Setup a Linux LAMP Server!

Do what I did! Setting up a LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP) on a server is a common task for hosting websites and web applications. Below are the steps to set up a LAMP stack on a server running Linux Ubuntu

Step 1: Update the Server

First, update the package index and upgrade your server packages to the latest versions.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Apache

Apache is the web server that will serve your website.

sudo apt install apache2
  • After installation, you can check if Apache is running by visiting your server’s IP address in a web browser. You should see the default Apache welcome page.
  • Ensure Apache starts on boot:
sudo systemctl enable apache2

Step 3: Install MySQL/MariaDB

MySQL or MariaDB is the database management system that will store your website’s data.

sudo apt install mysql-server
  • Secure the MySQL installation:
sudo mysql_secure_installation
  • Follow the prompts to secure your installation (set the root password, remove anonymous users, disallow root login remotely, etc.).

Step 4: Install PHP

PHP is the server-side scripting language that will process the dynamic content on your website.

sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql
  • Restart Apache to load PHP:
sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 5: Test PHP Processing

Create a PHP file to test if PHP is working correctly with Apache.

sudo nano /var/www/html/info.php
  • Add the following content to the file:
<?php
phpinfo();
?>
  • Save the file and exit the editor.
  • Visit http://your_server_ip/info.php in your web browser. You should see the PHP information page, which indicates that PHP is correctly installed and running.

Step 6: Adjust Firewall Settings (Optional)

If you have a firewall enabled, you need to allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic.

sudo ufw allow in "Apache Full"

Step 7: Set Up Virtual Hosts (Optional)

If you want to host multiple websites on the same server, you need to set up virtual hosts.

  • Create a directory for your website:
sudo mkdir /var/www/your_domain
  • Set permissions:
sudo chown -R $USER:$USER /var/www/your_domain
sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/your_domain
  • Create a new virtual host configuration file:
sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/your_domain.conf
  • Add the following content, replacing your_domain with your actual domain name:
<VirtualHost *:80>
    ServerAdmin webmaster@your_domain
    ServerName your_domain
    ServerAlias www.your_domain
    DocumentRoot /var/www/your_domain
    ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/error.log
    CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/access.log combined
</VirtualHost>
  • Enable the new virtual host:
sudo a2ensite your_domain.conf
sudo systemctl reload apache2

Step 8: Enable PHP Modules (Optional)

You may need additional PHP modules for your application. You can search for and install them as needed:

sudo apt search php-
sudo apt install php-module_name
  • Replace module_name with the name of the module you need.

Step 9: Remove Test Page (Optional)

For security reasons, you may want to delete the info.php test page.

sudo rm /var/www/html/info.php

Step 10: Access MySQL via the Command Line

To manage your databases, log in to the MySQL shell:

sudo mysql -u root -p
  • Enter your MySQL root password when prompted.

Step 11: Restart All Services

Finally, restart all services to ensure everything is running correctly:

sudo systemctl restart apache2
sudo systemctl restart mysql

Step 12: Secure Your Server (Optional)

For production environments, consider securing your server by disabling unnecessary services, setting up SSH keys, using a strong firewall, and installing security updates regularly.

With these steps, your LAMP stack should be fully operational and ready to host websites or applications.

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