The 9 Best XAMPP Alternatives for Hosting Your
Website Locally
The wealth of features compiled into XAMPP
makes it deserving of its reputation as a treasured PHP-based web development
companion and local server management tool. We've no intention to argue this
fact, but you might be looking for something different.
Here are the best XAMPP alternatives that you
can try instead. Who knows? You might even pick a few new skills from these
recommended toolsets.
1. WampServer
WampServer, like XAMPP, lets you create a PHP
local web development server with Apache. With support for phpMyAdmin, you can
manage Structured Query Language (SQL) databases in a graphical user interface
(GUI) environment.
Although it's free, WampServer uses the
Windows, Apache, MySQL, and PHP (WAMP) stack. It's non-cross-platform, as it
only supports Windows. Even though WampServer offers fewer features than XAMPP,
it doesn't consume as many resources as XAMPP. Plus, it's more user-friendly.
Therefore, WampServer is an ideal option if
you're looking for a lightweight server management tool. However, it doesn't
support Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). So you might want to stick to XAMPP if you
need SSL support with more sophisticated development tools.
2. MAMP
Although it's an acronym for Mac, Apache,
MySQL, and PHP, MAMP works on Windows and Mac, and it supports Nginx. MAMP is
also partially agnostic, allowing you to run development source code written
with Python, PHP, Perl, and Ruby.
The basic MAMP plan lets you host one website
locally at a time and offers limited features. But you get an unlimited number
of hosting spaces when you subscribe to MAMP Pro. Additionally, you get access
to cloud support, which lets you stash your project remotely and keep up with
your development workflow on any computer.
You might not need to upgrade to MAMP Pro,
though, as all you need to develop locally, including an SQL and a GUI server
panel, is fixed in the basic plan. That said, this free option doesn't feature
built-in SSL for a secure connection. But you might not even find that feature
essential for local development.
3. Laragon
Need a lightweight, snug local development
server? Laragon is the go-to alternative to XAMPP. Like MAMP, it supports
Apache and Nginx. But as a plus, it lets you prettify your app's URLs.
Featuring support for various programming
languages, you can develop and locally host apps agnostically using Laragon.
One of the unique upsides of Laragon is its
asynchronous service orchestration feature, which makes it super-fast.
Additionally, it supports version switches and various database types,
including MySQL, and NoSQLs like MongoDB.
When you launch the tool, it sets up an
isolated virtual development environment on
your PC. So this way, version switches don't interfere with global stacks or
database versions on your local machine.
4. EasyPHP
When using EasyPHP, you don't need to do the
extra work configuring your development tools from scratch. It uses the WAMP
stack to configure a local development environment for you.
In addition to hosting and making your app
locally accessible, EasyPHP offers a beta version Webserver option that turns
your PC into a live hosting server. So it makes your website accessible on the
net from anywhere.
EasyPHP offers an isolated development
environment where you can manage, install, and update components independent of
your global variables.
Currently, EasyPHP only supports MySQL. But
according to the component development updates, it might offer support for more
sophisticated SQL databases like PostgreSQL and NoSQLs, like MongoDB, in the
future. Additionally, it's currently non-cross-platform and supports Windows OS
only.
5. Winginx
Winginx powers local servers using Nginx, which
is a bit faster than Apache. In addition to time and task-tracking features,
the tool supports local hosting of programs developed using PHP and Node.js.
It has a to-do system that lets you manage
multiple projects at a time. And it offers a free online store where you can
grab website templates if you're stuck. Winginx also lets you track server logs
and debug your app quickly. Additionally, it features database management tools
including phpMyAdmin, Mongo Console Client, and RockMongo, among others.
Winginx also has a local mail delivery
protocol. So it's a good shot if you're looking to set up a Simple Mail
Transfer Protocol (SMTP) for your app and test it on your local server.
6. Apache HTTP Server
Apache HTTP Server has been around for quite a
while now. It's worth trying if you're looking for a Linux, Apache, MySQL, and
PHP (LAMP) stack alternative to XAMPP.
Apache HTTP Server is cross-platform and more
flexible and robust than most local development tools, as it lets you configure
your server as you like. Plus, it serves your website over standard Hypertext
Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Thus, you can assess the communication behavior
between the client and the server as though it were live already.
Unlike XAMPP, Apache HTTP Server is a bit more
complex and might not be suitable for beginners. But it's a great tool if you
want to familiarize yourself with the basic requirements of Apache during live
hosting.
7. Devilbox
Devilbox, as the name sounds, is a
containerized local and web development toolkit built as a Docker system. It
holds versatile support for MongoDB, Express.js,
AngularJS, and Node.js (MEAN)
stacks and LAMP stacks.
With features such as automated virtual hosts,
end-to-end server-client encryption, and unlimited project hosting, Devilbox
offers everything you need in a single tool. So you don't have to download or
install external resources. Thus, while it keeps you in sync with your
workflow, it reduces your development time frame.
Although it offers a valuable toolset, setting
up and using Devilbox can be complex. But if you're familiar with Docker or
want to expand your knowledge, you might find it helpful to manage offline web
development with Devilbox.
8. UwAmp
You might want to try out UwAmp if you want
some functionality coupled with simplicity.
The tool has a smooth and user-friendly
interface. So accessing your scripts and launching them on the web via a local
host only takes a few clicks. And when compared to other local server
management tools, UwAmp uses fewer resources.
It uses the WAMP stack to configure localhost
on your computer. While using UwAmp, you can decide to launch Apache in offline
mode. Thus, only making it accessible locally.
But UwAmp also gives you the option to switch
to the online version. That way, other users sharing your network can access
your website.
9. Vagrant
Vagrant is a cross-platform virtual environment
for managing all forms of web workflows, ranging from the design phase to the
actual development stage.
Each virtual environment in Vagrant is called a
“box”, equivalent to a virtual machine. And while building a virtual machine
from scratch might be time-consuming, Vagrant does this rapidly using what it
calls a “base image”.
Vagrant is a great choice if you want to
isolate your development dependencies from the global scope. Therefore, any
module you install within a created virtual box works only within that
environment without interference.
Vagrant doesn't have a UI. It only operates
virtual boxes in a shell. So this might not be an ideal option if you're
looking for a click-through tool. And though it might appear technical at
first, setting up and using Vagrant is easy and only requires a few commands,
which you'll find in its documentation.
Choose an Ideal Development
Server
While some features might overlap, each tool
listed above is unique. And though we've listed them as alternatives to XAMPP,
this doesn't make XAMPP less of a great local server management tool.
Ultimately, your choice of development
environment might also determine how your production and deployment come
through. So deliberately deciding on an ideal tool for your needs is essential.