How to Set Up a LAMP Stack on Ubuntu

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A LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, and PHP) is essential for hosting websites and web applications. This guide explains how to install and configure a LAMP stack on Ubuntu.

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1. Install Apache (The Web Server)

1. Update Package Lists:

   sudo apt update

2. Install Apache:

   sudo apt install apache2

3. Verify Installation:

• Open your browser and visit http://localhost.
• You should see the Apache default page.

3. Helpful Link:
   Learn more about configuring Apache at Apache’s official documentation.

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2. Install MySQL or MariaDB (The Database Server)

1. Install MySQL:

   sudo apt install mysql-server

2. Secure MySQL Installation:
   Run the security script to set up a root password and remove unnecessary features:

   sudo mysql_secure_installation

3. Check MySQL Service:
   Ensure it’s running:

   sudo systemctl status mysql

4. Using MariaDB Instead:
   MariaDB is a popular MySQL fork. Install it using:

   sudo apt install mariadb-server

5. Resource:
   For in-depth database security practices, check MySQL’s security guide.

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3. Install PHP (The Server-Side Language)

1. Install PHP and Required Modules:

   sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql

2. Check PHP Version:
   Verify installation:

   php -v

3. Test PHP:

• Create a PHP info file:
  bash sudo nano /var/www/html/info.php
  Add this line:
  php <?php phpinfo(); ?>
• Visit http://localhost/info.php in your browser.

3. Helpful Link:
   Refer to the PHP documentation for advanced configurations.

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4. Adjust Apache to Serve PHP Files

1. Prioritize PHP Files:
   Edit Apache’s configuration file:

   sudo nano /etc/apache2/mods-enabled/dir.conf

Move index.php to the front of the list.

2. Restart Apache:

   sudo systemctl restart apache2

3. More Info:
   Apache-specific PHP integration tips can be found in this DigitalOcean guide.

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5. Configure Firewall (Optional)

1. Allow Apache Through UFW:
   If UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) is enabled, allow Apache traffic:

   sudo ufw allow in "Apache"
   sudo ufw enable

2. Verify Firewall Rules:

   sudo ufw status

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6. Test the LAMP Stack

1. Host a Test Page:
   Create an HTML or PHP file in /var/www/html and access it via your browser.
2. Access MySQL:
   Open the MySQL shell:

   sudo mysql

3. Benchmark Your Stack:
   Tools like Apache JMeter can simulate traffic to test performance.

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7. Troubleshooting

1. Apache Not Starting:
   Check logs for errors:

   sudo journalctl -xe

2. MySQL Connection Issues:
   Verify credentials and permissions. For help, visit the MySQL troubleshooting guide.
3. PHP Errors:
   Enable error reporting in your PHP script or modify php.ini:

   sudo nano /etc/php/7.x/apache2/php.ini

4. More Help:
   Search for solutions on Ask Ubuntu if issues persist.

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