| Developer | VMware |
| License | Free |
| Download | Free Download |
Apache Friends has developed a web server with open source (free, of course) cross-platform use that is called as XAMPP. That’s why it gets its name because of the combination: X comes from Cross Platform, A is from Apache, M is from MySQL, P is from PHP, and the last P is from Perl. The Apache server is claimed as the lightweight and simple server that enables developers to create and make local HTTP server without complication or problems. If you want to, you only need to have some clicks to use the server – and you are good to go!
The Core Understanding of XAMPP
There are a lot of unique things about XAMPP. With this application, Apache is acting as the server while MySQL is the database. PHP is basically the Side Server Scripting language that when combined together, allow executable and extractable file. This server can function and work fine for Linux, Mac, and Windows thanks to the cross-platform usability and feature.
The Basic Benefits
If you take a look at XAMPP packages, you will some apps and services presented together to allow easy and fast deployment (not to mention also simple configuration), which covers Mercury, MySQL, Tomcat, PHP, Apache, FileZilla FTP server, and so much more. Is it easy to install and use? Yes, it is. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to operate or have the server in your system.
Since this server is designed for developers, they can make their own local LAMP installation, designed for development of the web-based apps. The server’s default installation includes some PHP apps, such as GD for graphics libraries, OpenSSL for secure layer socket support, SQLite for database package, MySQL database, Administering through PhpAdmin, and such thing alike. Creating and developing are made easier – ways easier than before.
Moreover, the server comes with easy and simple control panel, allowing you to start or stop modules. Not to mention that the panel is coming with user-friendly interface and easy operation. When you first start the server, be prepared to get local access to the IP address with port number default of 80. Don’t worry, you can always change the port number. Feel free to put the web projects under the special folder htdocs. Simply create a separate and different folder dedicated to each project and you should be able to access those easily.
The Final Verdict
Basically, this app gets a rate of 9.8 from 10 overall rates for performance. The good thing about this tool is:
- It is an efficient development tool that is designed specifically for developers. Tweaking and making the adjustment is easy.
- The installation process is super easy and simple
- It comes with all the needed features and abilities
- It has a control panel with GUI based application for easy start and stops services. It also includes easy updating configuration files
So far, there is no flaw or downside to this server. It works super well in every operating system such as Mac, Linux, and also Window. If you have tons of work related to PHP development, you should consider using this XAMPP.