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XAMPP PHP Execution Issues Solution, Comprehensive Analysis and Optimization

M66 2025-07-14

XAMPP PHP Execution Issues Solution

XAMPP is one of the most commonly used tools for developers and webmasters when setting up a local web server. It integrates Apache, MySQL, PHP, and other tools, allowing users to quickly deploy and debug websites. However, sometimes you may encounter issues where PHP doesn't execute properly. This article will provide a series of solutions to help you resolve the issue of PHP not executing in XAMPP.

Check PHP Configuration File

First, check if the PHP configuration file in XAMPP is set correctly. Open the php folder in the XAMPP installation directory and find the php.ini file, then open it with a text editor. Make sure the following configuration items are set correctly:

short_open_tag = On
error_reporting = E_ALL
display_errors = On

These configurations enable short tags, display PHP error information, and ensure errors are shown. After making the changes, save and restart the Apache service, then check if the problem is resolved by visiting a PHP page again.

Check Apache Configuration

Sometimes, the Apache configuration file in XAMPP may also affect PHP execution. Open the apache folder in the XAMPP installation directory, find the httpd.conf file, and search for the following content:

<IfModule dir_module>
    DirectoryIndex index.html index.php
</IfModule>

Make sure that index.php is included in the DirectoryIndex configuration. After saving the changes, restart the Apache service and test the PHP page again.

Check File Permissions and Path

Incorrect file permissions or file path issues can also prevent PHP from executing. Ensure that the file permissions for PHP files are set to 644 or 755, and check that the file path is correct, making sure the files are stored in the htdocs directory or the root directory of your virtual host.

Enable PHP Error Log

By enabling the PHP error log, you can more easily pinpoint the issue. In the php.ini file, find and modify the following configuration items:

log_errors = On
error_log = /path/to/your/php_error.log

Set a writable path to store the PHP error log. After saving the changes and restarting Apache, check the PHP error log for detailed error information to help with troubleshooting.

Check for Plugin Conflicts

Sometimes, certain plugins in XAMPP may conflict with PHP, causing PHP to fail to execute. You can try temporarily disabling some plugins, then enable them one by one to see if any conflicts arise.

Conclusion

With the above solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue of XAMPP not executing PHP properly. When troubleshooting, make sure to carefully check each configuration and setting, and approach the problem with patience. If you follow the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to restore PHP execution and successfully set up and debug your website.