What is xampp? Easily explained

Many web programmers come into contact with XAMPP sooner or later. In this article we explain what that is and what you need it for.

Set up a local web server with XAMPP

If you want to open PHP files on your computer, you need a local server. You don't have to upload your files to your web server to test them, you can do it offline.

• The name "XAMPP" is an abbreviation for Apache, MySQL, Perl and PHP. The "X" at the beginning refers to the fact that the program runs on various operating systems such as Windows, Linux or Max OS X.
• XAMPP is a program that installs all the important components of your test server environment. In addition to the actual Apache server, PHP and MySQL are also installed.
• With XAMPP you make your work easier because you do not have to install the individual components of your test server configuration yourself. XAMPP installs the important components as a complete solution. In a separate practical tip, we will show you how to install XAMPP and set up your server.
• XAMPP is therefore not the web server itself, but just a program that makes it easy to install and set up a local test server.
• You not only use XAMPP for a one-time installation - it also helps you to control your local server environment afterwards.

If you've only used HTML so far, you don't need XAMPP. However, pure HTML may no longer be sufficient for your application and it is advisable to use PHP. Read another practical tip about what PHP is and what areas you can use it for.