When you want to build web applications, especially in PHP, you often here the word LAMP. In this shot, you will learn what a LAMP stack is and how you can have one in your own computer.
A stack is a collection of software or application programs that work together to make up a fully functional environment.
LAMP is an acronym for Linux, Apache, MySQL (MariaDB), and PHP (Python). They form the 4 layers that are needed to build a website, which are:
LAMP originated from GNU/Linux world, but today we have something equivalent in almost every system.
The operating system (OS) is the backbone for a LAMP stack. It is the foundation layer on top of which other layers run.
Historically, GNU/Linux was the OS used in this layer because it is free and open source, and also because of the flexibility and customization possibilities it offers.
Today, we have an equivalent in almost every operating system where the name changes accordingly. Therefore, we use “WAMP” on Windows OS and “MAMP” on Mac OS.
The web server handles users’ requests and provides the appropriate responses. It uses the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
The most used HTTP server is Apache, but you can also find Nginx or IIS (for Microsoft).
The database layer role is to store data that can be queried by the users. You can use a variety of database management system (DBMS) like MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL and even NoSQL database like MongoDB.
The programming language is used to generate dynamic pages on users’ requests.
The most used scripting language is PHP, but you can also use Perl or Python as well.
There are two ways you can follow to build a LAMP stack environment on your own computer:
The first way is mostly used by people who need more customization or are on GNU/Linux. It consists of separately installing each piece of software needed, except of course the OS.
The second way, the easiest one and mostly used on Windows, consists of installing a package or a bundle that contains everything you need. Among bundled solutions we have WAMP Server, Laragon (Windows), MAMP (Mac, Windows), and XAMPP (cross-platform).
Unlock your potential: Tech stacks for full-stack development, all in one place!
If you've missed any part of the series, you can always go back and check out the previous Answers:
What is full stack development?
Understand full stack development as the process of using both front-end and back-end technologies to build complete web applications.
What is MEAN stack?
Learn about the MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express, Angular, Node.js) and its power in building dynamic, single-page applications.
What is the MERN stack?
Discover the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js) and how it's tailored for building fast and scalable applications using React.
MEAN vs MERN stack
Explore the differences between the MEAN and MERN stacks and decide which is the best fit for your web development needs.
What is the MEVN stack?
Explore the MEVN stack (MongoDB, Express, Vue.js, Node.js), a modern stack focused on Vue.js for building dynamic web applications.
What is JAMstack?
Learn about JAMstack (JavaScript, APIs, Markup), a modern web architecture focusing on performance, scalability, and security.
What is the LAMP stack?
Dive into the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP), one of the most traditional web development tech stacks.