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1. What is XAMPP?

2. Opening PHP Files in XAMPP

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 5:

If you're just starting web development or testing websites, you might be introduced to XAMPP. It's a free, stable, and regularly updated server solution. If you're programming in PHP, you're in luck because running PHP files in XAMPP is incredibly easy, and Mytour will guide you through the details.

1. What is XAMPP?

XAMPP is an open-source, cross-platform web server package. Developed and updated by Apache Friends, it's completely free to download and use. The main components include the Apache HTTP Server and the MariaDB database. It also includes interpreters for programming languages like Perl and PHP.

XAMPP is compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems, making it an incredibly flexible server solution. It also supports both LAMP and WAMP.

XAMPP is an acronym, with the key components represented by the following initials:

- X stands for cross-platform.
- A is for Apache server.
- M is for MariaDB database (or MySQL).
- P is for PHP.
- P is for PERL.

2. Opening PHP Files in XAMPP

Opening and running a PHP file in XAMPP is a breeze. All you need is a working copy of XAMPP and a PHP file. Then, follow the step-by-step instructions below:

Step 1:

Firstly, download XAMPP. You'll need a version of XAMPP compatible with your computer's operating system. Opt for the latest version of the program.

Step 2:

Next, install XAMPP on your computer. The most common approach is to install the program on drive C, although some users may opt for drive D or other non-system partitions.

To install XAMPP, right-click on the downloaded installer file. Click the Run button to initiate the installation process. Follow the setup wizard to complete the process. In the Components section, you can choose to skip some components if you're sure you won't need them. However, it's recommended to keep everything and install the full version.

The default location is C:\xampp. Users can change it if they wish, but it's not advisable.

Step 3:

In this step, you'll create a project folder to store the PHP files you want to run in XAMPP. To do that, navigate to the XAMPP folder and open the htdocs folder. There, create a new folder and name it according to the project you will paste into it. Alternatively, you can name it NewProject, Project 1, or any other desired name.

Step 4:

If you already have a file you want to open with XAMPP, browse to it. Once you determine the file's location, copy and paste it into the folder created in step 3. Alternatively, you can cut and paste the file.

If you don't have a file and want to create a PHP file for testing XAMPP, follow these steps:

- Go to the folder created in the previous step and create a new text file inside it. Name the file and change the extension from txt to php. Note: Do not use punctuation at the end of each statement as it is only used for grammar-related purposes.

- Open the file with a text editor, both Notepad and Notepad++ are excellent choices. Begin your HTML document with

. In the next line, open the header with

. Close the header in the next line with .

- Next, you input

in the following line. Press Enter a few times and hit TAB to indent. Type

- Then, press Enter once more and input ?>. This will conclude the PHP section. In the next line, you enter

. Below that line, you input . Press Ctrl + S to save the changes in the file. Finally, your file may look like the example below:

Step 5:

Now, open the file in XAMPP, and here's how to do it:

- Open XAMPP. You can launch the program through the icon in the system tray or search in the Start menu if you're using a Windows computer.

- In the Control Panel window of the program, click the Start button next to Apache to launch the Apache server. The Apache label will turn green, and you'll see a message in the log below, indicating that the server is running.

- Now, open your web browser and type localhost in the address bar.

- Click on the localhost - Welcome to XAMPP option just below the address bar.

- You will be redirected to localhost/dashboard. Replace the dashboard part with the name of the folder storing your PHP files, for example, localhost/NewProject.

- In the list of files displayed in the folder, click on the PHP file.

- If everything is fine, your PHP file will open in the browser.

As an open-source and free solution, XAMPP is a common choice for web developers and testers working on a tight budget. Additionally, XAMPP is a widely trusted web server creation tool. Its cross-platform support is one of the factors contributing to its popularity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main components of the XAMPP server package?

XAMPP consists of several key components: the Apache HTTP Server, the MariaDB database, and interpreters for programming languages like PHP and Perl. This combination provides a powerful and flexible environment for web development.

How can I easily open and run PHP files in XAMPP?

To open PHP files in XAMPP, first ensure XAMPP is installed. Create a project folder in the htdocs directory, place your PHP files there, start the Apache server from the XAMPP control panel, and access the files via your web browser using 'localhost'.

Is XAMPP suitable for both beginners and experienced developers?

Yes, XAMPP is designed to be user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners, while also offering powerful features that experienced developers can utilize. Its flexibility and ease of use contribute to its widespread adoption in web development.

What operating systems are compatible with XAMPP?

XAMPP is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform capability makes it an excellent choice for developers working in diverse environments.

How do I install XAMPP on my computer effectively?

To install XAMPP, download the latest version compatible with your operating system, run the installer, and follow the setup wizard. It's recommended to install all components for full functionality.

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