can also try common words first and then gradually concretize them; for advanced filtering, it is recommended to visit Packagist.org for filtering and sorting; at the same time, you need to pay attention to check the update time, compatibility and security warnings of the package to ensure that the selected package is suitable for long-term use.
You can search for packages directly from the command line using Composer's search
command. This is handy if you're looking for specific libraries or tools that fit a certain need, like a payment gateway integration or a logging utility.
Here's how to do it and some tips to make your searches more effective.
Basic Usage of composer search
The simplest way to use the command is:
composer search <term>
Replace <term>
with what you're looking for — this could be a package name, functionality, or author. For example:
composer search logger
This will return a list of packages matching "logger", along with their descriptions.
You don't need to be inside a project directory to run this command — just make sure Composer is installed on your system.
Narrow Down Results with Multiple Keywords
Searching with one keyword often gives too many results. You can add more terms to narrow things down:
composer search cache redis
This finds packages related to both "cache" and "redis". It helps filter out irrelevant packages and brings you closer to what you really need.
If you're unsure about exact terms, try variations. For example:
- Try general first:
search payment
- Then get specific:
search payment stripe
Use Packagist.org for Advanced Filtering
While composer search
is convenient, it doesn't offer advanced filters like sorting by downloads or stars. In those cases, go directly to Packagist.org and type your query into the search bar.
On the website, you can:
- Filter by tag (eg,
symfony-bundle
,laravel
) - Sort by relevance, recently updated, most downloaded
- See stats like version compatibility and license info
This is especially useful when comparing multiple options or checking community adoption before choosing a package.
Watch Out for Common Gotchas
Sometimes you'll find a package that looks right but isn't maintained anymore. Here are a few things to double-check:
- When was the last update? A package not updated in over a year might be abandoned.
- Does it support your PHP version or framework?
- Are there any security advisories?
If you're working in a team or maintaining a long-term project, these small checks can save you headaches later.
That's basically how it works. The composer search
command is simple but powerful, especially when combined with smart keywords or a quick trip to Packagist.org.
The above is the detailed content of How do I search for packages on Packagist using Composer? (composer search). For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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