How to Use PHP: Installation Guide for Windows & Mobile Devices (2025)

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Learn how to use PHP with step-by-step installation guides for Windows and mobile phones. Set up PHP using XAMPP, manual installation, or VS Code. Start coding PHP today!.

How to Install on Windows
How to Install on Mobile phone
Online PHP Compilers

How to Install on Windows

To use PHP on Windows, you need to set up a local development environment that can run PHP scripts. Here are 3 main ways to do it:

✅ Method 1: Using XAMPP (Easiest Way)

XAMPP is a free and easy-to-install package that includes Apache (web server), MySQL, and PHP.

Install XAMPP Server

XAMPP is a completely free, easy to install Apache distribution containing MariaDB, PHP, and Perl. The XAMPP open source package has been set up to be incredibly easy to install and to use.[6]

Steps:

Download XAMPP:
Go to https://www.apachefriends.org/download.html and download the Windows version.
Install XAMPP:
Run the installer and choose to install Apache and PHP (MySQL is optional).
Start Apache:
Open the XAMPP Control Panel and click Start next to Apache.
Write PHP Code:
Save your PHP files in the htdocs folder (usually in C:\xampp\htdocs), e.g.:
```
<?php
echo "Hello, PHP!";
?>
```
Run in Browser:
Open your browser and go to:
```
http://localhost/yourfilename.php
```

✅ Method 2: Install PHP Manually (for advanced users)

Steps:

Download PHP:
Get it from https://windows.php.net/download (choose the Thread Safe version for use with a server).
Extract PHP:
Unzip it to a folder like C:\php.
Configure Environment Variable:
Add C:\php to your system PATH.
Test in Command Prompt:
Open CMD and type:
```
php -v
```
You should see the PHP version.
Run a PHP Script: Save a file test.php with:
```
<?php
echo "My first php page.";
?>
```
Then run:
```
php test.php
```
for more details, see How to install php

✅ Method 3: Use Visual Studio Code + PHP + Browser

Install VS Code.
Install the PHP Extension Pack.
Write and save .php files.
Use XAMPP/Apache or run PHP from terminal (php -S localhost:8000) to test in a browser.

How to Install on Mobile phone

Step 1: Use a Code Editor App

Since PHP is a server-side language, you need an environment that supports it. Try these mobile apps:

ACode – Allows PHP coding on Android.

Step 2: Install AWebServer (Apache, PHP, SQL) on Android Phone

for more details, see How to Install AWebServer (Apache, PHP, SQL) on Android Phone

Online PHP Compilers

Since installing a local server on a phone is tricky, online compilers are a great alternative:

Use a Web Hosting Service

Some free hosting services allow PHP execution, such as:

000webhost (free hosting with PHP and MySQL)
InfinityFree (supports PHP and databases)

References

[1] AWebServer – PHP, MySQL, FTP [Mobile App], Ice Cold Apps. [Online]. Available: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.icecoldapps.awebserver

[2] phpMyAdmin Team, phpMyAdmin. [Online]. Available: https://www.phpmyadmin.net/

[3] Apache Software Foundation, Apache HTTP Server Documentation. [Online]. Available: https://httpd.apache.org/docs/

[4] PHP Group, PHP Manual. [Online]. Available: https://www.php.net/manual/en/

[5] MariaDB Corporation, MariaDB Knowledge Base. [Online]. Available: https://mariadb.com/kb/en/

[6] Apache Friends, XAMPP - Apache, MySQL, PHP, Perl. [Online]. Available: https://www.apachefriends.org/