PHP developers may need a local computer which can run PHP scripts before they can try them on a web hosting server. Then these softwares will help them establish a server environment right from their local PC. These can also help PHP newbies to learn PHP coding without the need of a hosting server.
If you are new to local server environments then this tutorial on How to install and setup Apache, MySQL and PHP in Windows will help you setup WAMP. Installing localhost server with other softwares are basically the same. And all of these alternatives for WAMP are free to download.
Also take a look at our related article:
EasyPHP
EasyPHP installs a complete WAMP environment for PHP developers in Windows including PHP, Apache, MySQL, PhpMyAdmin, Xdebug and many others. All errors, warnings and notices including coding best practices and recommended coding standards in PHP are displayed.
WAMPServer
WampServer is a Windows web development environment. It allows you to create web applications with Apache2, PHP and a MySQL database.
Xampp
XAMPP is an easy to install Apache distribution containing MySQL, PHP and Perl. XAMPP is really very easy to install and to use – just download, extract and start.
UwAmp
UwAmp is a Wamp Server with Apache MySQL PHP and SQLite.