WampServer 3.2.6

Overview

WAMP stands for Windows, Apache, MySQL and PHP. There is also a Linux package similar to this called LAMP. The idea is that Apache is a web server that is capable of hosting web site and delivering web pages to visitors to the site. This can either be when wishing to host a web site or to acts as a “localhost” where web sites can be tested offline before uploading them to a list web host; Apache can run the web site away from the internet. MySQL is a robust, relational database management system capable of handling complex databases and SQL queries. PHP is a programming language where the code is interpreted on the server, converted to a HTML page, and then delivered as a web site to the site visitor. WAMP therefore is a one stop shop for web developers who wish to install a test version of a working site on their development machine, as well as being a package that administrators of hosting servers can use to deploy.

Installation

The installation package displays the exact version number for each major component of the installation. This includes WAMP server which can act as a control panel for the installation, PHPMyAdmin for managing databases, SQLBuddy, and others.

398.4 MB is required for the full install here. The package is not small. It does want to install to a wamp folder directly off the root, i.e. c:/wamp but this can be changed to a more convenient location before going ahead with the install. The full setup can take a while and then it takes you through the setup process and configuration for each component, where needed.

Interface

The WAMPServer comes with its own menu and control system. From the WAMPServer it is easier to manage both Apache web server and MySQL. All services for the web hosting can be stopped or started in a single click which will turn off Apache web hosting capability. It is also easier to pull up the folder where the web hosting files are to be stored for the live site(s).

Installing WAMPServer can make life easier and more productive for busy web developers, designers and administrators alike.

Pros

• WAMPServer includes Apache web server, MySQL relational database system, PHP, PHPBuddy, and more.
• Provides a centralized control software in WAMPServer menu system
• Shut down all processes or start them all to instantly take control of the web hosting
• Host sites locally
• Create Localhost as a test server for new designs away from the internet
• Much easier to install and use than trying to install each individual package

Cons

• Takes a while to download due to the size of the package, but the updates are much smaller.

Alternatives

XAMPP is a similar package containing Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl.

Conclusion

WAMPServer is an excellent package to use for developers, programmers and web hosting administrators who want to deploy a live or test hosting environment.