How to Set Up a Local Development Environment
To develop code locally on your computer, you’ll need the following:
- A Web Server
A web server that supports PHP is essential for running server-side code. - A Database Server
This allows you to store and retrieve data efficiently. - phpMyAdmin (Optional but Recommended)
phpMyAdmin simplifies database management tasks.
We’ll dive deeper into these tools as we progress through this guide.
Choosing the Right Software Package
There are many software packages that can install and configure these components for you. One of the most popular options is XAMPP.
Why XAMPP?
- Includes Apache web server, PHP, MariaDB database server, and phpMyAdmin.
- Free and open source.
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Easy to install and configure.
This is the software we recommend and will guide you through installing.
Picking a Code Editor
When writing code, a good code editor can significantly improve your productivity.
While most operating systems come with basic editors like Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (macOS), or Gedit (Linux), these lack advanced features.
Recommended Code Editor: Visual Studio Code
- Free and open source.
- Features like auto-completion and syntax highlighting.
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Note: Installing this software is optional but highly recommended for beginners. If you already have a web server and a code editor set up, feel free to skip to the next section.