Install a web server using XAMPP and run PHP scripts

Here is a simple guide on how to install a web server (for testing and development purposes) on your laptop of PC via XAMPP.

So what is Xampp?

XAMPP is an application that will "install" apache & mysql for you, so you don't have to manually do it (complex configurations) by your self.

Apache - Is a "web server" software. It is use to run server side scripts/application which are mostly written in PHP.

MySQL - Is a "database server" software. This is where you store your information/data in the server.

STEPS
1. Download XAMPP installer here :
Version : xampp-win32-5.6.30-1-VC11-installer.exe
https://sourceforge.net/projects/xampp/files/XAMPP%20Windows/5.6.30/xampp-win32-5.6.30-1-VC11-installer.exe/download

I prefer this version because it's the most stable one. You can always upgrade later if you want the newer releases of XAMPP.

2. After downloading, just click and install. As simple as that.
To avoid any issues, I recommend to uninstall or disable Skype and Viber. These apps sometimes also use "port 80" which causes conflict to apache web server. By default, apache web server uses "port 80" to listen for incoming request.

3. After installation, run "Xampp Control Panel" and start "apache" and "MySQL". You should see a green status.

If no problem, open your favorite browser and type "localhost", you should see the default welcome page of xampp.

If you are unable to start apache, be sure to check if another program uses port 80. Uninstall or close those application then try to start again the apache.

4. Create a test file.
Go to "htdocs" folder (by default, it is located at "C:\xampp\htdocs"). Create an html file (hello.html) and write some text in it ("Welcome") then, on your browser, type "localhost/hello.html". The browser will display the contents of "hello.html".

That's it. Hope this helps.