Talk about the number of servers in the worldIt’s like talking about stars in the sky. It is estimated that, for every million people on Earth, there are about 12 million secure servers. Each computer can become a local server or be connected to the network.
This is a possibility that is achieved with XAMPP, a suite of free and open source applications that web developers use as a server, which allows internal testing without being on the internet.
We will show you what the main functions are that characterize it, what are the most useful applications it has and how to do a clean install on Linux, where it is safer to work on your projects.
What is XAMPP and what is this tool for on Linux computers?
In addition to being a kind of Swiss nava, XAMPP is an acronym for the applications and solutions that make up its core packages:
- Linux, where you have a greater range of maneuverability.
- Apache, that serves as a web server and on which most of the rest of the applications are focused.
- MySQL / MariaDB, which are database administrators that every web needs to function.
- PHP, an excellent and recognized programming language for making dynamic websites.
- Perl, which is also a programming language that supports the creation of applications that interact with your website at birth.
XAMPP is an Apache distribution, so if you are going to use these tools like a pro, it is better that you already have experience with this program package. Although it also has an assistant for beginners.
What are the main functions and features that make XAMPP an excellent programming environment?
There are more than one program available within the XAMPP package, so in this section you will know the most used and the most useful ones that you should take into account if you want to learn how to create web projects from scratch.
Review this list of the main features you have when installing XAMPP on your Windows, MacOS and Linux PC, which is where we will focus in the next step by step:
- Htdocs: It is a folder to save and protect the necessary files that a website requires, it is a kind of local hosting that allows the operation of the website.
- phpMyAdmin: It is the central program with which the functions of MySQL, a database manager, are controlled. It serves as a starter for people who do not have enough experience.
- Control Panel: It is the console with which all the processes within XAMPP are regulated and monitored. From this place the operation of the web is supervised.
- Mercury: offers a free and personalized email service with which you can offer this solution to your customers. You have a limited number of possible accounts to create.
- Test site: With XAMPP you can do the tests you want in real time, this means that you do not need a server or the internet to verify that the web works 100%.
- Real server: If you prefer to have complete control of your web server or hosting, then with XAMPP you can also do it. Remember that a server is an ordinary computer, but with some adjustments to support web traffic.
- Virtual machines are not required: This application acts as a virtual machine to recreate an environment where a dynamic web can work. To complete the installation, no plugins like VirtualBox are required, to mention just one of them.
Learn step by step how to install XAMPP on your computer with Linux operating system from scratch
Although XAMPP is a set of free and open source programs, the installation of the whole package it is not as complex as it seems.
We will tell you what to do to make this process easy for you, in case you are an apprentice developer:
Before starting
Actually, a super computer is not required to be installed, but the recommendation is that your computer meets the following technical requirements:
- Processors less than 8 cores.
- RAM 2Gb.
- Hard disk space from 4GB and it is a lot for what this package occupies.
- Internet connection during the installation.
As the installation will be on Linux, the whole process is done from the command console that you must master. However, we leave you the necessary commands.
Download XAMPP
It is required to have the installation package downloaded to your computer, so you only need to start sending commands in the console:
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Go to the official website and download the package
apachefriends.org/es/download.html - Select the version you want to try. It is always recommended to lower the last version.
- Unzip if necessary so that there are no problems in installation.
Install XAMPP
It’s time to open command console and start typing some lines of code.
First, execute permission must be given:
Afterwards, an installation wizard opens in which you must follow the steps for a standard configuration:
- Press “Next” at all times until the end of the guide.
- Then, you must press “Finish”.
If you want to do a more personalized installation, then you must be an expert in handling Apache and the programs that are needed to make it work XAMPP. Otherwise, it is convenient that you follow the preset steps so that there are no later errors in its operation.
Activate all services
To avoid using the XAMPP wizard and activating the programs that are required, it is better that you ensure the activation and operation of this package:
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sudo /opt/lampp/lampp start, this for Activate. -
sudo /opt/lampp/lampp stop, in case of stop the service. -
sudo /opt/lampp/lampp restart, when it’s requested Restart your computer.
In case you want to know where you should save the documents of your web page, then this is the code that you should have on hand:
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/opt/lampp/htdocs.
In other words, to get the initial page of your website, you must place the following address in your browser:
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/opt/lampp/htdocs/prueba.php. Taking into account that the test may actually be a “Index”.
Finally, if you want to adjust the PHP configuration that comes by default in the installation, you must locate the configuration file with this address:
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/opt/lammp/etc/php.ini.
List of the best alternative tools to XAMPP that you should know to use in Linux
Certainly, XAMPP It is not the only service of its kind that exists in the open source world, but it is one of the most complete and powerful with which you can work.
If you tried this tool and did not like it, then you should see this list of available options so that you have new alternatives:
WampServer
The advantage with this proposal is that it brings developer-oriented configurations, but also for end users. It is as easy to use as XAMPP, since it has additional support for Apache, PHP, phpmyAdmin, and MySQL. It also has support for Adminer and PhpSysInfo.
It supports all versions of PHP, however, if you want a more different alternative then you should keep reading:
- It is only available in Windows versions.
- Have a central panel with which all applications are controlled.
- It is downloaded in 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- Some settings they are more complex to achieve.
MAMP
It is an initiative designed better for Apple environments, although it also has support for Windows. But it cannot be installed in a Linux environment, so you should look for other options if you want to have the same services in the different distributions. It has support for PHP, Perl, Apache, MySQL and Python, which means a greater variety of projects aimed at different devices like cell phones, tablets and mono boards like Raspberry Pi.
This package can coexist with XAMPP without affecting the different processes that the new website must carry out:
- It’s easy to adjust settings in a local environment.
- It is a completely free package, although it is for Windows and MacOS.
- PHP and MySQL settings they are more practical.
- Take up more space on the hard drive and requires more RAM.
AMPPS
The developers decided that it is better if the same package is available in both Linux, What Windows and MacOS. Because, AMPPS is the best alternative to AXMPP because its installation is simpler and more powerful. It is also the best option for those who work with WordPress, since it does not require a manual installation from scratch.
AMPPS has an installation wizard that helps you complete all the steps so that you can test your website in WordPress without problems:
- It is available on all platforms. It has an installation wizard in each of them.
- Has more complete libraries that adjust to different web server configurations.
- It is easier to use than previous proposals, even XAMPP.
- Sometimes the interface gives headaches and is only available on 32 bits.