Offline web development tools will definitely help coders and developers on their mission. From there, local server software has been introduced to the market. In this article, we’re after reviewing XAMPP and WAMP local servers.
There are indeed many other local web server packages used by developers. Each of these packages comes with different features. And it’s all based on application and the using purposes.
For those who are developing websites and online web applications, XAMPP and WAMP are the most popular local server software. Let’s review both along with MAMP and LAMP. We’ll see which will work better for you.
XAMPP Vs WAMP Vs LAMP Vs MAMP:
The XAMPP and WAMP are free open-source packages. They’re being used to run web servers on local computers while being offline. This software is being used by web developers to test code projects that are developed through script-based languages; PHP, MySql, ..etc.
Both programs support; Mysql, Php, and Apache. They are different in the compatibility and application. But generally speaking, both will serve the main purpose of setting up a local web machine for testing purposes.
XAMPP Local Server:
XAMPP is compatible with any available operating system; Windows, OS X, and Linux. The advantage of XAMPP is that it comes either in full or small version (standard version) depending on the use.
It is really versatile and works awesomely on different operating systems. It is superior, support Perl, Php, Mysql, and SSL as an additional feature.
Likewise, XAMPP comes with additional modules like; OpenSSL, MediaWiki, WordPress, phpMyAdmin, and Joomla. Other software and tools that come with XAMPP are such as; Webalizer, FileZilla FTP server among many. Furthermore, It can perfectly handle dynamic websites.
The striking feature of this package is its capability of starting and stopping the entire stack with the use of one command. After the installation, you will be given a control window where you can either start or run the system. Additionally, you can start/stop MySQL only depends on what you’re trying to achieve.
WAMP Local Server:
WAMP has got an outstanding interface with a nice frontend design. It’s also available in different languages which make it possible to different users from diverse backgrounds.
It has the capability of viewing all elements on a browser. The access features of WAMP can either be limited to the local host or open to anyone. WAMP has limited only to Windows operating system. On the other hand, it is simple, easy in installation, and easy to use.
In the localhost mode, one can run web pages without publishing the web live. Besides, the WAMP permits one to work either online or offline mode, access to files, and server settings.
Moreover, it has the compatibility of higher versions upgrade. The WAMP can handle dynamic websites, easy to use with Php, and is available both in 32 and the 64-bit system. WAMP stands for Windows, Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
LAMP Local Server:
It basically stands for; Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. It combines all these stacks together forming an offline local server for development and testing purposes.
The LAMP is an open-source platform. It has only compatible only with Linux operating system. Unlike XAMPP, it cannot run on Windows or OS operating system.
MAMP Local Server:
MAMP is that local server that works compatibly with Mac operating system. It’s an open-source platform that supports; Apache, PHP, MySQL for coding and testing purposes.
It will definitely give you all the programs and tools to smoothly run WordPress on your local machine. Since it supports PHP and MySQL, you will be able to use it perfectly with all other content management scripts.
Which Local Server To Use?
XAMPP is a powerful tool that is resource attractive as compared to WAMP. The packaging is versatile to many operating systems. It can support Perl, MySQL, Php, and has SSL as an additional feature. WAMP, on the other hand, offers support for MySQL and also PHP and is limited to only one operating system.
The different applications can be tested by installing Drupal, WordPress or Joomla by using either XAMPP or WAMP or LAMP or MAMP. They all support the installation of cloud-based and e-commerce software like ownCloud and osCommerce.
In conclusion, WAMP is limited to the Windows operating system and does not have additional features like Perl and SSL which is found in XAMPP.
LAMP and MAMP have been intended to serve the shortage with Linux and Mac. LAMP works only on Linux operating system. MAMP works perfectly on Mac OS and Windows operating system.
Conclusion:
As a result of the above, XAMPP stands out to be an excellent package for web development applications. It is, therefore, the best to be used for localhost on a local computer.
XAMPP works perfectly on different operating systems. Thus, it turned out to be the best local server available today. I’ve been using it and I’m very satisfied with the results I’m getting.
That was it all about the difference between XAMPP, WAMP, LAMP, and MAMP. Please let me know in the comments below for any questions or inquiries. I would love to help you further.
I am new to website design. Basically learning this as I go. I will be using WordPress and eventually taking over the managing of an existing website for the association I belong to. The site is presently being hosted on WPEngine. Is XAMPP the best for me as a beginner. Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Tom
Hi Tom. Since you’re already hosting your website on WPEngine, you won’t need or use XAMPP software. This is made specifically to create a local server on your personal computer and run PHP scripts. Since you’re already having a web hosting account, then it’s ready and enough to run WordPress on it without any XAMPP like software. Good Luck
Mamp is really slow including new PHP versions and the Windows version of MAMP is less polished.
XAMPP is cool if you don’t mess with options or need to change database / php / apache versions to try to mimic production setup, otherwise WAMP is your best option but only in Windows systems.
Never tried LAMP because I prefer Windows over Linux.