XAMPP is an easy to install Apache distribution for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and Solaris. The package includes the Apache web server, MySQL, PHP, Perl, a FTP server and phpMyAdmin.

XAMPP has been designed to be the easiest way to install and run a development server. There are numerous other WAMP packages available, but XAMPP is one of the most complete on offer. In addition to Apache, MySQL, and PHP, XAMPP includes other really useful tools such as the phpMyAdmin database administration tool, FileZilla FTP server, Mercury mail server, Perl programming language, and JSP server Tomcat.

In the XAMPP control panel you can configure the above services with ease. XAMPP can also install an administration site as the home page of the server. From which you can undertake all manner of administrative tasks, such as checking the server status and security, launch tools like phpMyAdmin and Webalizer analytics. You can also view PHP demos which can be of use for those developers who are just starting out.

Overall, XAMPP is a great tool for anyone looking to get a full development server up and running within quick time constraints. The only issue that we can see, is that because it is so easy to setup, it doesn't have the security features for this to be used as a production server. However, if you really need to make the server Web accessible, then you can do so, albeit against the advice of the Apache Friends development team.

Looking for the Mac version of XAMPP? Download Here