Whether you have years of experience as a PHP/MYSQL developer or a beginner, the local development environment could be truly helpful. Such kind of environments ensure you can test the code for your web application before the app goes live. Here is a thorough guideline for setting up PHP, MySQL and Apache development environments on your Windows system. 

Step 1- Download Installation Files First 

Those days are gone when you were supposed to an Apache server, PHP, and MySQL individually. Now these three components are bundled and pre-configured to run on a Windows system. Using WampServer would be recommended to set the basis for the local Apache / PHP / MySQL environment. If you are not interested in this all-in-one solution, you need to install the Windows installers differently for Apache, PHP, and MySQL.

Step 2- Install everything properly and ensure they are functioning

Hopefully, we have chosen the easier path for environment setup by choosing WampServer. For installation just double-click on the setup file and go after the prompts.

To be sure of the proper installation, check whether Wamp is running correctly. Check whether you can see the welcome page of WampServer. If you can see this be sure everything is alright. Also, you may check the Wamp icon on the system tray. If you see a green icon rest assured everything is running smoothly. 

Step 3- Get Access to phpMyAdmin 

WampServer includes phpMyAdmin, a web-based interface for managing MySQL databases. You can access it through the WampServer dashboard. Now launch phpMyAdmin.To launch this open-source administration tool, follow these steps.

• Click the WampServer Icon: In the system tray, click the WampServer icon.
• Select phpMyAdmin: From the menu, choose phpMyAdmin.
• Login: Use the default MySQL credentials (typically, username: root, password: blank).

Step 4- Create your MySQL Database

Now it’s the time to create your first MySQL database. Go after these steps to do this.

• Go to Databases Tab: In phpMyAdmin, click on the “Databases” tab.
• Enter Database Name: Provide a name for your database.
• Create Database: Click the “Create” button to finalize the creation.

Step 5- Configure  PHP

Make sure PHP is pre-installed in your system You may need to configure PHP settings to suit your development needs. Configure PHP settings following these steps

• Click the WampServer Icon: In the system tray, click the WampServer icon.
• Select PHP: Navigate to PHP settings from the menu.
• Edit php.ini: Choose to edit the php.ini file for advanced configuration.

Here is an example of what you might configure in the php.ini file:

Step 6- Connect PHP to your MySQL database

To do this, you need to focus on configuring the database credentials in the PHP script. Do this following these steps

• Open Your PHP Script: Use a text editor to open your PHP script.
• Add Database Credentials: Include the database name, username, and password in your script.

Step 7 – It’s the Time for Environment Setup

To check the connection with the MySQL database, create a simple PHP file. Go after these steps for testing.

• Create a PHP File: In the WampServer www directory, create a new PHP file (e.g., test.php).
• Write Test Code: Include basic PHP code to connect to the MySQL database and display a success message.
• Run the Script: Open a web browser and run the script.

Here is an example prompt to create a PHP file in the WampServer www directory:

Create a PHP file in WampServer’s www directory

File name: test.php

File location: C:\wamp64\www\test.php (assuming you’re using WampServer 64-bit on Windows)

File contents:

PHP

<?php

  // Your PHP code goes here

  echo “Hello, World!”;

?>

Note: Don’t forget to replace C:\wamp64\www with the actual path to your WampServer’s www directory.

Step 8- Step up Development Environment 

You may use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text for this. Select an IDE that supports PHP and offers features like syntax highlighting and debugging.

Step 9 –Know the basic PHP syntax 

Before delving into complex projects, get familiar with the basic PHP syntax. Use online resources, tutorials, and documentation to understand PHP basics. Practice writing simple scripts.

Here’s an example of a simple PHP script.

Step 10 – Know the MySQL Basics 

Learn the fundamentals of MySQL, including how to create tables and write queries. Here also Online tutorials and documentation could be a great help. Enhance efficiency by doing thorough practices. 

Step 11 -Try to build your own web app 

After you are done with the environment setup, try to build a web app on your own and start with a simple app. As you become more comfortable, explore advanced PHP and MySQL features.

Wrapping Up

Setting up a PHP and MySQL environment using WampServer is a straightforward process that lays the foundation for developing dynamic web applications. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating robust web projects. Practice regularly and explore advanced features to enhance your skills.