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PHP

viewing test websites

Hi

This is probably a very stupid question but how does one look at a website that you are building/have on your own machine (rather than a server/URL). Going through the various learning tracks and soon I will need to practice what I've learnt by attempting to build a simple site!

Also I have a website built in PHP and have downloaded all the files locally and wouldnt mind using that as a learning tool (ie play with the non-live site docs).

Thanks

4 Answers

You install a local server on your computer.

If you are a Mac user best idea is MAMP like so link if you are using Windows you an install XAMPP as described in the video after.

once you have the the programme installed you can add your site folders into the Apache web folder run the server and voila you can view your site in a browser php and all.

Thank you Maximiliane - is the the MS Webmatrix the same thing? Or should I just go ahead and use this XAMPP (I have Windows 7)?

I'm not familiar with webmatrix. It looks more like a text editor to me. Sorry. I would go ahead and use XAMPP can't hurt.

No problems with XAMPP since I started using it.

thanks to you both - I think Webmatrix is a bit more than a text editor but I will download XAMPP as you both say, it cant hurt!!