


A must-have for beginners: Steps to easily install a PHP development environment
Jun 28, 2025 am 02:10 AMUsing XAMPP or MAMP to build a PHP development environment is simple and efficient, suitable for beginners. 1. Download and install XAMPP or MAMP, start Apache and MySQL services; 2. Create a project folder in the htdocs directory and place a .php file to access it through http://localhost/ project name; 3. Write a test script to verify whether the connection between PHP and MySQL is successful; 4. Optionally install code editors such as Visual Studio Code or PHPStorm to improve development efficiency. Follow these steps to quickly build a local PHP development environment.
Setting up a PHP development environment doesn't have to be complicated, especially for beginners. The key is to take it step by step and use tools that simplify the process.

Use XAMPP or MAMP – They Do Most of the Work
One of the easiest ways to get started is by using a pre-configured package like XAMPP (for Windows, macOS, and Linux) or MAMP (mainly for macOS and Windows). These tools bundle Apache, MySQL, PHP, and phpMyAdmin into one installer, so you don't have to set each component individually.

- Download the version that matches your operating system.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Once installed, start Apache and MySQL from the control panel.
These tools handle the configuration for you, which saves time and avoids common setup issues.
Set Up Your Project Folder Properly
By default, XAMPP uses the htdocs
folder inside its installation directory, while MAMP uses the htdocs
folder inside the MAMP folder. This is where you'll place your PHP files so they can be accessed through the local server.

- Create a new folder in
htdocs
, likemyproject
. - Place your
.php
files inside this folder. - Access them via your browser at
http://localhost/myproject
.
Make sure file names are simple and lowercase, and avoid spaces or special characters to prevent errors.
Test PHP and MySQL Together
Once everything's running, it's good to test if PHP and MySQL work together. Create a simple PHP file that connects to the database.
Here's how:
- Open a text editor and create a file named
test.php
. - Paste in a basic PHP script that connects to MySQL using mysqli.
- Save it inside your project folder in
htdocs
. - Open your browser and go to
http://localhost/myproject/test.php
.
If you see a success message (or no error), you're good to go. If not, check your MySQL service status and credentials.
Optional: Install a Code Editor
While not required, a code editor like Visual Studio Code or PHPStorm makes writing and debugging PHP much easier. Features like syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and built-in terminal support help streamline your workflow.
- Download and install your preferred editor.
- Install PHP extensions/plugins for better integration.
- Open your project folder and start editing.
It might seem optional, but having a solid editor helps catch mistakes early and speeds up development.
Basically that's it. Start with XAMPP or MAMP, organize your files correctly, test the basics, and use a decent editor. It's straightforward once you know where to begin.
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