Getting started with Apache and PHP5

TrillionBuks

Hi, everyone. I am brand new to PHP and I'm trying to teach myself using some books and web tutorials. I downloaded Apache 2.28 and PHP5. I tried installing but Im not sure if I was doing it correct. I removed both programs but still have the the installers on my Windows XP machine. Can someone please guide me in installing both and configuring them so I can start practicing PHP. ANy info is appreciated. Thanks!

Kudose

If you want to just start using PHP, I recommend getting XAMPP from http://www.apachefriends.org and getting the Windows ZIP version.

You can then extract the contents to C:\, run c:\xampp\setup_xampp.bat (I think it is) then use xampp_control.exe to start and stop the Apache, MySQL, Mercury and FileZilla services.

I usually delete the contents of c:\xampp\htdocs and start from there.

TrillionBuks

Should I install xamp then apache and finally php5? xamp will configure and control apache for me? This is the best way to practice coding in php? Thanks.

Kudose

XAMPP contains Apache, PHP, MySQL and all that. All you need to do is extract it and and read the README. It basically says run setup_xampp then run xampp_control and save your docs to c:\xampp\htdocs

This is the best way to learn to code. I would recommend learning to code before getting frustrated at an install and quitting.

TrillionBuks

Thanks, I will try that. I appreciate all the info!

TrillionBuks

I installed xampp and ran apache_start.bat and the command window comes up and it says starting Apache 2.... and nothing else happens.

TrillionBuks

ok, I went to 127.... and it said everything is installed properly. Where do I go now to create and test my code?

TrillionBuks

Do I just use notepad and save it with a .php extension? If so, which directory do I save it to so I can then go back to 127.0.... to see my output?

laserlight

This is the best way to learn to code. I would recommend learning to code before getting frustrated at an install and quitting.

I disagree. I think it is better to directly use the official installer for Apache and the official zip archive for PHP, then follow the instructions given by the PHP manual, which will be your most valued PHP reference from now on.

As you can tell from your other thread, third party installers like XAMPP that install the components for you are not cure-alls for installation woes.

Do I just use notepad and save it with a .php extension?

Yes. Be careful not to save it as php.txt, but as .php.

If so, which directory do I save it to so I can then go back to 127.0.... to see my output?

NogDog helped you with this in your other thread[url].