develop on local

[babrees]

Hi. I am currently using DesktopServer (free version) to enable me to develop websites on my local computer. However, it is only running PHP version 5.5.24, and I now need a later version. I understand it is quite complicated to upgrade, that is if it can be done.

I was just wondering if there was a similar program that will actually install with a later PHP version, or will at least enable you to upgrade reasonably easily. Now that I am a senior citizen I find it hard to learn how to do things!

[chscag]

My understanding is that the free "DesktopServer" is used to create WordPress websites. Their site does have clear instructions on how to upgrade "DesktopServer". The instructions are located here. The upgrade file has to be downloaded and unzipped. If you don't understand how to do those things, it's best to get someone locally to help you out.

[babrees]

Thanks for the reply.

However, I have the latest version of DesktopServer and that does not need upgrading. As I mentioned, my problem is the old PHP version that it is running. I did check through their documentation prior to asking here and couldn't find anything on how to upgrade the PHP, but have been advised that, if possible, it is complicated, so I would need a simple 123 step by step instructions, even though I have been using computers for over 40 years!

DesktopServer is in fact a program that simply allows you to develop websites on your local computer. Yes it is setup to install wordpress, however, you don't have to do that. It uses xampp.

Do you know of another program that will set up a local environment and run a later version of PHP?

[gimli]

Its not really that complicated its one of the first things i learnt before i even knew php lol ironic..... xammp maybe im unsure of your question but if you i had to do it for laravel usage, but thats not what you need do the following Download latest portable version of XAMPP.
-Extract the archive(not where XAMPP already installed).
-Copy the PHP folder from the extracted archive.
-Keep back up of PHP folder which is in installed XAMPP directory. You can backup it like changing the PHP folder name to PHP-old or like PHP-version-number
-Paste the PHP folder which you copied from the extracted archive.
-Replace the php.ini file with your backup folder php.ini file in case you have changed the default settings earlier.
That's all, start/restart the server you should have 5.6.something i know its up to 5.7 now.

Hope this helps if you get stuck just ask