XAMPP vs WAMP – Best Insider Comparative Study

Posted on: August 28, 2020 by Managi Iwuoha

The availability of local hosting packages like XAMPP and WAMP (known as web server solution stack packages) has done the world of WordPress developers and other Web-developers, a lot of good.

XAMPP and WAMP are both dominant packages for web development and local hosting.

Both packages are composed basically of the supporting operating system(s), a local server, a database, and programming language(s). These basic components empower you as a developer to successfully develop your website, create the content, test, and host it locally on your PC.

Also, the packages allow you to install content management systems (CMS) like WordPress and Joomla, for creating and managing your content.

Besides, when you are ready to deploy your site on an online host and go live, these packages make the process seamless and without hassle.

However, the bragging-rights tug between both packages persist.

So, to help you make a better choice, let’s get a better insight into the features, functionalities, and user experience of XAMPP vs WAMP.

The Differences Between XAMPP and WAMP

Let’s find the core differences between Xampp vs Wamp on various aspects like ease of use, license, and size.

Let’s Meet XAMPP

XAMPP is an open-source local web hosting stack.

It derives its name typically from the acronym of its properties; cross-platform (X), Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and PERL. Being supported on Windows, Linux, and macOS, explain its cross-platform feature.

Besides being open-source, XAMPP is also free for download. However, let’s take a quick look at the components and their functions.

Apache (less commonly called Apache HTTP Server) is the open-source web server software that supports and runs PHP, as well as PERL.
MariaDB, a more recent version of MySQL, stores the content of the locally-hosted website as a database.
PHP and PERL are the programming languages for building (writing) websites. They are both supported by Apache.

Also, XAMPP has a hassle-free installation and less complicated use. It allows the installation and use of Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress and Joomla with the advantage provided by Filezilla.

Accordingly, across it’s supported platforms, XAMPP has numerous features like; OpenSSL, Webalizer, OpenLDAP, Mercury mail, and so on.

While it has fewer requirements for installation and almost no component configuration, XAMPP is relatively lightweight. On all platforms, the stack size is not up to 160 MB.

Above all, it makes transitioning from local hosting to live online hosting seamless.

Say Hello to WAMP

Like the former, WAMP derives its name from its features; Windows, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. Built for the Windows platform, it is also not an open-source web server solution stack.

Let’s look closely at its components and their functions.

Apache supports the PHP feature of the stack.
MySQL, like the MariaDB, is the database for content storage.
PHP is the only programming language featured in the stack for developing websites.

The complete stack is composed of the OS, a local hosting server, a database, and the programming language.

Similarly, WAMP has a less complicated installation and configuration process.

However, it only runs on Windows, as suggested by the name.

Besides, it has different modules as part of the entire feature. It also has OpenSSL, like XAMPP.

It’s fairly not a large stack, although it is relatively bigger. The stack size is about 300.6 MB. Also, it’s free for download.

Quick Review of XAMPP vs. WAMP Features

Just before we go-ahead to look at the comparison of the two web solution stacks, here’s a quick review of their features.

XAMPP

Supported by several platforms (Windows, Linux, and macOS).
It’s composed of Apache, MariaDB (a more recent replacement for MySQL), PHP, and PERL.
XAMPP is open-source.
It has a lot of modules and extensions.
XAMPP has fewer prerequisites for installation and configuration.
Easy to use, with a simple interface.

WAMP

Supported by Windows.
Features Apache, MySQL, and PHP.
It has modules supported on Windows
It’s easy to use.
WAMP poses no hassle during installation or configuration.
It’s not open-source.

So, let’s make a comparison.

XAMPP vs. WAMP: The Comparison

1. Platform

WAMP only runs on the Windows OS, while XAMPP, being a cross-platform stack, runs successfully on Windows, Linux, macOS.

2. Support

WAMP supports only PHP, while XAMPP supports both PHP and PERL.

3. Modules and Extensions

Besides, WAMP has fewer modules and programs, including MYSQL. XAMPP, on the other hand, has numerous modules and programs, MariaDB (recent replacement for MySQL), Filezilla, Mercury Mail, and so on.
However, they both have Apache, OpenSSL, and a database.

4. Ease of Use

Also, WAMP is not as easy to use as XAMPP. XAMPP has a better interface with the start button.

5. Size

Relatively, WAMP feels heavier than XAMPP. Similarly, the size of WAMP is about 300.6 MB, while XAMPP across is platforms has a size not larger than 160 MB.

6. License

They are both licensed under the GNU General Public License. Although WAMP is not ope-source, XAMPP is open-source. They are both free for download and use.

Next Step

With the comparison, XAMPP vs WAMP we have just done, it is time to find out who the victor is. XAMPP and WAMP both have their slights and advantages.

Besides, you’d find that both packages are reliable for other web developers in the successful development of websites, local hosting, and eventual deployment.

If you are a multi-language developer, XAMPP is a great choice. Also, especially if you work with operating systems other than the Windows OS and have advanced in your coding skills.

However, WAMP would be a better choice, though, if you are proficient with PHP and work with Windows on your PC.

I hope you’d be able to make a great choice with this comparative study we have just done.

Until next time, stay smart!