Open-source software supports many of the world's websites. Components like Apache, MySQL, and PHP are solid and reliable when installed properly together, but this can be complicated for amateur users. All-in-one distributions like XAMPP contain all the essentials and make this process much simpler.
Professional hosting companies have the knowledge and experience to setup all of the individual components of a complete web server according to their (and their users) needs. But DIY or self-supporting developer are very fortunate to have XAMPP at their side - a simple, quick, all-in-one web server solution.
There are several good web server distributions available, like LAMP, WAMP, and WampServer, so what makes Apache Friends' XAMPP the best? All packages contain Apache, MySQL, and PHP, but XAMPP has a couple key advantages:
- XAMPP includes Perl (the second 'P')
- XAMPP is cross-platform (Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Solaris)
- XAMPP is frequently updated
- XAMPP has an active support team and community, and thorough documentation
XAMPP is extremely simple to setup. When you are upgrading to a new version, just make sure to back up any files you've customized for your environment (like php.ini) and you'll be running a stable web server with the latest technology in no time at all.
Download latest version:
XAMPP v1.7.3
| Homepage: | http://www.apachefriends.org/ |
| Supported OS: |    |
| Portable version: |  Link |
| 64-bit version: |  |
| Active project: | |
| No strings attached **: | |
** No spyware, ads, nags, registration reminders, etc.
Other Web Server freeware to keep an eye on:
