Introduction
When developing web applications using PHP and Apache, it’s common to encounter issues where your PHP code doesn’t execute as expected. This can be particularly frustrating when you see the PHP code directly in the browser source rather than being processed by the server. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to troubleshoot and resolve such issues, ensuring that your PHP scripts run smoothly on an Apache server using XAMPP.
Understanding the Problem
When a PHP file is opened through a web server like Apache but displays its source code in the browser instead of executing, it indicates that the server isn’t processing the PHP script. This can be due to several reasons, including configuration issues or incorrect syntax usage within your PHP files.
Common Causes and Solutions
1. Accessing Files via Correct URL
Ensure you’re accessing your PHP file through a web server URL rather than directly opening it from your local filesystem. For example, use http://localhost/yourfile.php instead of opening the file by double-clicking it in your browser. This ensures that Apache processes the request and executes the PHP script.
2. Checking PHP Installation
Verify that PHP is installed correctly on your system. Run the following command in your terminal or command prompt:
php -v
This should return version information about your PHP installation. If it doesn’t, you may need to reinstall PHP or configure your environment variables properly.
3. Apache Configuration for PHP
Ensure that the PHP module is enabled in Apache’s configuration file (httpd.conf). Look for a line like:
LoadModule php5_module "c:/php/php5apache2_4.dll"
Remove any semicolon (;) at the beginning of this line if it exists, as comments are prefixed with ;.
Additionally, ensure that PHP is set to handle .php files by including a directive like:
AddType application/x-httpd-php .php
This tells Apache to process files with the .php extension using PHP.
4. File Extension and MIME Type
Make sure your script has the correct file extension (e.g., .php) and that this extension is associated with PHP in Apache’s configuration. Check for AddType directives related to PHP, ensuring they are uncommented.
5. Using Correct PHP Tags
PHP supports different types of opening tags, but using short tags (<? and ?>) can lead to issues if they’re not enabled on your server by default. It is recommended to use the standard opening tag:
<?php
You can enable short tags in your php.ini file by setting short_open_tag=On, but using <?php is generally more reliable.
6. Checking File Permissions and Configuration
Ensure that your PHP files have appropriate permissions to be read and executed by the server. Additionally, verify any specific configurations required for newer PHP versions (e.g., PHP 7) in Apache’s configuration files:
<IfModule php7_module>
AddType application/x-httpd-php .php
</IfModule>
7. Using PHP-FPM with Apache
For users running PHP 7 or above, consider using PHP-FPM (FastCGI Process Manager) for better performance and management:
sudo a2enmod proxy_fcgi setenvif
sudo a2enconf php7.0-fpm
sudo service apache2 restart
8. Ensure Apache is Restarted
After making changes to the configuration files, always restart Apache to apply those changes:
sudo service apache2 restart
# or for Windows XAMPP:
C:\xampp\apache\bin\httpd.exe -k restart
Conclusion
By following these steps and ensuring your server environment is correctly configured, you can resolve most issues related to PHP code not executing on an Apache server. Regularly check configurations, use the standard PHP tags, and ensure proper access through web server URLs to maintain a smooth development process.