To run PHP locally, you need a web server (Apache), a database (MySQL), and the PHP engine itself.

: Use "all-in-one" bundles like Apache Friends XAMPP (cross-platform) or MAMP (Mac).

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a widely used server-side scripting language designed for web development. Because it is executed on the server, it allows you to create dynamic, interactive web pages that can interact with databases and handle user data. 1. Setting Up Your Environment