Ditch XAMPP and Embrace the Command Line: Running Your PHP Project Like a Boss
Let's face it, XAMPP is great for beginners. It's like that training-wheels bike you clung to as a kid - comforting, familiar, and gets you where you need to go. But what if you're ready to ditch the stabilisers and become a full-fledged PHP coding rockstar? This guide will show you how to run your PHP project without XAMPP, using the raw power of the command line.
Why Ditch XAMPP?
There are a few reasons why a seasoned coder might want to graduate from XAMPP:
- Lightweight Champion: XAMPP packs a whole bunch of stuff you might not need, like Apache and MySQL. By setting things up yourself, you have more control and a leaner system.
- Command Line Cool: Mastering the command line makes you look oh-so-dapper while coding. Just picture yourself typing cryptic commands with lightning speed, a knowing smirk on your face.
- Flexibility Fiesta: The command line approach gives you more control over how your project runs. It's like having a toolbox full of options instead of just a pre-built shed.
Here's the Lowdown: Running PHP Without XAMPP
Alright, enough with the pep talk. Let's get down to business! Here's what you'll need:
- PHP Installed: This might seem obvious, but hey, you never know! Make sure you have PHP downloaded and installed on your system. Check your operating system's package manager for details.
- A Text Editor: Grab your favourite text editor, like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text. We'll be using this to write and edit your PHP code.
- The Terminal/Command Prompt: This is where the magic happens. Find your terminal or command prompt depending on your operating system.
Let's Get This Party Started!
- Project Setup: Create a directory for your project and fill it with your awesome PHP code.
- Built-in Web Server: PHP has a built-in web server that's perfect for local development. Open your terminal and navigate to your project directory using the
cd
command. Then, type the following command, replacing8000
with your preferred port number:
php -S localhost:8000
Voila! Your PHP project is now running on a local server. You can usually access it by opening http://localhost:8000/ in your web browser.
But Wait, There's More! This built-in server is great for basic development, but it has limitations. For more advanced features, you might consider setting up a proper web server like Nginx or Apache.
FAQ: Command Line PHP Kung Fu
Feeling like a command line whiz? Here are some quick answers to frequently asked questions:
How to stop the built-in web server?
Press Ctrl+C
in your terminal window.
How to change the port number?
Just replace 8000
in the command with your desired port number.
How do I know if PHP is installed?
Open your terminal and type php -v
. If it's installed, you'll see the PHP version number.
How do I edit configuration settings?
You can edit the php.ini
file located in your PHP installation directory.
How do I become a real-life PHP coding rockstar?
Practice, practice, practice! And maybe invest in a cool pair of sunglasses for that extra command line swagger.