Complete Guide to Installing and Configuring PHP on HFS

Overview: Running PHP on HFS

HFS (HTTP File Server) is widely used by developers as a lightweight local file server. For those looking to run dynamic content or test PHP applications, configuring PHP within HFS is a critical step. This guide walks you through the complete setup process for enabling PHP support in HFS.

Preparation Before Installation

Before beginning the installation process, make sure the following requirements are met:

• HFS has been successfully downloaded and installed. Using the latest version is recommended for better compatibility.
• Choose a PHP version that aligns with your project requirements. A stable version is typically preferred.

Download and Deploy PHP

To run PHP on HFS, you’ll first need to download the required PHP package from the official source and extract it appropriately.

Download PHP

Visit the official PHP website, navigate to the “Downloads” section, and select the appropriate version for your operating system (e.g., Windows).

Extract and Place PHP Files

After downloading, extract the contents of the PHP package into a dedicated folder. It’s advisable to keep this folder inside or near your HFS directory for easy management.

Configuring HFS to Support PHP

Once PHP is unpacked, the next step is to configure HFS so it can execute PHP scripts through the PHP CGI executable.

Add PHP Folder to HFS Virtual File System

Within the HFS interface, add the PHP directory to the virtual file system and make sure the path to php-cgi.exe is accessible.

Set Up PHP File Handler

Right-click the folder or file area in HFS, choose “Add File Handler,” and configure it with the following parameters:

• Name: PHP File Handler
• Extension: php
• Handler Path: Full path to php-cgi.exe

Example Handler Path

C:\path\to\php\php-cgi.exe

Verify PHP Setup

After configuring the handler, create a simple test script to confirm that PHP is running properly in HFS.

Create info.php Test File

In your HFS shared directory, create a file named info.php with the following content:

<?php phpinfo(); ?>

Access the Test Page in Browser

Open your browser and visit http://localhost:your-port/info.php. If you see the PHP configuration page, the installation was successful.

Conclusion

Following this step-by-step guide, you should now have PHP successfully installed and configured within HFS. This setup offers a simple and effective environment for local development using PHP. For any issues during setup, refer to official PHP or HFS documentation for further support.