PHP Setup with XAMPP (Step by Step)

Why you need a local server

PHP does not run by double-clicking a file — it needs a web server to process it. XAMPP is a free package that installs everything at once: the Apache web server, PHP, and the MySQL database. With it, you can build and test PHP sites right on your own computer.

Installing XAMPP

1. Download XAMPP from the official Apache Friends website.
2. Run the installer and accept the defaults (it installs to C:\xampp on Windows).
3. Finish and launch the XAMPP Control Panel.

The Control Panel is the small window where you turn the server parts on and off.

Starting Apache and MySQL

In the XAMPP Control Panel, click Start next to Apache (the web server) and MySQL (the database). When both turn green, your local server is running.

The htdocs folder

Your PHP files must live in the htdocs folder inside XAMPP (for example C:\xampp\htdocs). Only files here are served by Apache. Make a folder for your project inside it, like htdocs/myapp.

Run your first file

Create htdocs/test.php with this code:

<?php
  echo "PHP is working!";
?>

Then open your browser and go to:

http://localhost/test.php

If you see the message, your setup is complete. If you see the raw code instead, you opened the file directly — always use the http://localhost/ address.

Using phpMyAdmin

To manage databases visually, open:

http://localhost/phpmyadmin

Here you can create a database, add tables, and view data without typing SQL by hand. This is where you set up the database your PHP code will connect to.

Common mistakes

• Opening files by double-click. That shows code; always use http://localhost/.
• Files outside htdocs. Apache only serves files inside the htdocs folder.
• Apache blocked on port 80. Close the conflicting app or switch to port 8080.
• Forgetting to start MySQL. Database code fails if MySQL is not running.

Summary

• PHP needs a web server; XAMPP bundles Apache, MySQL and PHP.
• Start Apache and MySQL from the XAMPP Control Panel.
• Put your PHP files inside the htdocs folder.
• Open pages at http://localhost/yourfile.php, not by double-click.
• Manage databases at http://localhost/phpmyadmin.

Next, learn the language basics in PHP syntax, or connect to a database with PHP MySQL connection.