XAMPP vs WAMP vs MAMP vs LAMP

XAMPP can be described as a bundle of software used to serve web solutions across multiple platforms. It provides assistance to local developers by providing an environment to develop and test projects based on Apache servers, database management systems like MariaDB and scripting languages like Perl and PHP. Like XAMPP, there are a number of similar open-source local servers that provide similar assistance and functionalities. In this article, we will study about MAMP, WAMP, and LAMP to analyze and compare amongst the four.

XAMPP

XAMPP is an acronym, in which "X" stands for Multiplatform, "A" stands for Apache server, "M" stands for MariaDB, "P" stands for Perl, and "P" stands for PHP. It is a stack of software, which includes Apache distributions used to develop and test website locally before its deployment on the internet. It is multiplatform and is supported by many operating systems such as Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It is supported by many file formats that add to its robustness. It is easy to install and use. The Control Panel makes it easy to manage and implement.

WAMP

WAMP is another local server, which is a package of software including Apache Server (which stands for A), MySQL database (which stands for M), and PHP script-based language (which stands for P). The "W" in WAMP designates its exclusiveness for the Windows Operating system. WAMP is used in Windows-based systems to test dynamic websites without publishing it on the webserver. It is handy to implement and developed with PHP. It is available for both 32 bit and 64-bit systems.

MAMP

MAMP is a local server, which is compatible with (M) Mac Operating system and supports development & testing of web projects based on (A) Apache Server, (M) MySQL Database and (P) PHP OOPS based programming language. It can be easily installed on a Mac-based system with the help of a few clicks. It is mainly used for Mac OS, as denoted by the initial M in MAMP. It provides all the equipment that is needed to run WordPress on the system.

LAMP

It is an acronym in which "L" stands for Linux, "A" stands for Apache, "M" stands for MySQL, and "P" stands for various programming languages such as PHP, Perl, and Python. It is a local server solely supported by the Linux operating system and cannot be run on any other operating system. It is a light-weighted software package used by Linux based local hosts for testing their webpages before launching them on live platform. Unlike other such software packages, it supports development by multiple programming languages such as PHP, Perl, and Python.

Comparison and Analysis

Basis	XAMPP	MAMP	WAMP	LAMP
Supporting Platforms.	It is a cross-platform software package supported by platforms like Linux, Windows, and Mac OS.	This stack of software is only for the MAC operating system.	WAMP local server is only supported by Windows Operating system.	LAMP is supported by a single platform i.e., Linux based systems.
Programming Languages	The programming/ scripting languages used for development in XAMPP are Perl and PHP.	The coding for the development and testing is done by using PHP in the MAMP server.	WAMP uses PHP (a script-based programming language) for development and testing.	Unlike other similar local servers, LAMP is multi-lingual in terms of development. It supports coding done in PHP, Perl, and Python.
Database	XAMPP uses MariaDB, which is a relational database management system. It was developed by MySQL.	MAMP stores its data in a relational database. It uses MySQL for data storage and retrieval.	Just like MAMP, WAMP uses MySQL, which is an RDBMS for storing and retrieving operations on data.	LAMP supports its data storage function and other data-based operations using MySQL RDBMS.
Servers	Apache Server is used for testing and running webpages of local hosts.	It uses Apache webserver.	WAMP uses the Apache Web server.	LAMP, like the other local servers, uses Apache Web server.
Installation Process	The installation process is easy but may differ for different platforms	Very easy process of installation. It takes just a few clicks and minutes.	Easy to download & install and it is also light- weighted.	LAMP is handy to install and run.