What is easy to download that will allow me to view PHP files?

Question

I am not a programmer by any means. I only know CSS and HTML, and I have only just started taking tutorials on PHP a few days ago. In order to install PHP on my computer, I needed Apache, for Apache, I needed something else. I'm sick of all this! I just want to be able to /VIEW/ PHP files (not open them in an editor). I am incredibly frustrated. I've tried installing PHP manually, but I'm not smart enough for that, and the installer even baffled me, with the whole Apache thing.

Is there an easy way of enabling me to view local .php files?

Answer 1

Don't worry! I've been there..



http://www.easywamp.com/



Install easyWAMP, and it'll preinstall apache and PHP and all the things you need instantly.



Install it, then place your php files into something like C:\easyWAMP\www or easyWAMP\apache\www



And then you can find all of them when you start up the program.



http://127.0.0.1



Just type that into your browser and it'll have your site if you want it to be that, or 127.0.0.1/example.php etc. 127.0.0.1 will be your www folder, so it'll be easy from there.



Have fun =)

Answer 2

I know the feeling...

Installing Apache and Php on your machine, unless you intend to become a server yourself, is a waste of time (and pretty complicated if you are not fluent with Unix/linux...)

My advice:

- Buy a domain, rent a LAMP server, get a good FTP.

- Edit your files with Notepad++, upload them to your server (THEY have done all the hard bits!).

- VIEW you files through a browser.

- EDIT them on your machine, then re-upload.

This could be called "on-line development".

That way, you can see both: the sources (Notepad), AND the result (browser).

One little "risk" using your one machine as a server: YOUR php set-up may not be the same as the final client. You may have to review ALL your code once you install it to the client...

I develop directly on my client's server. No surprises.

Answer 3

You can use Xampp (http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html) instead of installing apache and php manually, its a package that installs and configures all the stuff you need.

And to view php files u can just use notepad you can even edit them there.

Or if u wana go a bit professional u can use



DreameWeaver (commercial and one of the best),

http://www.adobe.com



PHP designer (commercial) http://www.mpsoftware.dk/phpdesigner.php







Eclipse (free and open source ) http://www.eclipse.org/





havok

Answer 4

just set notepad as your default viewer for PHP, the whole Apache/PHP/MySQL thing can be confusing, but stick with it, its definitely worth it.

Answer 5

a million. installation own homestead page on you gadget and execute your script. or (greater useful) 2. installation a WAMP stack so as which you are able to use your very own community internet site to artwork on your code. or (superb) 3. installation an ubuntu-based LAMP server and do the comparable as (2). concerning 2 or 3, Firefox with cyber web developer and firebug plugins is an fairly sturdy theory.