How to Set Up a Local Server Using XAMPP

How to Set Up a Local Server Using XAMPP

XAMPP is a free and open-source cross-platform web server solution stack package developed by Apache Friends. It enables developers to create and test PHP-based websites locally before going live. Here’s a step-by-step guide to set up a local server using XAMPP.

Step 1: Download XAMPP

Visit the official XAMPP website at apachefriends.org and download the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Step 2: Install XAMPP

For Windows:

1. Run the downloaded .exe file
2. Click Next and select components (leave default selections)
3. Choose an install location (default is recommended)
4. Click Next and then Install
5. Launch the XAMPP Control Panel

For macOS:

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file
2. Drag and drop XAMPP to the /Applications folder
3. Open XAMPP and click Start for Apache and MySQL

For Linux:

1. Make the installer executable:

   chmod +x xampp-linux-x64-version-installer.run

2. Run the installer:

   sudo ./xampp-linux-x64-version-installer.run

3. Follow the GUI prompts to complete the installation

Step 3: Start Apache and MySQL

In the XAMPP Control Panel, click Start next to Apache and MySQL. This starts your local web and database server.

Step 4: Test the Local Server

Open your browser and go to:

http://localhost/

If the XAMPP dashboard appears, your server is working.

Step 5: Add Your Website Files

Place your HTML, PHP, or project folders inside the htdocs directory.

Default paths:

• Windows: C:\xampp\htdocs
• macOS/Linux: /Applications/XAMPP/htdocs

Access your project by navigating to:

http://localhost/your-folder-name/

Step 6: Set Up phpMyAdmin

To manage databases, visit:

http://localhost/phpmyadmin

Here, you can:

• Create new databases
• Import/export SQL files
• Run SQL queries

Step 7: Configure php.ini and httpd.conf (Optional)

Advanced users may want to customize XAMPP settings by editing:

• php.ini – for PHP settings
• httpd.conf – for Apache configurations

After editing, restart Apache for changes to take effect.

Step 8: Securing XAMPP

XAMPP is not secure by default. Avoid using it in a production environment. For added security:

• Set passwords in http://localhost/security/
• Disable remote access if needed
• Change default MySQL root password in phpMyAdmin