How to Install Magento 2 Extension Using Composer – Step-by-Step Guide

• By rathsh.app • 5 min read
Magento 2 Composer Extensions Development

🚀 Master Magento 2 Extension Installation

Learn the professional way to install extensions using Composer for better dependency management and seamless updates.

Introduction

Installing Magento 2 extensions via Composer is the recommended method as it ensures proper dependency management and easy updates. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing a Magento 2 extension using Composer.

✅ Why Use Composer for Magento 2 Extensions?

  • Dependency Management: Automatically resolves and installs required dependencies
  • Version Control: Easy to track and manage extension versions
  • Security: Ensures authentic packages from verified repositories
  • Updates: Simple one-command updates for extensions
  • Professional Standard: Industry best practice for Magento development

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure you have:

  • ✔ Magento 2 installed
  • ✔ SSH access to your server
  • ✔ Composer installed
  • ✔ Extension package name (e.g., vendor/module-name)

🔧 Quick Composer Check

Verify Composer is installed by running:

composer --version

If not installed, visit getcomposer.org for installation instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install Magento 2 Extension via Composer

Step 1: Connect to Your Server via SSH

Access your Magento 2 server using SSH:

ssh username@your-server-ip

Navigate to your Magento root directory:

cd /var/www/html/magento2

Step 2: Install the Extension Using Composer

Run the following command (replace vendor/module-name with your extension's package name):

composer require vendor/module-name

Example:

composer require rathsh/order-export-m2

💡 Pro Tip: Installing Specific Versions

To install a specific version, use:

composer require vendor/module-name:^1.0

This ensures compatibility and prevents breaking changes from newer versions.

Step 3: Update Magento

After installation, run these commands in sequence:

1. Upgrade Setup

php bin/magento setup:upgrade

Updates database schema and registers new modules

2. Compile Dependency Injection

php bin/magento setup:di:compile

Compiles dependency injection configuration for better performance

3. Deploy Static Content

php bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy -f

Deploys static view files (CSS, JS, images)

4. Flush Cache

php bin/magento cache:flush

Clears all cache to ensure changes take effect

Step 4: Verify Installation

Check if the extension is enabled:

php bin/magento module:status

Ensure your extension appears in the enabled modules list.

🎉 Success! Your Extension is Now Installed

If you see your module in the enabled list, congratulations! Your Magento 2 extension has been successfully installed via Composer.

You can now configure the extension from your Magento admin panel.

FAQs – Magento 2 Composer Installation

1. Why should I use Composer to install Magento 2 extensions?

Composer ensures:

  • ✅ Automatic dependency resolution
  • ✅ Easy updates and version management
  • ✅ Better security and stability
  • ✅ Professional development workflow

2. What if I get a "Package not found" error?

  • Verify the correct package name
  • Ensure the extension is available in the Magento Marketplace or custom repository
  • Check if you need to add authentication keys for private repositories

3. Do I need to run setup:upgrade after installing via Composer?

Yes! This updates the database and registers the module. It's a crucial step that many developers forget.

4. How do I uninstall a Magento 2 extension installed via Composer?

Run these commands:

composer remove vendor/module-name
php bin/magento setup:upgrade

5. Can I install multiple extensions at once?

Yes, list them in a single command:

composer require vendor/module1 vendor/module2

Troubleshooting Common Issues

🚨 Common Problems & Solutions

  • Memory limit errors: Increase PHP memory limit to 2G or higher
  • Permission issues: Ensure proper file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories)
  • Composer timeout: Increase timeout with composer config --global process-timeout 2000
  • Authentication required: Add Magento Marketplace keys to composer configuration

Best Practices

💼 Professional Tips

  • Always backup your site before installing new extensions
  • Test extensions in a staging environment first
  • Keep your Magento version and extensions updated
  • Use version constraints to prevent compatibility issues
  • Document installed extensions for team members

Conclusion

Installing Magento 2 extensions via Composer is efficient and ensures smooth updates. This method provides better control over dependencies, easier maintenance, and follows industry best practices. By following this guide, you'll avoid common pitfalls and maintain a professional development workflow.

Remember to always test extensions in a development environment before deploying to production, and keep regular backups of your store.

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