What to choose, XAMPP or Denwer? Overview of local web servers. Comparison of Denwer and XAMPP programs: which one is better Xampp reviews


Complex. This is, as you may have guessed, good old Denwer. It became firmly established on my computer back in 2003. Other alternatives, if they existed at that time, were known in narrow circles and were not so popular.

Let's look at what we can use today, after all these years. I suggest reviewing, testing and comparing 14! software packages designed for developing websites for Windows.

1.AMPS

Latest version: 1.7
Russian language: yes (partially)
Portable version: No
Homepage: http://www.ampps.com/

Basic kit:

  • Softaculous AMPPS 1.7
  • Apache 2.2.22
  • MySQL 5.5.22
  • PHP 5.3.10 and 5.2.17
  • PERL 5.10.1
  • Python 2.7.2
  • MongoDB 2.0.4
AMPPS is not just a WAMP assembly, it is a whole library of applications, where each of them can be quickly installed, manipulated and tinkered without leaving the checkout. All this farming is painstakingly cataloged and described in detail.

An undoubted advantage of this assembly is the support for many common CMS, blog platforms, web forums, message boards, photo galleries, etc. There are more than 200 available applications! The set of components included in the package also keeps up with life, all the modules are quite fresh and, notably, here we can find such exotic things as Python and MongoDB.

Of the minuses, I would like to note the partial Russian translation, which is present only in the script catalog, and even then not everywhere. After restarting Apache, the tray menu refused to work, restarting Windows did not help. Another disadvantage is the lack of portability. In my opinion, AMPPS is more useful for beginners to learn scripts than for serious developers. I wasn’t very comfortable working with this software package; there are better options.

Latest version: 2.5.10
Russian language: No
Portable version: No
Homepage: http://www.appservnetwork.com/

Basic kit:

  • Apache 2.2.8
  • PHP 5.2.6
  • MySQL 5.0.51b
  • phpMyAdmin-2.10.3
Apache and MySQL are installed as services. There is no control program, just a dubiously designed page with a link to PhpMyAdmin. At its core, AppServ is a graphical installer for Apache, PHP, MySQL and nothing more. If the same Denwer itself launches components, then here they are simply installed as services and managed by Windows itself.

Latest version: 3.2010-11-07
Is there Russian language
Portable version: Yes
Home page: http://www.denwer.ru/

Basic kit:

  • Apache 2.2
  • PHP 5.3.3
  • MySQL 5.1.40
  • phpMyAdmin 3.2.3
Denwer... good old Denwer. We see the same meager set of not very fresh components (cut down to the core), a black window and no GUI. The advantages of this package include its extremely small size and a good “knowledge base” on the forum, accumulated over many years. In fact, server management is carried out through the execution of BAT scripts for starting and stopping modules; as such, there is no control program at all.

Denwer is extremely simple and understandable, and therefore has the largest army of fans among “dummies”. The most complete description of this platform will be the following phrase said by one of the users: “Denver performs the main tasks and okay, but the more bells and whistles, the more problems (no one uses them 100 percent).”

Latest version: 5.3.9
Russian language: Yes
Portable version: Yes
Homepage: http://www.easyphp.org/

Basic kit:

  • PHP 5.3.9
  • PhpMyAdmin 3.4.9
  • Apache 2.2.21
  • MySQL 5.5.20
A fairly simple and unremarkable assembly. We are offered the usual no-frills tray menu, simple settings and a confusing start page without the Russian language. This software package did not make any impression on me; it works well. EasyPHP is quite suitable as a replacement for Denwer with a “windowed version” (if the start page doesn’t scare you).

I note that EasyPHP manages the server independently, no scary black windows pop up, and starting and stopping the server is quite fast.

Latest version: 2.0.2.0
Is there Russian language
Portable version: Yes
Home page: http://eleanor-cms.ru/server

Basic kit:

  • Apache 2.2.19
  • PHP 5.3.6
  • MySQL: MariaDB 5.2.6
  • PhpMyAdmin 3.4.2
  • SlimFTPd 3.1.81
  • DNS Unbound 1.4.10
EleanorServ at first seemed to me like a dark horse, or rather a kind of specialized server for the Eleanor CMS of the same name. After examination, it turned out that this is a regular WAMP kit.

In this build, I liked the design of the menu, which turned out to be quite attractive, which is very rare among this kind of programs. I also liked the control panel, or rather the start page, which has a rather unusual design.

After creating a new domain, the control panel simply disappeared. It turned out that there was an error in the domain manager and it was opening an incorrect address, but these were minor things. Another disappointment was the inability to open the folder with domains from the tray menu, I had to look for where I installed EleanorServ...

Overall, I liked EleanorServ, especially the ability to start/stop the server directly from the browser.

6. Nimp

Latest version: 1.5.0
Is there Russian language
Portable version: Yes
Home page: http://nimpbox.ru/

Basic kit:

  • Apache 2.2.17
  • Nginx 0.9.3
  • MySQL 5.5.8
  • PHP 5.3.5
  • Sendmail 31
  • phpMyAdmin 3.3.9
  • Sypex Dumper 2.0.8
  • FileZilla 0.9.37 beta
  • Memcached 1.2.4
Here we see an ugly implementation of the control panel with elements of pornography, but there is a rather interesting tray menu. The strangest thing about this assembly is that there are as many as 4! tray icons with exactly the same menu. It wasn't the first time I managed to get the server working. As it turned out, Nimp can only work from the root of the disk, which is undoubtedly another big disadvantage of this software package.

While using this build, something constantly crashed, FileZilla never stopped itself (I had to kill it through the task manager), and Memcached did not start at all. Some confusion was caused by the words of the program’s author that “this assembly is perfect for highly loaded sites in corporate and city networks.” The program is clearly far from suitable for use in a corporate environment.

The “trick” of this platform is that Nginx works as a frontend and is designed to serve static content, and Apache works as a backend to generate dynamic content. In general, my impression of this assembly remained twofold; it gradually changed from sharply negative at the beginning to normal and acceptable while working with the program.

Latest version: 4.5.2
Is there Russian language
Portable version: Yes
Home page: http://open-server.ru/

Basic kit:

  • Apache 2.2.22;
  • Apache 2.4.2;
  • Nginx 1.2.0;
  • MySQL 5.1.63;
  • MySQL 5.5.24;
  • PostgreSQL 9.1.2;
  • PHP 5.2.17 (IMagick 2.2.1, Zend Optimizer 3.3.3, IonCube Loader 4.0.7, Memcache 2.2.4);
  • PHP 5.3.13 (IMagick 2.3.0, Xdebug 2.2.0, IonCube Loader 4.0.14, Memcache 2.2.6);
  • PHP 5.4.3 (Xdebug 2.2.0);
  • SlimFTPd 3.181;
  • Fake Sendmail 32;
  • NNCron Lite 1.17;
  • Memcached 1.2.6;
  • Adminer 3.3.4;
  • HeidiSQL 7.0;
  • Webgrind 1.0;
  • PHPMyAdmin 3.5.1;
  • PHPPgAdmin 5.0.4;
  • PHPMemcachedAdmin 1.2.1;
In contrast to other participants in our review, Open Server has the most pleasant and thoughtful interface, and has powerful capabilities for configuring and administering components. The undoubted advantages include support for settings profiles, switching HTTP/MySQL/PHP modules, a task scheduler (cron), convenient management of domains and aliases, and for “dummies” there is a clear user manual.

A nice feature of Open Server is the ability to use the program as a portable personal start menu. You can install the server on a USB drive, transfer your portable programs there, create bookmarks for frequently visited sites, and wherever you are, you will have a convenient quick access menu to your favorite sites and programs.

Latest version: 1.8.2
Russian language: No
Portable version: Yes
Homepage: http://www.server2go-web.de/

Basic kit:

  • Apache 2.2
  • PHP 5.3.2
  • SQLITE
  • MYSQL 5.1.46
  • PERL 5.8
I was disgusted by this disgusting thing for a long time and spent several minutes searching for and killing child processes. It turned out that when you start the Server2go program, the web server just starts and that’s it. EVERYTHING - in the literal sense of the word, there is no control program, no monitor, the server cannot be stopped or even simply restarted. All this software package has is a start page where you can view harmless information like the PHP Info output.

The impression is extremely negative, although it would seem: the server starts, PhpMyadmin opens, and what else is needed? No, a server that cannot be stopped is not for me. Burn in hell!

Latest version: 8.5.4
Russian language: Yes
Portable version: No
Homepage: http://www.uniformserver.com/

Basic kit:

  • Apache 2.4.2
  • PHP 5.4.0
  • MySQL 5.5.24
  • phpMyAdmin 3.5.1
Uniformserver is just another hack and I can’t say anything good about it. A crooked Russian translation, a huge ugly logo in the tray menu, the menu itself is not thought out at all, and because of the crooked translation it is generally impossible to understand anything. All this assembly can do is start and open PhpMyadmin. Using the menu you can also get to the logs and configuration files. The only pleasant surprise was to find Cron there.

Latest version: 8.5
Russian language: No
Portable version: Yes
Homepage: http://www.usbwebserver.net/

Basic kit:

  • Apache 2.2.21
  • MySQL 5.5
  • PHP 5.3.9
  • PhpMyAdmin 3.4.9.0
A simple and lightweight WAMP kit. The control panel is simple and can be hidden in the tray. Unfortunately, there is no Russian language. The assembly can be recommended to undemanding users and beginners. There are no features or benefits that I could talk about in this software package.

In its functionality, USBWebserver resembles Denwer, except that Perl is missing. In the control panel you can start/stop modules, open logs, there are a couple of useful functions and settings, that’s all. I would recommend this assembly as a GUI replacement for Denwer for those who need similar functionality, but want to have a control panel with buttons and little things.

Latest version: 2.27
Russian language: No
Portable version: No
Homepage:

Basic kit:

  • Apache 2.2.22
  • PHP 5.3.10
  • MySQL 5.5.20
  • SQLite 3.7.10
  • Smarty 3.1.7
  • PhpMyAdmin 3.4.9
  • Xdebug 2.1.3
  • SQLiteManager 1.2.4
A good and functional software package, quite well-known, easy to learn. It has a convenient menu, good options for setting up PHP and Apache. I really liked the assembly; at one time I used Vertrigo for quite a long time.

But not everything is so rosy in our kingdom; of course, there are also disadvantages. The most important and significant disadvantage is that Vertrigo is not portable, it cannot be installed on a flash drive and used on different machines. Among other problems, I would like to note the difficulties with creating a domain or alias, as well as the lack of Russian language.

Latest version: 2.2d
Russian language: Yes
Portable version: No
Homepage: http://www.wampserver.com/

Basic kit:

  • Apache 2.2.21
  • Php 5.3.10
  • Mysql 5.5.20
  • XDebug 2.1.2
  • XDC 1.5
  • PhpMyadmin 3.4.10.1
  • SQLBuddy 1.3.3
  • webGrind 1.0
Like XAMPP, this assembly is widely known in the West. Perhaps the reason for this is the support for a large number of languages, the ability to install any version of Apache, MySQL and PHP as an add-on and an attractive home page, which cannot be said about the control program itself.

The assembly works well, has a scary, but quite understandable menu. There is nothing in it that makes this local web server stand out from the crowd. To be honest, I was very surprised to see such squalor in the design of the program after visiting the stylish and colorful home page.

Latest version: 0.4.0.4
Is there Russian language
Portable version: Yes
Home page: http://winginx.ru/

Basic kit:

  • Nginx 1.2.0;
  • PHP 5.3.13;
  • PHP 5.4.3;
  • Node.js 0.6.17;
  • MySQL 5.1.62;
  • MongoDB 2.0.5;
  • memcached 1.2.6;
  • phpMyAdmin 3.5.0;
  • Adminer 3.3.3;
  • RockMongo 1.1.1;
  • phpMemcachedAdmin 1.2.1;
  • Xdebug 2.2.0.5, Zend Guard Loader 5.5, ionCube 4.0.14
This assembly boasts the presence of MongoDB and Node.js, as well as the rapidly gaining popularity of the Nginx web server. I was also pleased with the presence of a normal tray menu and settings section, but during the work it turned out that the settings window has 3 tabs with only 1-2 options each (why?).

Working with logs in Winginx looks rather strange. To view them, we are offered a menu for selecting files like error.log, access.log, and so on, but it is impossible to understand which module these logs belong to: Nginx, PHP, or maybe Node.js?

Although Winginx has a control program, command of the web server itself, just like in Denwer, is carried out through .BAT files. I made this conclusion based on black windows popping up out of nowhere when starting or stopping the server.

It is possible that someone (primarily beginners) will find the function of automatically installing scripts (PhpBB, WordPress, Joomla, etc.) very useful when creating a domain, especially considering that the scripts are configured to work with Nginx (rewrite the rewriting rules yourself pretty hard). However, I personally never use such functions and prefer to perform the installation myself, since you never know what and how it is installed there and what surprises may await you in the future.

14. Xampp USB Lite

Latest version: 1.7.7
Russian language: No
Portable version: Yes
Homepage: http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html

Basic kit:

  • Apache 2.2.21
  • MySQL 5.5.16
  • PHP 5.3.8
  • phpMyAdmin 3.4.5
XAMPP is a very popular software package abroad. I think its popularity is due to the fact that this assembly is quite reliable and has versions for all major operating systems: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and even Solaris.

The start and stop of modules happens quite quickly, the welcome page is not confusing and understandable, even though it is in English. Overall, a pretty good software package (with a bunch of goodies in the desktop version) in which there is nothing superfluous or repulsive. Black windows do not attack from around the corner, the control panel is quite ordinary, but of little use.

Among the disadvantages of this software package, I can note precisely this control panel, or rather the lack of this control itself; there is nothing in it except starting and stopping the server. There is no convenient menu with a list of sites, no web server settings section, and no useful tools. You will have to configure the working environment in this build manually.

Comparison

Portable Russian language Availability of GUI Useful GUI Viewing logs
AMPPS - + + - +
- - - - -
+ + - - -
+ + + + +
+ + + + +
Nimp + + + + -
+ + + + +
+ - - - -
- + + - +
+ - + - -
- - + + +
- + + + +
+ + + + +
Xampp USB Lite + - + - -
Best results: EasyPHP, Open Server, Winginx.

Testing

Test #1 - False start

The essence of the test is to deliberately corrupt the Apache configuration in order to check whether we will receive any warning or all the indicators will be green and nothing will work. Agree that you have little desire to use a build that misleadingly reports a successful launch and makes you look like an idiot. If the server does not give any signals or works secretly, then the test will also be considered failed.

Test #2 - Difficult paths

The essence of the test is to deliberately install the server in a folder with a complex name; in our test we will use a folder named “C:\test\Mys$ka!._-()zlo()+~%&2% Files”. If PhpMyAdmin (it is taken simply for convenience, since it is in every assembly) does not open, then the test will accordingly fail. Each person is an individual; folders are sometimes called by the most unexpected names. The folder name chosen for the test is correct for Windows and should be processed correctly.

Test #3 - SSL out of the box

The test is extremely simple - we start the server and try to open PhpMyAdmin via the SSL protocol.

Designations:"+" means the test was successful, "-" means the test failed.

False start Difficult paths SSL out of the box
AMPPS + + +
- + -
- + +
+ + -
+ + -
Nimp + - -
+ + +
- + -
+ - -
+ - -
+ + -
+ + -
- - -
Xampp USB Lite + - +
Best results: AMPPS, Open Server.

Conclusion

Having examined and tested so many software systems, the question arises - what should you ultimately choose for everyday work? The answer to this question is not so simple; each build will be good for a certain type of task.

For beginners, I suggest using Denwer as the simplest and most time-tested WAMP kit. To all other web developers, as well as those beginners who do not have enough Denwer functionality, I recommend using Open Server.

If you need to quickly familiarize yourself with any well-known script, forum, photo gallery or guest book and don’t want to bother installing it and finding a suitable platform, then you can try AMPPS. Of course, provided that the script you are interested in is supported by this development.

If someone needs to use such rare modules as a local mail server, Node.js, MongoDB, etc., then I think everyone will be able to choose a suitable option among other participants in our review.

P.P.S I would like to warn commentators who advocate a virtual machine with Linux on board and do not recognize anything else as an alternative. I partly agree with you, when transferring a site to a real hosting, some problems may arise: streams, fs rights, symlinks, console, etc.

However, look at it this way. Such problems are special cases and they arise quite rarely. In reality, the opposite is true - a template designer using the Smarty engine does not need to know anything about streams, symlinks and the console, and CMS developers have learned to set the correct write permissions on downloaded files for 100 years.

As a result, I want to say that WAMP platforms have a right to exist and the use of virtual machines in most cases is completely unjustified.

On a local machine, you need suitable software. There are many ready-made Web server builds. For example, XAMPP and Denwer. But which one should you choose? What is the difference? Do they have any disadvantages? There are no ideal programs that will suit all users at once. After all, everyone has their own set of tasks and their own requirements. Read the descriptions of these utilities and you can decide which one is right for you: Denwer or XAMPP.

What is better to choose to create a local server: Denwer or XAMPP?

These apps are similar in many ways. They already have built-in software that is needed to work:

  • PHP programming language.
  • Apache HTTP Service.
  • MySQL database engine.
  • Graphic client phpMyAdmin.

With them you can set up a local server in a few minutes. Otherwise, you will have to manually assemble and install modules and select a configuration. Self-tuning is a long and complex process. It is needed if you are creating a public resource. For a virtual machine, you can use a ready-made assembly.

Up-to-date information about new versions of Denver and XAMPP can be found on the developers' website. It indicates which libraries are included with the server.

Denwer

The program “weighs” less than 10 Megabytes. It includes basic components. But individually they take up much more space. On the denwer.ru page you can download additional modules and extensions. For example:

  • ActivePerl. Distribution of the Perl programming language.
  • PostgreSQL and FireBird database management systems.
  • Mail server emulator with SMTP protocol.
  • Python and Parser programming languages.

Also on this site there are instructions in Russian and a FAQ. If you have a question that is not in the help, check out the Denver forum. It has a huge knowledge base. Other users or the developers themselves will help you solve any problem.

The program is pre-configured with all the necessary configurations. Install, launch, use. But if the computer is new, you still need to “prepare” it.


There is no need to enter any commands, select settings, or check boxes. You just need to press a few buttons. And the server will be available at “http://localhost/denwer/”. Icons for launching the application will also appear on the desktop. If you see the message “Hurray, it’s working!” in the utility window, it means you can use a full-fledged server.

ATTENTION. But ease of installation is not the only advantage of the program. What to choose: Denwer or XAMPP? Is quick installation really the deciding factor? Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of these applications separately.

Denver Pros:

  • No need to configure anything. After a simple installation, you can start the virtual machine right away.
  • The application is lightweight and well optimized.
  • It is simple and understandable. Therefore, it is suitable for beginners.
  • Russian language support.
  • Integration of additional libraries is available.
  • Can be transferred to other machines. At the same time, you don’t need to configure anything.
  • An extensive knowledge base is available on the developers’ website: instructions, descriptions, FAQ, update log.
  • There is a forum. On it you can ask questions about the utility and chat with other users.
  • No need to remove using uninstallers or system services. Just erase the application folder.

Minuses:

  • The basic set of the program contains rather meager content. Only the essentials to start the server.
  • The design of the graphical client also does not stand out in any way.

XAMPP

The undeniable advantage of XAMPP is its cross-platform nature. This program works on any Linux, Windows, Solaris, MacOS distributions. There are builds for different OSes on the page apachefriends.org/download.html. And also all kinds of addons (for example, WordPress, MediaWiki, Joomla). Website in English.

The basic package of the utility, in addition to Apache, DBMS and PHP, includes:

  • OpenSSL
  • Tomcat
  • MariaDB
  • FileZilla FTP Server
  • Webalizer

And it “weighs” accordingly - more than 100 Megabytes. But there is a Lite version - its composition is similar to Denver. Different builds are designed for different operating systems. Programs for Linux and Mac have more built-in modules. To look at the “composition” of the utility, click on the link “What’s Included?” on the developer's website.

There are no instructions or explanations. But installing the utility is very simple.

  1. On Linux - unpack the archive and run the installation.
  2. On Windows, open the executable EXE file.
  3. Select a folder.
  4. Wait while the files are copied.

The server control panel will appear. There you can start and stop it. The resource itself will be available at “http://localhost/”.

IMPORTANT. If you have a Mac or Solaris, then when asked what is better to choose - Denwer or XAMPP, there is only one answer: this is definitely not for Denver. In other cases, you need to look at the capabilities, advantages and disadvantages of the program.

  • There are servers for different systems.
  • All modules that may be needed are built into the basic assembly.
  • Very easy installation.
  • Can function on a public network. Component protection is already configured.
  • If configured correctly, it will work as a full-fledged Internet server.
  • The main functions of the program are available in the main menu. There you can see the server status and installed libraries.
  • Takes up a lot of memory. Although there is a Lite version.
  • English only.
  • There are no "controls" on the control panel. Only start/stop the server.

Comparison and selection

You still haven’t decided what to install - Denwer or XAMPP? Which is better in the long run? It depends on many factors. One program will not suit all users at once. The platform plays a decisive role. If the operating system does not support the Denver server, then you will not install it anyway. Assess whether the computer can handle the virtual server. It is better to install Denwer on an old or weak car. As a last resort - XAMPP-Lite.

If you don't know English well, then an English-language program is unlikely to suit you. Its management is simple. But setting up the utility while constantly looking at the dictionary is not very convenient. Denver's servers are optimized - they are "fast" and don't require a lot of resources. And XAMPP has another advantage - reliability. The utility is constantly tested and improved. The probability of failure is minimal. Although Denwer works stably.

These programs have certain similarities. But at the same time they are different. The main thing they have in common is that after installing the Denver or XAMPP application, you will immediately receive a ready-made local server. But the choice depends on several factors. Platforms, resources, your preferences. After all, you have to work with this virtual machine.

As many of you know, I have used for many years on my local computer Denwer however, about six months ago I decided to switch to OpenServer. And that's why.

When I first started creating websites (around 2008), the choice of packages for everything I needed was extremely scarce. Was xampp, denwer and 1-2 more options. Therefore, it is not surprising that at that time the vast majority of programmers installed everything themselves: Apache, MySQL, PHP, phpMyAdmin and so on. And against the background of those few packages that were there, I singled out exactly Denwer.

But then, for reasons unknown to me Denwer turned out to be abandoned and stopped updating altogether. Currently the latest version Denwer Now PHP 5.3.13, dating back to May 8, 2012. That is, it hasn’t even been updated in 5 years PHP. Therefore, unfortunately, from Denwer I had to refuse, precisely because of the lack of any update. Just update it PHP on Denwer- very problematic, and it doesn’t always work out, although it’s crooked, but I succeeded. But it's not just a matter of PHP, but in general throughout the entire assembly.

And at the end of 2016, I decided to see what was new, and came across OpenServer. Among the advantages I would like to note the following:

  • There is everything you need: Apache, MySQL, PHP, phpMyAdmin and so on.
  • You can choose any version of everything that is available. For example, you can take PHP 7, but you can take PHP 5, you can take Apache 1, but you can take Apache 2. All this is extremely easy to set up.
  • It’s easy to set up so that letters are actually sent from your computer, and not just put in a folder, as in Denwer. Of course, it could also be done there, but in OpenServer this is much easier to do.
  • Availability FTP servers.
  • Availability of a task scheduler.
  • Convenient interface with all settings.
  • OpenServer updated regularly.

Of the minuses, perhaps, I will only note the rather large size. Denwer really was lightweight, but I think this is a minor drawback OpenServer compared to many advantages.

All webmasters started working by choosing a virtual Web server. And everyone was wondering: what to choose, XAMPP or Denwer? These two servers are leaders, and you need to choose one of them so as not to regret it later. Therefore, this article will cover this topic. I will show you the pros and cons of XAMPP and Denwer separately.
XAMPP and Denwer are ready-made assemblies that combine all the necessary components of the work. These components are language processors for Apache, PHP, MySQL databases and many other add-ons. XAMPP, Denwer contain the same modules. Therefore, you do not have to install server assemblies; you can manually install the libraries necessary for operation. However, manual installation is a complex job and is practiced for setting up public servers, that is, not local ones. Therefore, you should not complicate your life and install Apache, PHP and MySQL manually.
XAMPP.
This virtual web server is very popular due to its cross-platform functionality. This means that you can install XAMPP on both Windows and Linux, Mac OS X, Solaris, BSD. Installing this server is very simple; it is distributed under a free license. For Linux systems, this is an archive that needs to be unpacked and run. This is enough to work with the server. Windows users must download the EXE file and run the installation. XAMPP is constantly being tested, new versions are released, so it is wise to visit the developer’s website, as well as Denwer’s website. XAMPP is recognized as a more stable server by many webmasters. It can be run by default on the network without fear, since component protection is fully configured and configured. In the case of Denwer, you will have to configure Apache, PHP and MySQL manually for this. XAMPP can turn your computer into a real server; to do this, you need to configure it to work via the Internet. Unfortunately, Denwer does not have such functions.
Denwer.
Denwer is currently the most popular server on Windows. The server also has pre-configured configurations. These are, for example, encodings aimed at Russian-language work with PHP and MySQL. XAMPP cannot please you with this; you will have to insist on everything yourself, editing the configuration files. I’ll also add to the pluses that Denwer is more optimized by default and works faster than XAMPP. However, there is nothing stopping you from setting up XAMPP in this way.
Actually, this is the main thing that needs to be said when choosing a web server. It's up to you to decide which one to use. Each has its pros and cons, so I recommend starting to work with manual configuration of Apache, PHP and MySQL. Then you can easily eliminate everything that you don’t like about XAMPP or Denwer and tailor it completely to your liking.

Based on the topic of this site, it is quite logical that in one of the first articles, I will get acquainted with the main tools for creating local sites and software applications, local server platforms. In this article, we will briefly look at WAMP assemblies for developing a local website on a machine with Windows installed. These are the main and most popular WAMP builds.

Open Server

This assembly is multi-variant. Installation is stationary (on a home computer) and portable (on a portable device).

Open Server is a relatively young build, but it is firmly gaining first position in the line of local servers. There are several reasons for this, but the main three are:

  1. The platform is portable and available without installation on an operating system;
  2. Open Server is constantly updated, and does not “hang” for several years without an upgrade, which indicates the author’s constant work on the project;
  3. The platform has five language options (Russian is the main one).

The Open Server build also has many nice features that simplify the developer’s work. I'm pleased with the ease of installation, autonomous swapping of missing programs, two HTTP services (Apache and Nginx), several versions of the DBMS and PHP, and the presence of a control program.

Official website: open-server.ru

Xampp

This assembly stands for: any axis+apache+mariabd+php+perl.

The Xampp platform is a leader among similar platforms abroad. The platform is interesting because it can work on different operating systems, as indicated by the first letter of the acronym [X]. This can be Windows, Linux and OS X. The two letters [p] at the end of the acronym stand for php and perl (available languages). Instead of MySQL, there is a more powerful MariaDB DBMS.

The XAMPP community is over 10 years old, and as a result, there is a lot of information on using the platform. XAMPP is “looked after”, constantly updated, there is a version with PHP 7.0.4. a Russian version of the official website even appeared.

Original source: www.apachefriends.org/ru/index.html

Denver

Building WAMP (windows+apache+mysql+php). Stationary installation only.

The most legendary and most controversial local server platform. Denver was good when it was alone on the Russian market. Time passes, but Denver does not want to develop. Perhaps, Denver holds the lead on the Internet when it comes to solving problems with its installation and use, and even more so when it comes to problems when transferring local sites from it to paid hosting.

Of. website: www.denwer.ru/

WampServer

conclusions

These are all seven WAMP platforms of this review. It’s too early to draw conclusions on quality. in other articles, we will deal with each platform in detail.


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