Setting Up a LAMP Stack on Ubuntu: Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP

Introduction

A LAMP stack is one of the most popular open-source software stacks for web development. It consists of four key components:

• Linux (Operating System)
• Apache (Web Server)
• MySQL (Database Management System)
• PHP (Server-Side Scripting Language)

This stack is widely used for hosting dynamic websites and web applications. In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of installing and configuring a LAMP stack on Ubuntu, one of the most user-friendly Linux distributions.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure you have:

1. A machine running Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 (or any recent version).
2. Administrative (sudo) access to install packages.
3. A stable internet connection to download the necessary packages.

Step 1: Update Ubuntu

Before installing any software, it’s good practice to update your system’s package list and upgrade existing packages.

Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This ensures you have the latest security patches and software versions.

---

Step 2: Install Apache Web Server

Apache is a widely used web server that will handle HTTP requests.

Install Apache

Run the following command:

sudo apt install apache2 -y

Verify Apache Installation

Once installed, Apache should start automatically. Check its status:

sudo systemctl status apache2

You should see active (running) in the output.

Access Apache Default Page

Open a web browser and enter your server’s IP address:

http://your_server_ip

You should see the Apache2 Ubuntu Default Page, confirming Apache is working.

Adjust Firewall (If Enabled)

If you’re using UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall), allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic:

bash

sudo ufw allow 'Apache Full'

Verify the changes:

bash

sudo ufw status

---

Step 3: Install MySQL Database

MySQL (or MariaDB) will manage your website’s databases.

Install MySQL

Run:

bash

sudo apt install mysql-server -y

Secure MySQL Installation

Run the security script:

bash

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Follow the prompts to:

• Set a root password (recommended for security).
• Remove anonymous users.
• Disallow root login remotely.
• Remove test databases.
• Reload privilege tables.

Verify MySQL

Check if MySQL is running:

bash

sudo systemctl status mysql

Log in to MySQL:

bash

sudo mysql -u root -p

Enter your root password. Exit with:

sql

exit;

---

Step 4: Install PHP

PHP processes dynamic content and interacts with MySQL.

Install PHP and Extensions

Run:

bash

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

This installs:

• PHP core
• Apache PHP module
• MySQL support for PHP

Verify PHP Installation

Create a test file:

bash

echo "<?php phpinfo(); ?>" | sudo tee /var/www/html/info.php

Now, visit:

http://your_server_ip/info.php

You should see the PHP information page, confirming PHP is working.

(Optional) Install Additional PHP Modules

To support common frameworks and applications, install additional modules:

bash

sudo apt install php-curl php-gd php-mbstring php-xml php-zip -y

Restart Apache to apply changes:

bash

sudo systemctl restart apache2

---

Step 5: Test the LAMP Stack

Let’s create a simple PHP script that connects to MySQL.

Create a Test Database

Log in to MySQL:

bash

sudo mysql -u root -p

Create a database and user:

sql

CREATE DATABASE test_db;
CREATE USER 'test_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password123';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON test_db.* TO 'test_user'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
exit;

Create a PHP Script to Test Database Connection

Create a new file:

bash

sudo nano /var/www/html/db_test.php

Add the following code (replace credentials if different):

php

<?php
$db_host = 'localhost';
$db_user = 'test_user';
$db_pass = 'password123';
$db_name = 'test_db';

$conn = new mysqli($db_host, $db_user, $db_pass, $db_name);

if ($conn->connect_error) {
    die("Connection failed: " . $conn->connect_error);
} else {
    echo "Connected to MySQL successfully!";
}
?>

Save and exit (Ctrl + X, then Y).

Now, visit:

http://your_server_ip/db_test.php

If you see “Connected to MySQL successfully!”, your LAMP stack is fully functional!

---

Step 6: Secure Your LAMP Stack

Remove the PHP Info Page

For security, delete the info.php file:

bash

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

Secure Apache with HTTPS (Optional but Recommended)

Install Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate:

bash

sudo apt install certbot python3-certbot-apache -y
sudo certbot --apache -d your_domain.com

Follow the prompts to enable HTTPS.

Regular Updates

Keep your system secure by running:

bash

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

---

Conclusion

You’ve successfully set up a LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) on Ubuntu! This stack is now ready to host dynamic websites, blogs (like WordPress), or custom web applications.

Next Steps

• Install phpMyAdmin for a graphical MySQL interface.
• Deploy a WordPress or Laravel application.
• Configure virtual hosts for multiple websites.

If you encounter issues, check logs:

• Apache logs: /var/log/apache2/error.log
• MySQL logs: /var/log/mysql/error.log

Happy coding!