Jan 30

XAMPP

When it comes to AMP (Apache; MySQL; Perl, Python, or PHP) installers, we at Gadgetopia started with FoxServ. That project kind of died, so a few weeks ago, we touted the benefits of Sokkit. That product, while very good, wasn’t free, which was a drag (though, at $24.95, it’s still a heck of a deal).

In the comments to the entry on Sokkit, someone mentioned XAMPP. I’ve been playing with that tool for a week or so, and I’ve settled on this as my AMP platform of choice.

XAMPP is free, from an organization named “Apache Friends.” Like the other tools, it installs a host of open-source-ish apps, but — unlike the others — it’s not just for Windows. XAMPP comes in Linux and Solaris versions as well.

XAMPP for Windows comes in three versions: Windows installer, self-extracting executable, and traditional zip file. I got the zip, and I recommend you do too. Extract it to “C:\xampp,” then run two BAT files that install Apache and MySQL as services, and you’re done without any behind-the-scenes, installer voodoo — everything is nice and straightforward, meaning XAMPP should uninstall as easily as it “installed” (corresponding BAT files are provided to uninstall the services).

XAMPP installs with a bevy of tools. I haven’t played with this all, but from the extracted directory structure, there’s AMP, Webalizer (a Web log analyzer), MercuryMail (an SMTP server), FileZillaFTP (an FTP server), and phpMyAdmin (a Web-based MySQL client). Additionally, XAMPP has “add-ons” for Python, Tomcat, Cocoon, and Perl (though it looks to me that Perl is in the default install anyway).

So, there you have it. XAMPP is what I’m using exclusively now for my Windows development environments, and I’m thrilled with it. It’s very above-board — all the pieces to the system are laid out nicely, and they all install “in the open” giving me an AMP installation in which I have complete confidence. Nicely done.

by Deane   January 30, 2005 12:12 AM   |
  tags: 
XAMPP, FoxServ, Sokkit, Apache, MySQL, PHP

Comments

by danielcole,   January 30, 2005 1:57 AM  

It sounds like you reinstall web servers as often as I check my e-mail. This is something I'm going to check out, though. I need a server at work to be a dedicated bandwidth tester.

by Deane,   January 30, 2005 11:20 AM  

I really don't. I used FoxServ for a couple years until its PHP version got too dated on me. Only then did I go looking for something else and found Sokkit, then I was directed to XAMPP before my Sokkit trial period was up.

Add Comment

Want to advertise on this site? Contact FM.
Web Hosting Web hosting, dedicated servers and Web design services
Laser Toner Cartridges UK laser toner, toner cartridges, hp toner, lexmark toner, samsung toner, canon, toner, epson toner, oki toner, kyocera toner, xerox toner, remanufactured toner, compatible toner
Direct TV Deals Free 4 room direct tv deals. no equipment to buy. free fast professional direct tv installation. this is the best direct tv deal available anywhere.
SEO Article Learn from the experts with our SEO article.
rope light Shopping with birddog distributing, inc., gives you access to the lowest prices, the best customer service and the quickest delivery times possible.
Laptop AC Adapter We offer genuine factory direct replacement AC adapters.
Direct TV Best satellite TV deals.
Direct TV Deals Direct TV programming deals are varied and include packages containing from 50 channels up to over 250 channels.
8mm film to DVD Retain family memories with the only frame by frame digital restoration service in the United States for your 8mm film to DVD today
Rubber Stamp Shop for custom self-inking stamps, hand stamps, address stamps, label stamps, check endorsement stamps, check deposit stamps, date stamps, pre inks, pocket stamps, ink and much more!