What Is the LAMP Stack?
If you’re starting out with web hosting, you may have heard the term “LAMP stack.” The LAMP stack is made up of four open source programs that, together, allow you to host your websites on a server. These four programs are usually: Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. Some people swap out parts of the LAMP stack to better fit their needs. This article will give you a high-level overview of each component.
Linux
Linux is an open source operating system. When you think of operating systems, you might be familiar with MacOS or Windows. Just like MacOS or Windows, Linux manages any files or programs on your server. Linux is very popular because it is open source and highly adaptable. Some people choose to use Windows instead (often called a WIMP stack), and there are other less-well-known operating systems, too. The vast majority of servers at Liquid Web use Linux, but a small amount use Windows.
Apache
Apache is the most popular web server in the world. When someone wants to see your website, Apache talks to your Liquid Web server to make sure the right webpage is displayed. Apache handles the communication and also delivers the web page. It’s like a server in a restaurant: making sure your order gets to the kitchen and then your food gets to your table. The vast majority of Linux servers at Liquid Web use Apache. Windows servers usually use Microsoft’s web server, Internet Information Services (IIS). (This creates a WIMP stack.)
MySQL
MySQL is a program for managing databases of information. Databases help organize all the information on your site so it can be accessed more quickly. Almost every website uses some form of database to manage website content. If you use WordPress, for example, all your posts, tags, and comments are stored in databases. MySQL stores and connects all these separate databases so all your content can work together. Database management can be very complex, but a lot of it happens behind the scenes. If you use a content management system like WordPress, you might never need to interact directly with MySQL. There are many other popular database management programs like MSSQL and MariaDB, but your Liquid Web Linux server is most likely using MySQL.
PHP
PHP is the primary programming language used in the LAMP stack. People use PHP for web development. PHP scripts run on your server and are used to create dynamic websites with forms and personalized user content instead of simple HTML websites. Some other common languages used in server management are Perl and Python.
It might help to think of your Liquid Web server like a regular home computer. It has an operating system and different programs that make your websites run properly. Everyone sets up their computer a little differently and may have different programs installed, but the general functionality doesn’t change.