WAMPServer

Softonic review

An ideal choice for Windows web development

WAMPServer is a reliable web development software program that lets you create web apps with MYSQL database and PHP Apache2. With an intuitive interface, the application features numerous functionalities and makes it the preferred choice of developers from around the world. The software is free to use and doesn’t require a payment or subscription. Moreover, the program installs on the system automatically, so you can fine tune the server without making any changes to the ‘Setting’ files.

Stable, fast, and responsive for Windows PCs

WAMPServer download is a Windows utility tool specifically designed for experienced developers. With this program, you can easily create a number of web applications, access the server in a stable environment, and manage databases. Compared to Apache HTTP Server and Server2Go, WAMP is a robust tool. It lets you utilize MySQL, PHP, and Apache2 technologies to easily configure the local development environment. Moreover, you can use different versions of PHP for maximum efficiency.

With this web server software, you can also change configuration files. Most importantly, the program is available in multiple languages. Once you install the tool on your Windows PC, you can add as many MySQL, Apache, and PHP releases as you need. There’s even a tray icon to conveniently manage the server and settings.

What about the navigation?

Once downloaded and installed, the program works in the same way as leading server software, such as XAMPP. It places a small icon in the system tray, from where you can start or stop multiple services in the stack. It also gives access to key directories, such as the one with the root of the web server. 

The tray icon is also a simple way to open configuration logs or files and access service-specific settings. For instance, when you’re working with Apache, you can choose from a list of modules to edit or load alias directories.

All the changes you make in the server are reflected in httpd.conf. However, if you make direct edits to this file, the changes don’t show up in the tray icon’s list unless you restart the program. Over time, this can be tedious and difficult to remember. You always need to be aware of changes to keep the stack’s actual configuration and the tray app’s information synchronized.

The tray icon features convenient handler options, including ‘Put Online/Offline’, which lets you disable access to the web stack’s offline mode within seconds. After using this option, you’ll be able to access the stack offline only on the local host server. WAMPServer offers some good security measures, at least for maximum security locally by default. Unfortunately, the web development software leaves the MySQL password space blank.

What about the features?

Apart from the usual stack components, such as MySQL, PHP, and Apache, WAMPServer download comes with debugging (XDebug) and maintenance (SQLBuddy, phpMyAdmin) functionalities. However, the program doesn’t feature Perl, a rather important component in leading web development software. WAMP doesn’t offer any other components that could be added to the stack.

Fortunately, you can add some earlier versions or downloads of different stack elements. For instance, you can install older versions of MySQL, Apache, or PHP 4.1.2. However, it is all manual.

While most web server software programs include only phpMyAdmin for managing databases, WAMPServer comes with SQLBuddy, a simple yet powerful administrative frontend. It’s important to understand that the 1.3.3 edition of SQLBuddy has some cross-site scripting issues, which need to be tackled, just in case you choose that specific version of the functionality.

Additionally, the program doesn’t leave PHP debugging behind, and you get access to WebGrind, XDebug, and XDC. As of now, WebGrind has only been configured to run on the local server. This keeps the system secure and protected.

Are there any drawbacks?

A major drawback of WAMPServer software is the lack of documentation, tutorials, or manuals. The program has been designed for only experienced developers and IT professionals. There’s no installation walk-through, and you need some level of technical knowledge to run the program.

In fact, there are no prompts or explanation for the numerous functions. You’ll pretty much have to figure out everything on your own, which can take some time before you get used to the interface.

While running the program, you may come across some port-conflict issues. Fortunately, there’s a test function, which lets you know the specific port you’ve been using. While it’s not as detailed as other programs, it still helps you get over minor hurdles.

Having said that, WAMP server software installs automatically on the system, and the navigation feels intuitive from the get-go. With this program, you’ll be able to fine-tune the server without even accessing the critical ‘Setting’ files. 

It won’t be wrong to say that WAMPServer is one of the few packaged solutions, which let you reproduce a production server without too many issues. The free-to-use program runs smoothly on Windows operating systems and proves to be fast, responsive, and stable for testing and managing web apps.

Offers a convenient way to develop web apps

WAMPServer download comes in a small file, which doesn’t affect system resources. Once you install the server software on your Windows PC, you can access the development environment to create web applications in a safe space. 

In case you face any issues, you can seek help from multiple online forums where users discuss tips, tricks, and share advice.