How to Deploy a LAMP Stack in Linux

The LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) is a popular open-source web development platform used to host dynamic websites and applications. This guide will walk you through setting up a LAMP stack on a Linux server.

Prerequisites

  • A Linux-based server (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, or any other Linux distribution)
  • A user account with sudo privileges
  • Basic knowledge of the Linux command line

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing any software, update the package repository to ensure you get the latest versions:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y   # For Uduntu/Debian-based systems

Update

Step 2: Install Apache Web Server

Apache is the most widely used web server for hosting websites.

Install Apache 

sudo apt install apache2 -y   # Ubuntu/Debian

apache2

Start and Enable Apache 

sudo systemctl start apache2   # Ubuntu/Debian
sudo systemctl enable apache2  # Enable on boot

start and enable apache

Verify Apache Installation

Open a web browser and navigate to your server's IP address:

http://your-server-ip

-Use ip addr show to check the IP address of your server.

If Apache is running, you should see the default Apache welcome page.

apache is running

Step 3: Install MySQL Database Server

MySQL is the database component of the LAMP stack.

Install MySQL 

sudo apt install mysql-server -y   # Ubuntu/Debian

mysql

Secure MySQL Installation 

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Follow the prompts to set a root password and remove unnecessary settings for security.

Step 4: Install PHP

PHP is the scripting language that processes dynamic content.

Install PHP and Required Modules 

sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql php-cli php-curl php-json -y    # Ubuntu/Debian

php

Restart Apache to Apply Changes 

sudo systemctl restart apache2   # Ubuntu/Debian

Test PHP Installation

Create a test PHP file:

echo "" | sudo tee /var/www/html/info.php

Then access it in a browser:

http://your-server-ip/info.php

If PHP is installed correctly, you will see the PHP info page.

php

Step 5: Configure Firewall (If Necessary)

To allow web traffic, open the necessary ports:

sudo ufw allow 80/tcp   # Ubuntu/Debian
sudo ufw allow 443/tcp

Conclusion

You have successfully deployed a LAMP stack on your Linux server! You can now start developing and hosting your websites using Apache, MySQL, and PHP.