Containers look like full Linux Virtual Machines but are considerably more lightweight.

Use Dockerĭocker creates a wrapper (known as a container) around pre-configured application dependencies such as Apache, PHP, MySQL, MongoDB, and most other web software. You can install several Linux distros, so refer to the appropriate Apache and PHP instructions. WSL2 is also a virtual machine, but it’s tightly integrated into Windows so activities such as file sharing and localhost resolution is seamless. Alternatively, distros such as Ubuntu Server provide them as standard (although they’re rarely the latest editions). You can install any version of Linux, then follow its Apache and PHP installation instructions. Microsoft Hyper-V (provided in Windows 10 Professional) and VirtualBox are free hypervisors which emulate a PC so you can install another operating system. Installing Apache and PHP manually will help you learn more about the system and configuration options. These packages are easy to use, but they may not exactly match your live server. Alternative Installation Optionsīefore you jump in, there may be a simpler installation options… Use an All-in-One packageĪll-in-one packages are available for Windows which contain Apache, PHP, MySQL, and many other dependencies in a single installation file - such as XAMPP, WampServer and Web.Developer. Installing PHP on your development PC allows you to safely create and test websites and applications without affecting the data or systems on your live server.

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