Learn PHP for Windows 10 Free Download 2024

Gear Up for Glory:

Before we delve into the enchanting world of PHP syntax, let’s gather the necessary tools to pave the path for success. The good news is, you probably already have most of them!

• Your Windows 10 Machine: That trusty computer you use every day is your loyal companion on this quest.
• A Text Editor: Fear not, you don’t need a fancy, intimidating program. Even the built-in Notepad application will work for starters. However, if you crave a more feature-rich experience, consider free options like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text. These editors offer syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging tools, making your coding life a breeze.
• A Web Browser: Your trusty Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browser will be your window to the world wide web, allowing you to test your PHP creations and witness your code come alive!

Installation Time: 

Now that you’ve assembled your arsenal, it’s time to prepare your Windows 10 battlefield for some serious PHP action. Here’s where things get exciting! We’ll install a nifty little software package called XAMPP.

What is XAMPP?

Imagine XAMPP as a one-stop shop for everything PHP. It bundles essential components like Apache (the web server software), MySQL (the database management system), PHP itself, and a bunch of other goodies – all neatly wrapped up in a single installer. This makes setting up your development environment on Windows 10 a breeze compared to installing each component individually.

Installing XAMPP:

Head over to the official XAMPP and download the appropriate version for your Windows 10 system (32-bit or 64-bit). Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Remember: Always opt for the “typical” installation during the process.

Starting Up Your XAMPP Engine:

Once the installation is complete, fire up XAMPP. You’ll see a control panel with buttons for Apache and MySQL. Click the “Start” buttons for both to get them running. A green light next to each service indicates it’s up and humming!

Testing, Testing… 1, 2, 3! Is Your PHP Environment Ready?

Let’s verify if everything is set up correctly. Open your web browser and navigate to “http://localhost/” in the address bar. If you see the XAMPP welcome page, congratulations! You’ve successfully installed your PHP development environment on Windows 10.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of PHP! – Part 1: 

Now that your development environment is up and running, it’s time to write some actual PHP code! Don’t worry, we’ll start with something super simple.

• Creating Your First PHP File: Open your text editor (Notepad or your preferred option) and create a new file. Save it as “helloworld.php” (including the “.php” extension) in your XAMPP htdocs folder (usually located at “C:\xampp\htdocs”).

• Behold! The Power of the PHP Echo Statement: Type the following line of code into your “helloworld.php” file: