Local by Flywheel vs DesktopServer

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs. Compare features, pricing, pros & cons, and make an informed decision.

Local by Flywheel icon
Local by Flywheel
DesktopServer icon
DesktopServer

Expert Analysis & Comparison

Struggling to choose between Local by Flywheel and DesktopServer? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Local by Flywheel is a Development solution with tags like wordpress, local-development, database, page-builder.

It boasts features such as Local WordPress development environment, Built-in WordPress, database, PHP, Nginx web server, Supports popular page builders like Elementor, Beaver Builder, etc, Live link sharing to preview sites, Git integration, WP-CLI integration, Custom PHP version selection, SSD caching, Automatic HTTPS, 1-click WordPress installation, Team collaboration features and pros including Fast local development, Easily mimic production environments, No need to setup own local servers, Share live links for previews, Supports latest WordPress and PHP versions, Integrates with popular tools, Collaboration features.

On the other hand, DesktopServer is a Development product tagged with wamp, web-server, testing.

Its standout features include Bundled with Apache, MySQL, PHP and other components required for web development, Allows running a web server on Windows desktop for testing purposes, Open source and free to download and use, Easy to install and configure, Supports running PHP applications locally, Includes phpMyAdmin for MySQL database administration, Allows choosing desired versions of Apache, PHP, MySQL etc during setup, Portable installation allows running from USB drives, Includes web-based DesktopServer control panel, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Simple installation, No need to setup individual components, Great for testing websites locally, Portable installation, Easy to configure, Includes useful tools like phpMyAdmin, Allows choosing component versions.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Why Compare Local by Flywheel and DesktopServer?

When evaluating Local by Flywheel versus DesktopServer, both solutions serve different needs within the development ecosystem. This comparison helps determine which solution aligns with your specific requirements and technical approach.

Market Position & Industry Recognition

Local by Flywheel and DesktopServer have established themselves in the development market. Key areas include wordpress, local-development, database.

Technical Architecture & Implementation

The architectural differences between Local by Flywheel and DesktopServer significantly impact implementation and maintenance approaches. Related technologies include wordpress, local-development, database, page-builder.

Integration & Ecosystem

Both solutions integrate with various tools and platforms. Common integration points include wordpress, local-development and wamp, web-server.

Decision Framework

Consider your technical requirements, team expertise, and integration needs when choosing between Local by Flywheel and DesktopServer. You might also explore wordpress, local-development, database for alternative approaches.

Feature Local by Flywheel DesktopServer
Overall Score N/A N/A
Primary Category Development Development
Target Users Developers, QA Engineers QA Teams, Non-technical Users
Deployment Self-hosted, Cloud Cloud-based, SaaS
Learning Curve Moderate to Steep Easy to Moderate

Product Overview

Local by Flywheel
Local by Flywheel

Description: Local by Flywheel is a local web development environment that allows developers to build WordPress sites on their computer without needing a live server. It comes packaged with WordPress, a database, and built-in support for popular page builders and tools.

Type: Open Source Test Automation Framework

Founded: 2011

Primary Use: Mobile app testing automation

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows

DesktopServer
DesktopServer

Description: DesktopServer is an open source WAMP (Windows, Apache, MySQL and PHP) distribution that allows developers to run web server software on Windows desktops for testing purposes. It is free, easy to install and configure.

Type: Cloud-based Test Automation Platform

Founded: 2015

Primary Use: Web, mobile, and API testing

Supported Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, API

Key Features Comparison

Local by Flywheel
Local by Flywheel Features
  • Local WordPress development environment
  • Built-in WordPress, database, PHP, Nginx web server
  • Supports popular page builders like Elementor, Beaver Builder, etc
  • Live link sharing to preview sites
  • Git integration
  • WP-CLI integration
  • Custom PHP version selection
  • SSD caching
  • Automatic HTTPS
  • 1-click WordPress installation
  • Team collaboration features
DesktopServer
DesktopServer Features
  • Bundled with Apache, MySQL, PHP and other components required for web development
  • Allows running a web server on Windows desktop for testing purposes
  • Open source and free to download and use
  • Easy to install and configure
  • Supports running PHP applications locally
  • Includes phpMyAdmin for MySQL database administration
  • Allows choosing desired versions of Apache, PHP, MySQL etc during setup
  • Portable installation allows running from USB drives
  • Includes web-based DesktopServer control panel

Pros & Cons Analysis

Local by Flywheel
Local by Flywheel
Pros
  • Fast local development
  • Easily mimic production environments
  • No need to setup own local servers
  • Share live links for previews
  • Supports latest WordPress and PHP versions
  • Integrates with popular tools
  • Collaboration features
Cons
  • Requires purchase for full features
  • Can be resource intensive
  • Limited customization compared to own servers
  • Must sync to live site separately
DesktopServer
DesktopServer
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Simple installation
  • No need to setup individual components
  • Great for testing websites locally
  • Portable installation
  • Easy to configure
  • Includes useful tools like phpMyAdmin
  • Allows choosing component versions
Cons
  • Not recommended for production use
  • Limited to Windows platform
  • Requires some technical knowledge to configure
  • Not officially supported or updated frequently
  • Lacks advanced administration features
  • Security not hardened for public-facing use

Pricing Comparison

Local by Flywheel
Local by Flywheel
  • Freemium
  • Subscription-Based
DesktopServer
DesktopServer
  • Free
  • Open Source

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