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Local Web Server For Web Development?

Posted by timothy on from the start-the-daemon dept.

gwilymgj writes "I have been running Apache/MySQL for years using XAMP and WAMP on windows for web development. Recently I switched to using Ubuntu in VMware player, it is much faster and it also introduces me to a 'real' reason to play with Linux (been looking for a 'real' reason for ages). Are there any specific distributions which allow you to have a virtual webserver on your desktop? Any tips and tricks out there for this?"

5 of 82 comments (clear)

  1. all Linux distros allow this by DragonTHC · · Score: 4, Informative

    You can run apache and listen only on your internal IP. There are plenty to choose from. I'd recommend openSuSE or slackware if you're brave.

    --
    They're using their grammar skills there.
    1. Re:all Linux distros allow this by AKAImBatman · · Score: 4, Informative

      DragonTHC pretty much nailed it. Nearly every distribution of Linux, BSD, Solaris, <insert your favorite Operating System here> ships with a web server. The darn things are a dime a dozen and can be found on freeware websites, as example code (Java, Python, Perl, C#, take your pick), as part of webapp servers (e.g. J2EE), as programming assignments, etc.

      The only real reason to run Apache in a VM is if there are specific applications you wish to configure before deploying them in a production system. e.g. If you're looking at deploying Wordpress or a web forum, you may want to try a test install before sending it to your live server. In that case, the best answer for which OS to run in the VM is: Whatever you're planning on deploying the app on.

      Otherwise there is precious little difference between deploying a web server in a VM and deploying it on your desktop. (Regardless of what OS you use.) You can pick and choose to your heart's content. You can even run Apache, IIS, and J2EE on the same box without clobbering each other. (Just make sure you configure the ports to not conflict.)

      Heck, I've caught myself running as many as three web servers simultaneously while doing development. (Don't ask. You probably don't want to know.) When I'm done with them, I just shut them down and forget about them until the next time I need them.

      So go pick your favorite OS and have fun. There's no need to shy from any of them, especially when you are using a virtual machine. And remember! FreeBSD is the Power to Serve(TM). </kidding!>

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      Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
    2. Re:all Linux distros allow this by Fallingcow · · Score: 4, Funny

      To put it (slightly) more consisely:

      Pick any distro.

      Type "apt-get install apache" at the command line.

      If that doesn't work, try "yum -i apache" (I think that's it, silly RPM-based distros).

      If it's still not working, you may be running Gentoo. Don't worry, it will be OK. Type "emerge apache". Go make some coffee. Maybe see a movie. Come back. Should be done.

      If that doesn't work, you're running Slackware. HERE BE DRAGONS!

    3. Re:all Linux distros allow this by theelectron · · Score: 4, Insightful

      It sounds like he already has the hardware, why would he buy a whole new computer just for a web server? You sound like an apply fan with the 'just buy a new one' upgrade/install path.

    4. Re:all Linux distros allow this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Translation: Women don't talk to me; they must be lesbians.