Parse PHP on local computer

What is the simplest way?

[Patrick Taylor]

Running Windows XP (Home) and would like to be able to parse PHP locally without having to upload files to my host server and view them there. I know I can install PHP on my PC, but what is the simplest way to set it up as a local server, preferably without needing to install Apache as well?

[jonrichd]

Patrick,

Ar you running XP Pro or Win2K? If so you've got IIS, although you have to install it from add/remove programs. It's not provided with XP Home.

It think Win9x came with Personal Web Server, which would also work.

[maxi million]

Hi Patrick,

it would probably be good idea to install Apache as well if you wish to simulate your host server at home. using it with IIS creates some problem with setting up if you are not experienced with these things.

i use xp pro and though i can set up iis if i choose to, in order to test my php development i decided to install php with apache and mysql. and i did not find it too complicated either as i downloaded a pretty usefull package called phpdev4 from firepages.com.au. if you are considering doing additional configs to suit your purpose its piece of cake once the hard work is done :)

[jatar_k]

take a look through our PHP library [webmasterworld.com] Patrick Taylor

there are a couple of threads in there about local install

[Patrick Taylor]

Thanks for the replies. I am running Windows XP Home Edition (Version 2002), and it looks like there is no simple way to run this as an IIS or PWS server, which is a nuisance.

[netchicken1]

It sure is a nuscience, I can only get around it by uploading to the server each time.

Its a pity that there isn't a shell that it can work in.

[henry0]

Even if you run it on IIS there are some know limitations. Did read about it a while ago but do not remember the details.
Most of us run it locally on XP as per the library tutorial.
The tutorial allows to install Apache2,PHP5, MySQL and PHPmyADMIN. Give it a try :)
Henry