The Guide to LAMP Stack

Do you have any favorite tech stack or software bundle for your web development projects? Are there any oldies you would bring back to life? In this article, we'll focus on a tech stack for the ages: the LAMP stack. Below, we'll explain the LAMP stack, its different technologies, and why you should use it. We'll review frequently asked questions about this web development stack. And finally, we'll see some resources for developers who want to start working with this set of tools

What is the LAMP Stack?

The LAMP stack is a set of open-source tools used to create, deploy, and manage web applications. The name LAMP comes from the first letter of the four technologies that make up the stack: Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. Michael Kunze first introduced it in 1998.

What are LAMP Stack Elements?

The LAMP stack has an operating system (Linux) and a web server (Apache). Moreover, it has a database server (MySQL) and a programming language. This programming language is usually PHP but can also be Python or Perl. Before diving into how the stack works, we’ll look into each of these.

L- Linux on LAMP

In the early 1990s, Linux was created as a free and open-source operating system that has since become the backbone of the LAMP stack. With its flexibility, customization options, frequent updates, and lightweight infrastructure, Linux has proven to be an excellent choice for developers and users alike.

A- Apache on LAMP

Apache is a widely used, cross-platform, open-source web server first released in 1995. It is renowned for its high performance and reliability and can handle vast web traffic. Apache processes requests and transmits data using the HTTP protocol, ensuring secure and efficient internet communication. Its flexibility and extensive range of features make it a top choice for web developers and businesses worldwide.

M- MySQL on LAMP

MySQL is one of the most popular, free, open-source Relational Database Management Software (DBMS) and is widely recognized as the most popular and powerful tool for storing app data. Released in 1995, MySQL is known for its exceptional scalability, security, and business-oriented approach. It has become the go-to choice for businesses and organizations of all sizes looking to manage their data effectively and efficiently.

P- PHP on LAMP

This general-purpose scripting programming language is used in web development to create dynamic content. PHP was initially introduced in 1995 and was originally known as Personal Home Page. However, it has evolved over time and now stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, a fitting name for its ability to process data and generate dynamic content.

Perl and Python in the LAMP Stack

Perl is a feature-rich programming language that first appeared back in 1988. It's free, open-source, and specifically for web apps. Perl is free and open-source. Moreover, it's an embeddable, portable, and powerful language. You can learn more about Perl in our article about programming languages' stages! Likewise, released in 1991, Python is a highly versatile programming language. It works for websites and both mobile and web apps.

How does The LAMP Stack Work Together?

The LAMP Stack process is pretty straightforward. Users request a web page from their browser, which the Apache web receives. If the request is for a PHP file, Apache passes it to PHP, which loads and executes the code. Also, PHP is in communication with MySQL. Finally, PHP uses the code and data to create the HTML the browser needs to display the relevant web page.

Why is The LAMP Stack Relevant?

1. Open-Source. The fact that all the components of the LAMP stack are open-source means that the source code is shared. Thus, developers can make changes and improvements to increase their performance. 

2. Customizability. As we’ll see below, you can easily change one or more components according to your needs. There is a version of LAMP for Windows (WAMP) and another for macOS (MAMP). 

3. Efficiency. As it's open-source and has been around for over two decades, you're bound to find many resources on the LAMP stack. As a result, you rarely have to start your project from scratch. You can build on what others have done before and reduce development time.

4. Security. LAMP's secure architecture and established encryption practices make it highly safe.

5. Community. The LAMP stack has been around for quite a while, and it's widely used. This usage has led to it having a sizable community. It's easy to find support for any issues.

LAMP Stack vs. MEAN Stack

These two stacks use entirely different technologies. We know the LAMP stack has Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. In parallel, the MEAN stack uses MongoDB, Express, Angular, and NodeJS. MEAN is a JavaScript-based stack used to build dynamic websites and apps, which can deploy in any OS. 

Yet, LAMP is a JavaScript-based stack used to build dynamic websites and apps. While LAMP can only deploy in Linux, it can change into WAMP to work with Windows. You’ll need to look into your team’s skills and project requirements when choosing one. What makes the MEAN stack attractive is that all components work with JavaScript. As it’s a prevalent language, most team members are sure to know JS.

Thus, it makes collaboration easier. Another difference is that MEAN usually works better for small-scale web apps. Meanwhile, LAMP is a well-established stack, and countless resources are available.. Also, it’s better for large-scale web apps.

LAMP Stack vs. MERN Stack

The MERN and LAMP stacks also use different technologies. In fact, The MERN Stack is more similar to MEAN as it uses MongoDB, Express, React, and NodeJS. Moreover, MERN is also JavaScript-based and has a front-end component (React). As you can see, the differences between the MERN and LAMP stacks are similar to those between the MEAN and LAMP ones. Therefore, when it comes to which one to use, you should look at your team composition and the project characteristics you will tackle. You can learn more about the MERN stack here.

Conclusion

What do you think of the LAMP stack? Will you be using it or any of its variations for future projects? If you do, we hope to have given you enough background and resources to do so!