Overview 🌟

This article will delve into why I decided to switch from XAMPP to Laragon. However, before discussing my reasons for making the switch, I’ll provide a brief overview of both tools. Let’s get started! 💻✨

What is XAMPP? 🛠️

XAMPP is a software package designed to create a standalone server environment, making it easier to develop applications locally. The name “XAMPP” is an acronym that stands for:

• X: Cross-platform 🌐
• A: Apache (web server) 🌐
• M: MySQL (database management) 🗃️
• P: PHP (scripting language) 📝
• P: Perl (scripting language) 🧑‍💻

XAMPP is a cost-effective solution as it eliminates the need for external hosting by allowing developers to store website files locally and access them via a browser. It’s been a go-to choice for many developers over the years. 🏠💻

What is Laragon? 🌈

Similar to XAMPP, Laragon also provides a standalone server environment for application development. While XAMPP is cross-platform, Laragon is exclusively available for Windows. However, it offers a portable version, which is convenient for users who prefer flexibility. 🎒✨

Like XAMPP, Laragon can save costs by replacing the need for external hosting, allowing developers to store website files locally and access them through a browser. But what sets it apart? Let’s find out! 🔍💡

Reasons for the Switch 🔄

I won’t compare the features of the two tools because, in my opinion, both are excellent in their own right. My primary reason for switching to Laragon stems from my experience with XAMPP. Specifically, I frequently encountered issues where MySQL would corrupt, which was incredibly frustrating. 😩

How frustrating, you ask? Imagine this: while creating a database table, the connection would suddenly drop due to corruption. This forced me to start over from scratch. It wasn’t a big deal when working with tables that had only a few columns, but when dealing with complex tables containing numerous fields, it became unbearable. 😤

After enduring this issue for far too long, I decided to make the switch to Laragon. Although I’m still getting accustomed to its interface and functionality, the change has been worth it so far. 🌟✨

How to Install Laragon 🚀

If you’re considering switching to Laragon, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install and set it up:

Step 1: Download Laragon 📥

1. Visit the official Laragon website.
2. Navigate to the Download section.
3. Choose the version that suits your needs (Installer or Portable).

Step 2: Install Laragon ⚙️

1. Run the installer file you downloaded.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions:
   • Select the installation directory (default is usually fine).
   • Choose the components you want to install (Apache, MySQL, PHP, etc.).
3. Complete the installation process.

Step 3: Configure Laragon 🛠️

1. Launch Laragon after installation.
2. Click on the Menu button in the Laragon interface.
3. Go to Preferences > Services & Ports to configure ports if needed (default settings work for most cases).
4. Under Preferences > General, you can set Laragon to start automatically with Windows or enable shared folders for collaborative projects.

Step 4: Start the Services ▶️

1. In the Laragon interface, click the Start All button to launch Apache, MySQL, and other services.
2. Once the services are running, open your browser and navigate to http://localhost to verify that everything is working.

Step 5: Create Your First Project 📂

1. In the Laragon interface, click Menu > Quick Create.
2. Select the type of project you want to create (e.g., PHP, Laravel, WordPress, etc.).
3. Laragon will automatically set up the project folder and configure the virtual host.
4. Access your project by navigating to http://yourproject.test in your browser.

Step 6: Optional - Add PHP Extensions 🧩

If your project requires additional PHP extensions:

1. Open the Laragon interface.
2. Go to Menu > PHP > php.ini to edit the configuration file.
3. Uncomment or add the required extensions (e.g., extension=php_curl.dll).
4. Save the file and restart the services.

Conclusion 🎯✨

Ultimately, my decision to switch is based on personal experience. If you’re comfortable using XAMPP and haven’t encountered any significant issues while creating databases or managing servers, there may be no urgent need to switch. I’m not claiming that Laragon is superior—it’s simply the better choice for me given the circumstances. 🌟

Before deciding to switch from one tool to another, carefully consider your needs and evaluate how the new tool aligns with your workflow. Every developer’s requirements are unique, so choose the solution that best suits your goals and preferences. 💡🔧

With the step-by-step installation guide provided above, you can now confidently try out Laragon and see if it fits your development needs! Happy coding! 🚀🎉