XAMPP is developed and distributed by Apache Friends and packages the Apache HTTP Server, MariaDB (a MySQL-compatible database), PHP and Perl into a single, easy installer. It is widely used by developers to set up a local web development environment quickly, without manually installing and configuring each component separately. XAMPP also includes phpMyAdmin for managing databases through a web interface.
Why XAMPP Is a Common Starting Point for Local PHP Development
Setting up Apache, a database server, PHP and Perl separately and getting them to work together can take real effort to configure correctly. XAMPP packages all of it into one installer with a control panel for starting and stopping services, and bundles phpMyAdmin so databases can be created and browsed from a web interface without touching the command line.
XAMPP Features
- Apache HTTP Server — a full local web server for serving PHP and static sites.
- MariaDB Database — a MySQL-compatible database engine included out of the box.
- PHP & Perl Support — run PHP and Perl scripts locally without separate installations.
- phpMyAdmin — a web-based interface for managing databases and running SQL queries.
- XAMPP Control Panel — start, stop and monitor Apache, MySQL/MariaDB and other services from one window.
- Cross-Platform — available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Portable Option — can be run in a portable mode on Windows without a full system install.
How to Install XAMPP
- Open the official download page using the button on this page to get the genuine Apache Friends installer.
- Choose your platform's installer for Windows, macOS or Linux.
- Run the installer and select the components you want (Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP, phpMyAdmin, etc.).
- Open the XAMPP Control Panel and start the Apache and MySQL/MariaDB modules.
- Test the local server by visiting http://localhost in your browser.
Is XAMPP really free?
Open Source. XAMPP is free, open-source software with no paid tier.
How to download XAMPP safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for www.apachefriends.org — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering XAMPP. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to XAMPP
Other free developer tools software worth comparing before you decide:
Docker Desktop
A container platform that can also run local web development environments.
Frequently asked questions
Is XAMPP free?
Yes, XAMPP is free and open source.
What does XAMPP stand for?
It refers to the bundled components: cross-platform, Apache, MariaDB/MySQL, PHP and Perl.
Can I use XAMPP to run WordPress locally?
Yes, XAMPP's Apache, MySQL/MariaDB and PHP stack is commonly used to run WordPress and other PHP applications locally.
Is XAMPP suitable for a production website?
No, XAMPP is intended for local development and testing; its default configuration is not hardened for production use.
How do I manage databases in XAMPP?
XAMPP includes phpMyAdmin, a web-based tool for creating and managing MySQL/MariaDB databases.
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