PHP Install

What Is XAMPP?

XAMPP stands for:

• X (Cross-platform)
• Apache (Web server)
• MySQL/MariaDB (Database)
• PHP (Scripting language)
• Perl

Developers can use this all-in-one package to easily create PHP websites and applications on their local machines.

Step-by-Step: Installing PHP Using XAMPP

Step 1: Download XAMPP

• Go to the official site: https://www.apachefriends.org
• Download XAMPP for your operating system (Windows/macOS/Linux)
• Select a version that includes your preferred PHP release such as PHP 8.x

Step 2: Install XAMPP

• Run the downloaded installer file
• Follow the installation wizard
• Select components: During installation select Apache and PHP components and MySQL if necessary.
• Choose your install directory (e.g., C:\xampp)
• Complete installation

Step 3: Start Apache (and MySQL if needed) Launch XAMPP Control Panel

• Launch XAMPP Control Panel
• Click Start next to: Apache (starts the web server) and MySQL (if you're using a database)

A green Apache icon indicates that the server is operational.

Step 4: Test PHP Installation

• Go to the XAMPP installation folder: Example: C:\xampp\htdocs (this is your web root directory)
• Create a new file named test.php
• Add the following code:

 <?php
phpinfo();
?>

• Open a browser and go to:

http://localhost/test.php 

You should see the PHP configuration page, which confirms PHP is working.