DesktopServer

DesktopServer

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.
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wamp web-server testing

DesktopServer: Open Source WAMP Distribution

Free and easy-to-use open source WAMP distribution for Windows desktops, ideal for testing web server software

What is DesktopServer?

DesktopServer is an open source WAMP (Windows, Apache, MySQL and PHP) distribution for Microsoft Windows. It allows web developers and programmers to run a local web server on their Windows desktop or laptop for testing purposes.

Key features include:

  • Bundled with the latest versions of Apache, MySQL, PHP and other components
  • Easy one-click installation and set up
  • Fast and lightweight for development usage
  • Supports running multiple sites and applications
  • Includes phpMyAdmin for database administration
  • Open source and completely free to use

DesktopServer allows rapid testing and iteration of web applications and sites on a Windows machine without needing to deploy to a remote server. Everything runs locally for convenience during development. It can also be used to run small intranet sites.

With its small footprint and single executable installation, DesktopServer provides a simple yet capable WAMP stack for PHP/web developers looking to develop offline on Windows.

DesktopServer Features

Features

  1. Bundled with Apache, MySQL, PHP and other components required for web development
  2. Allows running a web server on Windows desktop for testing purposes
  3. Open source and free to download and use
  4. Easy to install and configure
  5. Supports running PHP applications locally
  6. Includes phpMyAdmin for MySQL database administration
  7. Allows choosing desired versions of Apache, PHP, MySQL etc during setup
  8. Portable installation allows running from USB drives
  9. Includes web-based DesktopServer control panel

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

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


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