Local PHP Viewer?

reedywb

Hello,
I would like to know if anyone can point me to a gnu/free or trial version of a local php server/viewer...
I just need a program where I am able to view php files in a browser view, locally (without having to upload to a server). I don't need it to execute database functions or anything. I can't seem to find a webserver or other app (that isn't a gigantic download of several compiled programs) that can display/view local php files in a browser view.

Please post if you know of a standalone or easy way to do this (I can't install IIS or PWS, no OS disc).

I am running Win XP Home.

Thanks!

jim_keller

Your best bet is to install Apache, PHP5, and mySQL on your local machine (these are all free). There's a free package called WAMP that contains the setup for all three: http://www.wampserver.com/en/

I think it will work on XP Home, I'm using XP Pro with no problems.

Also, if you really want to take the extra step, download & install Eclipse (eclipse.org) to do your coding in. It has a builtin browser preview. You'll also want the PHPEclipse extension.

-Jim Keller
Context Technology Solutions
http://www.contextsolutions.net

reedywb

Thanks Jim.
Does this mean that with eclipse, I wouldn't need to install Apache, PHP5 and mySQL?
What I'm really trying to do is; use existing PHP comprised sites (from '50 PHP turnkey scripts') to decipher how they work, copy, edit and reduce their size into other pages. Using their functions to create pages from them. So I would need a lot of live previewing, locally.
I can manage PHP pretty well, it's databases that are a severe problem for me. I have a real mental block with them and can't ever manage them and get them to work.
I've simply avoided them for years. Creating a simple database is extremely hard for me.
If you know of any tiny, completed database/php files or tutorials or anything, so I can get a better understanding of this, that would be great. I like scripts and files to be really small and simple.

Thanks.

laserlight

Does this mean that with eclipse, I wouldn't need to install Apache, PHP5 and mySQL?

Eclipse is an IDE, so although it may integrate the web browser, PHP parser and database components for development, you still need to install these components.

I've simply avoided them for years. Creating a simple database is extremely hard for me.
If you know of any tiny, completed database/php files or tutorials or anything, so I can get a better understanding of this, that would be great. I like scripts and files to be really small and simple.

Borrow a book on databases and PHP from your local library.

reedywb

Thanks again.

rsmith

Also, xampp is a good environment. Comes with PHP, Apache, MySQL. I love it and have been using it for the past year w/o any problems.