Step 6: Test PHP Using phpinfo()

After installing PHP, it is a good practice to verify that your web server can process PHP files correctly.

Create a new file named:

info.php

Add the following code:

<?php
phpinfo();
?>

If you are using Apache, save this file inside the default web directory:

/var/www/html/

Now open your browser and visit:

http://localhost/info.php

If everything is configured correctly, you will see the PHP Information page displaying:

• PHP Version
• Loaded Extensions
• Configuration Settings
• Server Information
• Environment Variables

Security Tip: Once testing is complete, delete the info.php file because it exposes server configuration details.

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Step 7: Install Apache (Optional)

Apache is one of the most popular web servers for PHP development.

Install Apache using:

sudo apt install apache2 -y

Start Apache:

sudo systemctl start apache2

Enable Apache at boot:

sudo systemctl enable apache2

Check its status:

sudo systemctl status apache2

Now open:

http://localhost

If you see the Apache default page, the installation is successful.

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Step 8: Install Nginx (Optional)

Many developers prefer Nginx because it is lightweight and performs well under heavy traffic.

Install Nginx:

sudo apt install nginx -y

Start Nginx:

sudo systemctl start nginx

Enable it on boot:

sudo systemctl enable nginx

Check status:

sudo systemctl status nginx

Visit:

http://localhost

You should see the Nginx welcome page.

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Step 9: Install Visual Studio Code

A good code editor makes development easier.

Install VS Code using the Ubuntu App Center or download it from Microsoft’s official website.

Recommended extensions:

• PHP Intelephense
• PHP Debug
• Prettier
• GitLens
• Error Lens

These extensions improve code completion, debugging, and formatting.

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Common Installation Errors

Error 1: php: command not found

Solution:

sudo apt install php -y

Then verify:

php -v

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Error 2: Permission Denied

If a command requires administrator privileges, use:

sudo

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Error 3: Apache Not Starting

Check the service status:

sudo systemctl status apache2

Restart Apache:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

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Error 4: Port 80 Already in Use

Find the process using port 80:

sudo lsof -i :80

Stop the conflicting service or change the port configuration.

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Error 5: PHP Extensions Missing

Install the required extension, for example:

sudo apt install php-mysql

Restart your web server afterward.

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Best Practices

Follow these recommendations while developing with PHP:

• Keep Ubuntu updated regularly.
• Use the latest stable PHP version.
• Install only the extensions you actually need.
• Remove phpinfo() after testing.
• Keep backups of important projects.
• Use Git for version control.
• Write clean, readable code.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is PHP already installed on Ubuntu?

Usually, no. Most Ubuntu installations require PHP to be installed manually.

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Which PHP version should I use?

Always use the latest stable version available for your project unless compatibility requires an older release.

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Can I install multiple PHP versions?

Yes. Ubuntu supports installing multiple PHP versions, although additional repository configuration may be required.

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Do I need Apache?

No.

PHP works with:

• Apache
• Nginx
• PHP Built-in Development Server

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How do I uninstall PHP?

Run:

sudo apt remove php*
sudo apt autoremove

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Conclusion

Installing PHP on Ubuntu 24.04 is a straightforward process. After updating your system, installing PHP, adding the required extensions, and verifying the installation, your computer is ready for PHP development.

Whether you’re building websites, REST APIs, WordPress plugins, or Laravel applications, having a properly configured PHP environment is the first step toward successful development.

Take your time to understand each command and practice regularly. A well-configured development environment will save you time and help you avoid common issues later.

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