XAMPP

XAMPP is a comprehensive tool that supports multiple Web server technologies, enabling users to create a local development environment containing Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl. It is a free and open source utility with a straightforward installer and a simple interface that offers a quick and easy configuration without using any additional tools.

No doubt, installing Apache web server along with MySQL, PHP, and Perl is a difficult task, especially for new learners, but XAMPP will give you the ease of downloading, extracting, and starting. The lightweight tool is used by millions of users, including developers, students, and IT professionals.

What is XAMPP?

XAMPP is a free, open-source, and lightweight development tool that enables developers to build a comprehensive package, including Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl, and set up a local server environment for testing websites without a network connection. It is cross-platform while offering services for Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems.

The innovative tool is developed by Apache friends that include Apache HTTP Server, MariaDB Database, and Interpreters for scripts written in different programming languages such as PHP, Perl, etc. The user-friendly control panel makes your various functions quick and smooth, such as starting or stopping the services, checking logos, and modifying basic settings. 

XAMPP Features

Simple Installation 

The app is simple to download and install, as you can download it from the official website or simply click the “Download” button given on the page, extract the installer, and double-click the file to start installation. By default, all components are selected, but you are capable of selecting your required components. Select the directory for installing the app, and click the “Next” option. After installation, click the app’s icon to launch the Control Panel.

User-friendly Interface

After installation, navigate to the Control Panel and click the ‘Start’ button. You are prompted to Module Control to start Apache and MySQL. You can access to dashboard while navigating to http://localhost with the help of a web browser like Google Chrome. Select the htdocs directory from the installation folder to save your web files, and manage your database while accessing phpMyAdmin through http//:localhost/phpmyadmin. Click on the ‘Stop’ option to stop the services from the Control Panel. The Control Panel contains the following important components;

• Module Control offers simple buttons to start and stop services such as Apache and MySQL.
• Logs give access to troubleshooting.
• Config is used for accessing configuration files 
• NetStat is for monitoring network status and connections
• Services are for managing services such as Windows services

Manage Web Development Requirements

The support for a huge range of web development requirements, such as PHP-based applications, including WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and so on. You can handle MySQL easily while using phpMyAdmin for database management. In addition, the availability of module extensions enables users to add Tomcat, Perl, OpenSSL, etc, to enhance the functionality. 

Simple Access

XAMPP is simple and quick to use, as it can be unzipped within an exclusive archive. The stack doesn’t require any middleware, as you need only to use the redistributable code. It is also possible to install various packages separately using XAMPP, and the combined services on an exclusive platform make it one of the best server hardware for hackers as well as for users who have to manage presentations. 

Cross-platform Compatibility

The app offers cross-platform compatibility for multiple digital machines, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and so on. It makes your workflow flexible while allowing you to manage the Control Panel more reliably. It can be installed on a USB flash, and you can take it anywhere to use anytime. 

Seamless Services for Education

The app proves to be the best solution for the education field, as it allows a quick and easy installation to guide the students. It will help to avoid using an actual site for assisting the users. However, it doesn’t suit to install on Windows and run in a production environment, because it doesn’t have security updates that are necessary for a server running on the open web.

Offline Services

You need an internet connection only for installing the app on your device, as it works like a local server to run complicated tests. It helps web developers make their scripts functional on their Windows systems and remove them before uploading their code. In addition, it works like a remote server while allowing you to connect through FTP. It is the best solution for users who want to complete a big project using their own terminal, as it can easily be connected through FTP, and after completing the work, they can move to a real server architecture.

 Pros

• Combine Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl in a single installer
• Free and open-source utility driven by a vibrant community
• Quick and smooth installation and setup
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Handle the database within phpMyAdmin
• Offers an important toolkit within a comprehensive package

Cons

• Advanced setups require manual configuration
• Not suitable for Windows because of its limited security features
• Lack of multiple packages full XAMPP installations has