How to Run/Test PHP Scripts Locally

[nking]

I want to learn some PHP, however, I would like to be able to run the scripts locally rather than loading onto my server to test them. I don't want to set up a full server at home for this purpose so I wonder if anyone knows of Free software to do this. I have found a site http://www.easyphp.org/ which suggests this might do what I want but thought I would ask this forum for suggestions.

Thanks

[steve]

That is, effectively, a full server. It's a 'WAMP' system - Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP. There's a list of alternatives here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_WAMPs

I've used XAMPP and I seem to remember it was quite easy to set up.

[GraemeT]

Neil,
You could set up a 'testing' server at home using Abyss X1, which is a free download from http://www.aprelium.com/
Downloads are available for Mac OS X, Linux, Freebsd and Windows.
Get the latest php release from http://www.php.net/downloads.php and your away.
Abyss is very easy to set up and the Aprelium website provides full details on configuring php, perl, asp.net etc.
There are not as many options as Apache, but what Abyss lacks in features it makes up with ease of setup and maintenance.

If you decide you want to set up virtual hosts then Abyss X2 is available for a reasonable price.

My websites run on Abyss X2 under Windoze 7 using php5.3

[gemini06720]

Neil, I strongly suggest that you download and install XAMPP - I have been using the server software for more than 3 years with no problem whatsoever. I have tried a few other server software but was not satisfied with most of them.

XAMPP is easy to install and to use. First, you must download XAMPP by visiting the Apache Friends pages at the following link:

http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html

Then, download XAMPP for Windows version 1.7.3 (the latest release dated Dec 23, 2009). To install, you need to tell XAMPP where to install itself and that is about it...

Oh yes, I remember that a few modifications to one of XAMPP file and to the Windows host file have to be made so one can created his/her own internal domain. But then, once you have the software installed, you can be guided through those steps...

The XAMPP package contains the following:
- Apache v2.2.14 (IPv6 enabled) + OpenSSL v0.9.8l
- MySQL v5.1.41 + PBXT engine
- PHP v5.3.1
- phpMyAdmin v3.2.4
- Perl v5.10.1
- FileZilla FTP Server v0.9.33
- Mercury Mail Transport System v4.72

I have the Apache server software (and PHP) running almost continually on my computer.

If you have an additional and empty hard drive partition, I strongly recommend that you use that partition to install XAMPP and to save all Web development related files, all by themselves and away from all other software and Windows.

[daj]

Buy a Mac -- it's all built in!

Seriously though -- as already said, XAMPP is good to get you up and running

[steve]

Buy a Mac -- it's all built in!

Well, I'm convinced

I mustn't let the Mac version of Cumulus divert me from the Windows version for too long, though

[scoobs]

I use http://www.wampserver.com/en/index.php if i want to test anything out be it websites , php cgi mysql etc.

[nking]

Hi Guys,

Many thanks to you all for your very helpful advice/recommendations. Based upon your suggestions I am going to give XAMPP a shot as it is clear there is a lot of experience in this forum that I may need to call upon…. Hopefully not too often.

David,
I would love to buy a Mac but my wife said NO…. it will make me fat!

I bet you'd like a pound for every time you'd heard that one

[Gina]

Install Linux - like Mac OS, also based on Unix but free You can even install Ubuntu Linux as a Windows program with Wubi https://wiki.ubuntu.com/WubiGuide