Manually add local projects from folders

The idea is that you would be able to add local projects based on folders without going through the export/zip and import process.

+ add website > select existing local folder

I think this would have plenty of usecases for the community.

Usecases :

Solve 30 feature requests with 1 button. This simply gives more control to developers to implement their solutions and not get stuck because of their specific needs. Meanwhile you focus on making flywheel better for the standard usecases.

My usecase :
I actually use 3 usecases from above. I have a current projects folder where I have all my local projects and an archive folder where I drag and drop completed projects when I am done.

In addition I use cloud storage solution. My current projects is synced on laptop and desktop. Being able to switch computer without having to do any manipulation is a godsend. I just continue working whether I am home or on the go.

I really want to start using git to snapshot websites states. Being able to save files and ddb at the same time is an opportunity that few software like local offer. You could easily manages branches of data+files of a websie. Add core to .gitignore and you’re basically set for theme + plugins + ddb instant snapshots. But we can’t really take advantage of it in a practical way without this small local feature addition.

Why you should implement it
There is literally no reason not to. Just as non-wordpress websites, local is already capable of doing this. Create a local project, empty it and replace files. But it is really cumbersome, and in cases of shared storage, it can be very unpractical. But it is already a feature, just needs the button “add folder” to make local super powerful.

Forseeing implementation issues

  • ./conf/ not cross platform: I don’t think windows and mac use the same executables for apache / nginx, php, sql etc. So when adding a project as a folder, maybe local would have to add the local environment server executables - if possible same version but working in parallel (not replace but add) so that the two environments can keep using local. I still think it would be worth releasing the feature without managing this at all (at least people on same OS could start using it). But maybe have the possibility to setup to setup the local environment manually either on import or after.

  • Not have multiple computers working on the same files - AT THE SAME TIME - it would probably result in loss of progress (but that’s the responsibility of the user and is true for many type of projects). But the good thing is that way I think Local works makes database corruption very unlikely.

Thank you for writing up this feature request @rsepierre! I’ll pass it along to our team :green_heart:

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Thank you for that Nick B. I just added the last paragraphs about foreseeing implementation issues. I still think it’s worth implementing even if those don’t find immediate solutions.

The most simple way I can sum up this features addition is : a way to restore link between a Local made folder and the Local software.

Other potential benefits or quality of life additions are good but not essential.

Thank you again @rsepierre! It looks like our team already had a similar idea in their Backlog so they definitely think it is worth pursuing. We will leave your request up for now for others to vote, comment and follow along. That way when we have any updates we can share them here as well. :green_heart:

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