How to Host PHP Website on Apache Server – A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Are you a Dev looking to host your PHP website on Apache server? If yes, then you are in the right place. Apache server is one of the most widely used web servers out there, and hosting your PHP website on it can be a great choice. However, getting started can be a bit overwhelming. But worry not, as we have got you covered.

What is Apache Server?

Apache server is a free and open-source web server software that powers over 40% of all active websites on the internet. It was first released in 1995 and has since then become the most popular web server on the planet. Apache server supports a wide range of web technologies and can be installed on almost all major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Advantages of Apache Server

Apache server has numerous advantages that make it the preferred choice for hosting websites. Some of the key advantages include:

Requirements for Hosting PHP Website on Apache Server

Before you can host your PHP website on Apache server, you need to make sure that your system meets the following requirements:

• Apache web server installed
• PHP installed on the server
• MySQL or MariaDB database server installed

If you do not have these requirements installed, you can easily install them using the package manager of your respective operating system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Host PHP Website on Apache Server

Step 1: Install Apache Server

The first step to hosting your PHP website on Apache server is to install Apache web server. Here is how you can do it:

1. Open your terminal or command prompt
2. Run the following command to update your package list:
   sudo apt update
3. Run the following command to install Apache server:
   sudo apt install apache2
4. Once the installation is complete, run the following command to start the Apache server:
   sudo systemctl start apache2
5. To make sure that the Apache server is running, run the following command:
   sudo systemctl status apache2

That’s it. You have now installed Apache web server on your system.

Step 2: Install PHP

The next step is to install PHP on the server. Here is how you can do it:

1. Open your terminal or command prompt
2. Run the following command to install PHP:
   sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php
3. Once the installation is complete, run the following command to restart the Apache server:
   sudo systemctl restart apache2
4. To test if PHP is working, create a new PHP file with the following content:
   <?php phpinfo(); ?>
5. Save the file as info.php in the /var/www/html directory
6. Open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost/info.php
7. If you see a page with information about PHP, then PHP is installed and working correctly.

Step 3: Install MySQL or MariaDB

The final step is to install MySQL or MariaDB database server. Here is how you can do it:

1. Open your terminal or command prompt
2. Run the following command to install MySQL or MariaDB:
   sudo apt install mysql-server (for MySQL) or
   sudo apt install mariadb-server (for MariaDB)
3. During the installation, you will be prompted to set a root password. Make sure to remember this password as you will need it later.
4. Once the installation is complete, run the following command to start the MySQL or MariaDB server:
   sudo systemctl start mysql (for MySQL) or
   sudo systemctl start mariadb (for MariaDB)
5. To make sure that the MySQL or MariaDB server is running, run the following command:
   sudo systemctl status mysql (for MySQL) or
   sudo systemctl status mariadb (for MariaDB)

FAQs

Q1. Can I host multiple PHP websites on Apache server?

A1. Yes, you can host multiple PHP websites on Apache server by configuring virtual hosts. Each virtual host will have its own domain name and document root.

Q2. How do I configure virtual hosts on Apache server?

A2. To configure virtual hosts on Apache server, you need to create a new configuration file in the /etc/apache2/sites-available directory. This file should contain the configuration for your virtual host, including the domain name and document root. Once you have created the configuration file, you need to enable it using the following command:
sudo a2ensite yourdomain.com.conf

Q3. How do I secure my PHP website on Apache server?

A3. To secure your PHP website on Apache server, you need to follow some best practices, such as using HTTPS, keeping your software up to date, and using strong authentication methods. You can also use tools like firewalls and intrusion detection systems to enhance your website’s security.

Q4. How do I optimize my PHP website on Apache server for performance?

A4. To optimize your PHP website on Apache server for performance, you can follow some best practices, such as minimizing HTTP requests, using caching, optimizing your images, and minimizing your JavaScript and CSS files. You can also use tools like Apache Bench and Google PageSpeed Insights to measure your website’s performance and identify areas for improvement.

Q5. Can I use Apache server with other programming languages?

A5. Yes, Apache server supports a wide range of programming languages, including Python, Perl, and Ruby, among others. You can install the required modules and libraries on the server to use these languages.

Conclusion

Hosting your PHP website on Apache server can be a great choice, as it offers numerous advantages and is easy to configure. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily host your PHP website on Apache server and take your website to the next level.