Installing PHP & Setting Up Local Server Using XAMPP

If you're just starting with PHP, the easiest way to get your development environment up and running is by using XAMPP. It bundles Apache (web server), MySQL (database), PHP, and phpMyAdmin into one package.

What is XAMPP?

XAMPP stands for:

X – Cross-platform (works on Windows, macOS, Linux)
A – Apache HTTP Server
M – MySQL Database
P – PHP Programming Language
P – Perl Programming Language

It allows you to run a local web server on your computer, which is perfect for testing and developing PHP websites without buying hosting.

Benefits of Using XAMPP for PHP Development

All-in-one package: Includes everything needed for PHP development
Easy installation: Simple setup process
Cross-platform: Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Free and open source: No licensing costs
Local development: Test websites without internet
phpMyAdmin included: Manage MySQL databases easily

Step-by-Step Guide to Install XAMPP

Step 1: Download XAMPP

Visit the official Apache Friends website: https://www.apachefriends.org
Choose the version for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
Download the latest XAMPP version that supports PHP 8.x

XAMPP download page showing different operating system versions — XAMPP download page with available versions for different operating systems

Step 2: Install XAMPP

Open the downloaded installer file.
You may receive a Windows security warning – click "Yes" to continue.
In the setup wizard, click "Next" until you reach the component selection.

You can keep all default components selected: Apache, MySQL, PHP, phpMyAdmin, etc.

XAMPP installation wizard first screen — XAMPP installation wizard welcome screen

XAMPP component selection screen during installation — Selecting components to install with XAMPP

Choose the installation directory (default is C:\xampp) and continue.
Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 3: Launch XAMPP Control Panel

After installation, run the XAMPP Control Panel.
Start the following services:
- Apache (web server)
- MySQL (database server)

XAMPP control panel with Apache and MySQL services running — XAMPP Control Panel with Apache and MySQL services running

If you see a Windows Firewall warning, allow access to both Apache and MySQL.

Step 4: Test Your Local Server

1. Verify XAMPP Installation

Open your browser and go to: http://localhost/
You should see the XAMPP welcome page.

2. Locate the htdocs Directory

Go to: C:\xampp\htdocs\
This is the root folder where you place your PHP files.

3. Create a Test PHP File

Create a test file named test.php inside the htdocs folder and add the following code:

<?php
echo "PHP is working!";
?>

Expected Output

PHP is working!

4. Access Your Test File

Open your browser and go to: http://localhost/test.php
You should see: PHP is working!

Troubleshooting Common XAMPP Issues

Port Conflicts

If Apache won't start, it might be because port 80 or 443 is in use:

Skype, IIS, or other web servers can block these ports
Solution: Change Apache ports in httpd.conf or close conflicting applications

MySQL Not Starting

If MySQL fails to start:

Check if another MySQL instance is running
Look at the error logs in xampp/mysql/data/

PHP Errors

If PHP scripts aren't working:

Check that files are saved in htdocs with .php extension
Verify error logs in xampp/php/logs/
Ensure you're accessing files via http://localhost/

Alternative PHP Development Environments

While XAMPP is great for beginners, other options exist:

Tool	Description	Best For
WAMP	Windows-only stack (Apache, MySQL, PHP)	Windows developers
MAMP	macOS/Windows stack with Pro version available	macOS users
Laragon	Lightweight Windows PHP environment	Laravel developers
Docker	Containerized development environments	Advanced users, team projects

Next Steps in Your PHP Journey

Now that you have PHP installed:

Learn basic PHP syntax and structure
Understand how PHP interacts with HTML
Explore working with forms and user input
Connect PHP to MySQL databases
Build your first PHP application