Newb question.

Discussion in 'PHP' started by RogerDodgr, Jul 19, 2007.

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  1. #1
    I just joined this group partly because I want to learn about php. I hope this question is in the proper thread and not obnoxious.

    My C drive has a folder called php. Partial contents include 16 .dll files, and 4 folders: dev, ext, extras, and PEAR, etc.

    Does this indicate that PHP is installed on this computer?
    If so,
    how do I run .php files on my computer. (Currently basic php pages work on my hosting account, but not my computer.) Do I need to run them from one of the php folders?

    How do I tell which version I have?
     
    RogerDodgr, Jul 19, 2007 IP
  2. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

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    #2
    Hi Roger

    Not obnoxious at all. However if you haven't installed PHP I would doubt you have it.

    Windows installers vary depending on the source and the age. The last time I had it on a PC I would have to start Apache (the engine), then call up a browser and go to http://localhost and that would call up the index file for whatever site I had loaded at the time (would vary).

    Others will be using more up-to-date versions.

    Having a home copy is great for development - but be aware that if you are online your system can still be exploited and it may leave your computer open!
     
    sarahk, Jul 19, 2007 IP
  3. RogerDodgr

    RogerDodgr Well-Known Member

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    #3
    "XAMPP is an easy to install Apache distribution containing MySQL, PHP and Perl" http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html

    Thanks for your reply sarahk. That's very good advice about vulnerabilities. Has anyone heard of or used XAMPP??? (it's free(open source/gnu lisc) and works on windows, linux, etc).
    It seems like it might be exactly what I need to learn. I'm looking into it.
     
    RogerDodgr, Jul 19, 2007 IP
  4. mobyme

    mobyme Peon

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    #4
    XAMPP is a fabulous little tool for local development although I personally prefer Wamp5 mainly because of the easy switch facility between php4 and php5. Both come with a windows installer, they couldn't be easier.
     
    mobyme, Jul 20, 2007 IP
  5. RogerDodgr

    RogerDodgr Well-Known Member

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    #5
    Hey mobyme, XAMPP rocks!!!!!! I downloaded it last night. I am very impressed. I am running php pages on my home computer today. I think I have the 5.0. I was also amazed at how simple the set/up download went. Because I have used godaddy for so long the only knuckle-headed move was not knowing where to store the php files; which as I'm sure y'all are aware is htdocs, that is the only thinkg that took me ten minutes to figure out. Well actually I also need to learn more about MySQL. great great great :)
     
    RogerDodgr, Jul 20, 2007 IP