XAMPP (Win32) – Full Installation & Usage Guide
What is XAMPP? XAMPP is a free and open-source web server package developed by Apache Friends. It includes Apache HTTP Server, MariaDB (MySQL), PHP, and Perl. It's a lightweight, cross-platform solution for developers to test and run websites locally.
- X = Cross-platform
- A = Apache (Web Server)
- M = MariaDB / MySQL (Database)
- P = PHP (Scripting Language)
- P = Perl (Optional Scripting Language)
Why Use XAMPP on Windows (Win32)? - Lightweight, portable, and easy to install
- Great for offline development and testing
- No need for separate installations of Apache, MySQL, PHP
- Useful for WordPress, Laravel, Joomla, and custom PHP apps
- Supports legacy systems with 32-bit Windows compatibility
Components Included - Apache 2.x
- MariaDB / MySQL Database
- PHP 5.x / 7.x / 8.x (depending on version)
- phpMyAdmin (Web-based DB tool)
- FileZilla FTP Server (optional)
- Mercury Mail Server (optional)
- Tomcat (for Java apps)
Installation Steps (Win32) - Go to the official XAMPP website
- Download the Win32 version (for 32-bit Windows)
- Run the installer as Administrator
- During setup, select the components you need (e.g., Apache, MySQL, PHP)
- Choose an installation folder (e.g., `C:\xampp`)
- Launch the XAMPP Control Panel after installation
Using XAMPP - Start Apache and MySQL from the Control Panel
- Place your PHP or HTML files in the `htdocs` folder
- Access your project via browser:
- Use phpMyAdmin to manage databases:
Security Notes - Do not expose your XAMPP server to the internet in production
- Use a password for MySQL root user
- Disable unused components for better performance and safety
Best Use Cases - Learning PHP, MySQL, and full-stack development
- Developing and debugging web apps locally
- Running CMS platforms like WordPress locally
- Testing PHP scripts before deployment
Learning Resources - Apache Friends Official Site
- W3Schools PHP Tutorials
- PHP: The Right Way
- YouTube: "XAMPP Tutorial for Beginners"
XAMPP turns your PC into a powerful local server — perfect for learning, building, and testing web projects offline.
