What is LAMP and how does it work?

LAMP is a collection of software (All of which is free and open source) and stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP (or Perl or Python depending on which is chosen). The benefits of using LAMP are numerous; first off using Linux gives you access to large amounts of open source software that is free, as the majority of Linux distributions believe in a community effort to create, perfect and distribute free software which is very different than its Microsoft counterpart.

The ease in which the LAMP collection is used makes it very friendly to new developers, PHP and MySQL being extremely easy to learn understand and work with. It also gives access to the cheapest hosts as generally the more affordable hosts prefer working with PHP and MySQL and many also prefer to work with your Linux platforms. If creating your own server, using LAMP can make things much easier for you, and makes the operation of a server easier for those who are entirely new to running their own server.

There are many similar collections, including WAMP, MAMP, SAMP, OAMP, and FAMP to name a few with the only difference worthy of mention being the operating system. WAMP (Windows OS) and LAMP are by far the most popular. The key components were never initially intended to be used together as a package, but the ease in which PHP works with the Apache Http server and MySQL has led to the realization that these products should come together as a bundle. Mixed with a Linux distribution they create a great combo.

The fact that these products are generally open source and free on top of everything else makes utilizing it the most intelligent move an individual or company could make in most situations.



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