### A Step-by-Step Guide to Running PHP Files with XAMPP

“`html

A PHP script operates on a web server. But how can a developer working remotely establish a server to execute the script, troubleshoot issues, and observe its performance before making it live? That’s where tools like XAMPP prove beneficial. XAMPP offers a straightforward and efficient method to establish a local server environment on your device. To begin executing PHP scripts locally, you need three essentials: a code editor, an installed version of PHP, and XAMPP. In this extensive guide, we will take you through each step, from setting up XAMPP to running your first PHP script. Let’s grasp the complete procedure.

Table of Contents:

What is PHP?

PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor. It once represented Personal Home Page. It is an open-source, server-side scripting language that is extensively utilized for crafting dynamic web pages. PHP functions as the brain of your website, controlling how data is processed and which content is delivered to users based on their requests. It is employed to create web pages that are both interactive and responsive with the database.

Benefits of PHP

PHP is user-friendly, and its syntax is straightforward to comprehend. Usually, the syntax indicates its functionality.
PHP enables modifications even after the website goes live. This makes PHP adaptable.
PHP assists in gathering data from forms on the website, a widely utilized feature.
PHP provides robust security, ensuring that it does not expose the data it collects.

What is XAMPP?

XAMPP is a free and open-source bundle that combines essential elements of a web development stack and enables you to operate a web server on your computer. XAMPP stands for Cross-platform, Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl, which represent the various technologies assembled in the XAMPP package.

With XAMPP, developers can replicate a production-like server environment on their local device. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Why Do You Need XAMPP?

By combining Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP, and Perl, XAMPP simplifies the PHP development process significantly.
With XAMPP, users can execute PHP files locally, eliminating the need for internet access or live hosting to review PHP during development.
XAMPP features a friendly interface and integrated phpMyAdmin for easy database management.
XAMPP creates a secure environment for testing and prototyping projects without jeopardizing live servers.

How to Install XAMPP?

Follow the steps below to establish a local server environment for PHP development.

Step 1: Download XAMPP Installer

Visit the official Apache Friends website. Choose the download button for your operating system and select the latest version unless you intentionally wish to install an older version.

For this demonstration, we will be installing it on Windows OS. Once you click on the ‘XAMPP for Windows’ button, the download will commence.

Step 2: Run the XAMPP Installer

Now we will execute the installer that we downloaded previously.

Since we downloaded it for Windows, it will be in .exe format. Find the downloaded .exe file.
Double-click the installer to initiate the setup wizard.
If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to continue.

Step 3: XAMPP Setup Wizard

After double-clicking, the XAMPP setup wizard will appear.

Click Next to proceed. You’ll see a list of components including Apache, MySQL, FileZilla, phpMyAdmin, etc. We suggest maintaining the default selections (especially for Apache, MySQL, PHP, and phpMyAdmin).

Step 4: Choose Installation Folder

“““html

Select the directory where you wish to set up XAMPP.
It is advisable to install it in the primary directory (C:) as a distinct folder rather than within “Program Files”, to avoid any permission complications.
Hit Next to proceed.

Step 5: Initiate Installation

After you’ve inputted all configuration details, and chosen a language, a window box will appear indicating you’re set to install.

Press Next to commence the installation.

This process might take several moments. After completion, a message confirming the installation will appear.

Step 6: Open XAMPP Control Panel

Tick the box that states “Do you want to start the Control Panel now?”
Click Finish to close the wizard and access the XAMPP Control Panel.

Step 7: Activate Apache and MySQL

The control panel will become visible.
Within the XAMPP Control Panel, hit the Start buttons adjacent to Apache and MySQL.
The module names will change to green when they are operational.

Step 8: Confirm the Installation

Launch your web browser.
Navigate to http://localhost
If XAMPP has been correctly installed, the XAMPP Welcome Page will be displayed as shown.

Frequent Errors When Installing XAMPP

Setting up XAMPP can be straightforward, but as a novice unfamiliar with the underlying processes, you might encounter errors. This section will aid you in circumventing some common errors. Don’t worry. These mistakes are typical and easily corrected.

1. Installing XAMPP in the “Program Files” Directory

Choosing C:Program Files or C:Program Files (x86) as your installation directory may prompt errors such as “not an empty folder”. Directories like ‘Program Files’ have limited permissions, which may hinder XAMPP components from saving files or logs properly. Always opt to install XAMPP in a root-level, unoccupied directory like C:xampp or C:Intellipaat.

2. Not Executing XAMPP as Administrator

New users often launch the XAMPP Control Panel lacking administrative rights. Without these privileges, XAMPP may fail to initiate services, bind to ports, or access system directories. Hence, every time you operate the XAMPP Control panel, always right-click on the XAMPP Control Panel (xampp-control.exe) and select “Run as administrator”.

3. Overlooking to Manually Activate Apache and MySQL

Apache and MySQL do not start automatically. You must commence these services manually. Your projects won’t load on localhost if these services are inactive. Always manually initiate Apache and MySQL through the XAMPP Control Panel, or you can configure them for auto-start in the settings.

How to Execute PHP Code Using XAMPP

To execute a PHP file using XAMPP, you simply need to follow a few straightforward procedures.

Step 1: Launch XAMPP Control Panel

Open xampp-control.exe. Remember to execute it as an administrator. Right-click and choose “Run as administrator” to prevent permission issues.

Step 2: Activate the Apache Module

Initiate the Apache module. To do this, in the XAMPP Control Panel, click “Start” next to Apache. Wait until the status bar changes to green, indicating it’s operational.

Step 3: Create Your PHP File in the `htdocs` Folder

Establish your PHP file within the htdocs directory. Ensure to place all your PHP files inside the htdocs folder for proper execution.

Step 4: Execute the PHP File in Your Browser via localhost

Access the file in the browser via localhost by entering http://localhost/file_name.php.
If the file resides in a subdirectory, use http://localhost/subfolder/file_name.php.

Next, we will talk about htdocs.

“““html
folder, accessing the PHP document through localhost, and examining the PHP configuration with phpinfo() in detail below.

Comprehending the htdocs Directory in XAMPP

While utilizing XAMPP to execute PHP files locally, one of the crucial directories you need to familiarize yourself with is the htdocs directory. This folder is key for file management by your local web server and for serving them to the browser.

The htdocs directory is the root web directory for the Apache web server bundled with XAMPP. Any files placed in this directory can be accessed through your local server via localhost.

Upon visiting http://localhost/, the files from this directory are presented.

HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and image files reside here. This directory simulates how a live web server would deliver files to a browser.

Tip: Avoid utilizing spaces or special characters in file or folder names, as they may not resolve correctly in the browser.

Validating the PHP Setup Using phpinfo()

Once XAMPP is installed successfully, it’s time to check if PHP is set up correctly and operational on your local server. Confirming the PHP installation ensures that your development environment is fully functional and ready to run PHP scripts effortlessly.

Step 1: Open XAMPP Control Panel

Begin by launching your XAMPP Control Panel by double-clicking the xampp-control.exe file. This file should be located in the directory where you installed XAMPP. Ensure you run it as Administrator to avoid permission issues.

Activate the Apache module by pressing the Start button adjacent to it. Once it turns green, your Apache server is operational, and PHP is now prepared to interpret your files.

Step 2: Access the htdocs Folder

Launch your code editor. In this instance, we will utilize VSCode. Open the htdocs directory in the VS Code editor.

Step 2 Navigate to the htdocs Folder - 1

Create a test.php script to display PHP configuration details.

Step 2 Navigate to the htdocs Folder - 2

Step 3: Execute the PHP File in a Browser

Now it’s time to access the PHP script via your browser to confirm PHP execution.
Open your browser. In the address bar, type http://localhost/test.php and press Enter. This is known as accessing the PHP file using localhost.
If your PHP installation is correct, you will be presented with a detailed page titled “PHP Version…” along with extensive PHP configuration, loaded modules, and environment settings, as illustrated below.

Frequently Made Errors When Running a File via XAMPP

Below, we outline the most frequently made errors when executing a file via XAMPP and how to evade them.

1. Storing Files Outside the htdocs Directory

XAMPP only acknowledges files located within its htdocs directory. Storing your PHP file in any other directory and attempting to access it through localhost will not succeed.

2. Incorrect URL or File Path in Browser

This is a prevalent mistake among beginners. Beginners often enter the wrong file name or neglect to include some subdirectories in the browser URL. Always ensure your URL is accurate and has the correct relative file path, if applicable. For instance, if your PHP file is in a subfolder named project1, access it using http://localhost/project1/filename.php.

3. Utilizing the Incorrect File Extension

Files must terminate with a .php extension. Naming your file index.txt or index.html will not execute the PHP code within. Always save your document as a .php file.

4. Apache Port Conflicts (Commonly with Skype or IIS)

If Apache fails to start, it could be due to port conflicts with other applications like Skype or IIS. Modify the httpd.conf file by changing Listen 80 to Listen 8080, then restart Apache. Access your site using http://localhost:8080/filename.php.

5. Neglecting to Restart Apache After Configuration Modifications

If you alter Apache configuration files like httpd.conf or php.ini, remember to restart Apache; otherwise, changes won’t be applied. Click “Stop” then “Start” next to Apache in the XAMPP Control Panel after any configuration adjustments.

6. Using a Reserved File Name

Avoid reserved filenames such as con.php, nul.php, or aux.php, as they may lead to unexpected behavior. Follow a standard naming convention like index.php, dashboard.php, test.php, etc.

Final Thoughts

Establishing a local PHP development environment using XAMPP is essential for anyone aiming to enhance their web development expertise and pursue a career in the field. With XAMPP, you can operate PHP files on your local server, simplifying the processes of testing, debugging, and building applications. This eliminates the wait time associated with needing a live web host. Following this guide, you will gain insight into how to run a PHP file using XAMPP. You can apply this knowledge to start building a simple contact form or even develop a comprehensive web application. XAMPP provides a straightforward method to execute PHP code locally and explore freely. So get XAMPP running, execute your PHP scripts on localhost, and commence your development journey now!

To explore more about PHP, how to become a…
“““html
PHP programmer, and acquire practical skills. Additionally, get ready for job interviews with PHP interview queries} curated by experts in the field.

How to Execute a PHP File Using XAMPP – FAQs

Q1. How do you execute a PHP file in XAMPP?

A PHP file can be executed in XAMPP by saving it within the htdocs directory, initiating the Apache icon in the XAMPP control panel, and navigating to http://localhost/yourfile.php in your web browser.

Q2. How do you execute a .PHP file?

You can execute a .php file using a local server such as XAMPP. Save the file in the htdocs folder, activate the Apache button in the control panel, and then navigate to http://localhost/filename.php in your web browser.

Q3. How do you run a command in XAMPP?

You can execute commands for XAMPP via the terminal within XAMPP or by using Windows Command Prompt. Navigate to the PHP or MySQL directory and run the commands, for instance, php yourfile.php for PHP scripts.

Q4. How do you execute a PHP file in Chrome?

You can launch Chrome and input http://localhost/yourfile.php after placing the PHP file in the XAMPP htdocs directory and starting Apache. Chrome will then present the output of your PHP script.

Q5. How do you execute a PHP file utilizing localhost?

You can execute it by saving the file in the htdocs folder, starting XAMPP’s Apache server, and visiting http://localhost/filename.php in your browser.

The article How to Execute a PHP File Using XAMPP was first published on Intellipaat Blog.

“`