You must have heard about LAMP stack.
The term was coined in 1998 by Michael Kunze and has been in use ever since as the foundation for websites hosted on Linux.
The term stack comes from solution stack. Solution stack is a software technology collection packed together, forming a platform. This platform can support different types of application.
LAMP has a Number of Things to its Credit
One of the first open source stacks for web, it is one of the most popular ways to deliver web applications. As it is used widely, you will meet it quite frequently in your career while you host or update existing applications.
It is one of the most popular options for developing custom web applications.
How do you describe LAMP?
Stable, simple and powerful.
Components of LAMP
LAMP consists of four different software components.
These components are arranged in layers and support each other, making up the software stack.
The software components that make up traditional LAMP stack are:
Linux: This operating system makes the first layer. The foundation for stack model, the other layers are on top of this layer.
The backbone of LAMP architecture, all components run on top of it.
Linux enjoys an extensive user base extending across multiple industries.
Apache: This layer is made of web server software, usually Apache web server. This layer is on top of Linux layer.
Apache offers support through its well-developed community. It uses HTTP for processing requests and transmitting information over internet.
MySQL: The database remains on this layer.
This layer remains on top of Linux layer, along with the Apache web server.
SQL language works with structured business domain.
MySQL is a proven and robust platform suitable to run the complex and large websites.
PHP: The fourth and the final layer, this layer consists of PHP and other web programming languages.
This layer combines all elements of LAMP stack.
Why Developers Prefer LAMP?
The developers choose LAMP stack as they are easy to deploy and customise. Moreover, it has significant community support capacitated to meet the need of different types of web applications.
Notably, it acts as an alternative to pricey software packages.
LAMP is one of the most popular architectures on the web. It is also the base of the most commonly used CMS platforms like Drupal, Joomla and WordPress. If you are working on these platforms, you are already using LAMP stack on your dedicated server or Virtual Private Server.
Why Developers Choose LAMP Stack?
The developers opt for LAMP stack over other technology stacks owing to the following benefits:
- LAMP stack consists free and open source software. Thus, it is readily available.
- Little restriction on usage.
- Zero license fees.
- Easy access to community support, making fixing issues and bugs easier.
- Simplified software development process.
- Flexible compared to other enterprise commercial based products.
LAMP Alternatives
There are different alternatives to LAMP. They are
- WISA: Windows, IIS, SQL, ASP.net
- WAMP: Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP
- MAMP: MacOS, Apache, MySQL, PHP
