Local Web Development Server for Windows - XAMPP

XAMPP for Windows is essentially an assortment of free software tools that help install and use Apache HTTP Server. In other words, it's an Apache distribution comprising Apache Web Server, PHP, MySQL, phpMyAdmin, Perl, FileZilla FTP Server, etc. The primary philosophy is to create an easy distribution setup for developers who are entering the Apache world.

XAMPP is a complete tool for dynamic and web developers. The bundle is open source and free and has been designed primarily for professionals. That said, amateurs can also come on-board and master XAMPP for Windows if they are willing to invest the time and effort needed to learn the tool.

XAMPP helps developers create a LAMP installation locally for the applications being developed. XAMPP also switches seamlessly between different PHP versions. This feature helps when testing an application's migration to later versions of PHP. Moreover, the demo apps offered with XAMPP help amateur developers use Apache, Perl and PHP.

The first step to using XAMPP for Windows is downloading the program from the website, Apache Friends. Next is launching the installer, setting system services for MySQL and Apache. The user would be now online and ready for action.

XAMPP offers an easy-to-use and convenient control panel that lets users turn services such as MySQL or Apache on and off, see port numbers and process IDs, read activity logs, edit configuration files and use Nestat. Adding to this is the easy interface and the additional assistance and information available online.

XAMPP isn't designed for production usage. It's for development environments only. It has an open configuration that lets a developer have anything he/she requires. This makes the tool more than just handy for both beginners and fairly skilled developers.

Yes, XAMPP is available in the "lite" flavour as well. XAMPP Lite is essentially a smaller pack of XAMPP components that is ideal for quick tasks that entail only MySQL and PHP usage. The Lite version, however, misses out on certain tools or servers such as FileZilla FTP and Mercury mail.

Almost all XAMPP settings can be changed using configuration files. To effect changes, the file must be opened in TextEdit. TextEdit is an open source, simple text editor and word processor. Only Mercury and FileZilla can be configured using the application configuration tool.

XAMPP may have troubles working on all Windows platforms. For instance, it doesn't work with Windows XP SP2 right out of the box. This is because the firewall provided with XP SP2 starts automatically. This firewall blocks the important ports 443 and 80, causing hurdles for Apache. Disabling the firewall and relaunching the tool may help.

At times, there could be issues displaying style-sheets and pictures with XAMPP. This is particularly the case if the files are on network drive. This issue could also be caused by applications that regulate bandwidth.