This is a quick tutorial that will show you how to install XAMPP software on Windows.
As a programmer and designer I always have a development environment. It is never a good idea to test a new programme, website, blog website and design on a production site (“life site”).
In this walkthrough you will see how easy it is install XAMPP It will be your playground to try things out, test it before publishing it. You will use your browser and the URL (website address): http://localhost. By default, “localhost” is the default domain name for your PC. It resolves to IP address 127.0.0.1.
Well what exactly is XAMPP?
WikiPedia defines XAMPP as follows:
XAMPP (pronounced zæmp or ɛks.æmp) is a free and open source cross-platform web server package, consisting mainly of the Apache HTTP Server, MySQL database, and interpreters for scripts written in the PHP and Perl programming languages.
And the price? It is GRATIS! I just love freebies, don’t you?
License: GPL
Let’s go!
Go and hop over to Apache Friends – XAMPP for Windows to learn more. Since I’ve encountered problems with sending mail on XAMPP 1.7.3 (currently the latest version), I reverted back to version 1.7.2. At SourceForge you can browse all the versions and download the previous versions (I recommend that you download xampp-win32-1.7.2.exe for now).
Downloading and Installing XAMPP
Download XAMPP at SourceForge and run the executable file.
An installation wizard will appear.
Select the install button.
Wait for the program to extract. By default it will extract the entire package to C:\XAMPP folder.
Once XAMPP has extracted the file a command prompt window will appear that will ask you a few questions to complete the installation.
Type ‘y’ and press the Enter key to create Start Menu and Desktop shortcuts.
Type ‘y’ and press the Enter key to locate XAMPP paths correctly.
Type ‘y’ and press the Enter key if you install XAMPP on a hard disk including external hard disk drives. Type ‘n’ for USB Flash drives (USB Sticks).
Press the Enter key
Next you will see a notification about the time zone. You will see a bit later on how to change the time zone. Press the Enter key for now.
Type ‘x’ and press the Enter key to close the screen.
Open Windows Explorer and go to the directory C:\XAMPP\PHP and open the file php.ini with your favourite text editor.
Scroll down to line 1014 to enter the correct time zone. To get the correct value go to http://php.net/date.timezone and look up the time zone for your region. Remember to save the file.
Now go to the directory C:\xampp\mysql\bin and open the file my.ini.
Scroll down to line 43 and enter the correct time zone. Remember to save the file.
You can close the above files.
Start Services XAMPP via the XAMPP Control Panel
Now let’s go and check that XAMPP is functionally properly.
Start up the XAMPP Control Panel by double clicking on the desktop icon. Otherwise click on the Start menu -> All programs -> XAMPP for Windows -> XAMPP Control Panel
Select the Start button next to Apache.
Select the Start button next to MySQL
Now to check if XAMPP has installed successfully just select the Admin button on the same line as Apache.
Otherwise just open your favourite browser and type http://localhost/ in the address bar.
Now select the language of your choice.
You will see the XAMPP welcome screen.
In the left navigation bar click on the Status link to view what is running and working or not.
Click on the Security link in the navigation pane to get an overview of the security status of your XAMPP installation.
Scroll down and click on the link http://localhost/security/xamppsecurity.php
In this screen you can secure the XAMPP installation by providing a password for the MYSQL root user and choose a username and password for the XAMPP directory. Remember that you will have to enter this username and password every time you access http://localhost/
Now your developer environment is all set up and ready waiting for you.
Remember XAMPP is for a developer environment. You can read and learn more about at Apache Friends – XAMPP for Windows.
You can also watch the video on YouTube.
Download How to install XAMPP on Windows (PDF)
Happing coding and have fun!
Did this help you? Do you find the information helpful? If so, then go ahead and treat me to a coffee or send me a tip! Thanks!
Interesting article. The article took a lot of thought, which makes reading
it more interesting. I may return and take a look at what else you have to write.
plz help how to send email through XAMPP. I saw ur mercury video. it is good and fine.
what are the way to send email through XAMPP. plz tel to me. thank u.
You have to use Mercury Mail
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