Open file php in browser

If you double click on a HTML file (files with .html or .htm extension), it would open on your web browser. But same won’t happen if you double clicked on a PHP file (probably it would open in an editor). The reason is PHP files first need be processed in a web server before sending their output to the web browser.

Therefore before running PHP files, they should be placed inside the web folder of a web server and then make a request to desired PHP file by typing its URL in the web browser. If you installed a web server in your computer, usually the root of its web folder can be accessed by typing http://localhost in the web browser. So, if you placed a file called hello.php inside its web folder, you can run that file by calling http://localhost/hello.php.

Web folder can be changed based on your web host (if you hosted your web site online) or the method you installed the web server in your computer. If you used XAMPP to install Apache (web server) in your computer then the web folder would be htdocs which is under the root directory of XAMPP.

Where to Head from Here...

How do I run a PHP file in my browser? I know what the file is for and I know how it looks because I tested it online. But now I downloaded it locally to my computer and I do not know how to run it on my browser. Is there a way maybe to link it to a HTML like you do with JavaScript or CSS to make it work on a web browser also after it is online how will I manage it to work?

If I can not link then maybe I can use iframe to see it in a HTML iframe. Is that possible? Yet the question is not based about iframe, but I do not exclude the iframe possibility too. That is why I ask of it too.

Or even better, if there is a way to both link and use iframe for the PHP?

The entire PHP file I got is a email function that works and looks a loot like a HTML and JavaScript file, but it is written in PHP. If I simply change the name to the file from PHP to HTML I can open it in the browser and it looks like a HTML file with few defects since it is a PHP file after all.

The file I downloaded was from here: https://www.hscripts.com/scripts/php/registrationMailer.php

And it is this PHP file I am specifically intrested in: https://www.hscripts.com/scripts/php/HMAD/hmailer.php

NOTE: I am not asking of "PHP code is not being executed, instead code shows on the page" as the other page is asking. I am asking of "How do I show / run a PHP file in a browser? As if it was a webpage."

PHP is a server-side scripting language. Unlike static HTML pages, it is not possible to view the web page created by a PHP script by opening the file in chrome.

PHP scripts must be saved on a web server with PHP services and must then be located by entering the web address in the address bar of the chrome browser, or by following a link in the same location.

Solution: Use XAMPP software

XAMPP is free software released under the GNU General Public License, and thanks to it, you will be able to view your dynamic pages locally created in PHP language.

This software also provides PhpMyAdmin, a very useful application for the management of your databases, which can then be interfaced with your PHP pages.

Step by step instructions:

1. Download and install XAMPP – The installation is quite simple and straightforward. In this regard, I recommend leaving all the default and recommended settings.

2. Starting XAMPP – Once installed, you need to open the XAMPP Control Panel.

Starting XAMPP Control Panel

Once started, you will have a screen like this in front of you.

How to run a PHP file: XAMPP Control Panel View

To view your PHP pages, you need to click on “Start” next to the Apache and MySQL modules (MySQL is useful if you need to take data from your database).

Start Apache and MySQL in XAMPP

The operation will have been carried out successfully if the two modules have been started. And you will notice it if you see a situation like this in the Control Panel.

Apache and MySQL running in XAMPP

3. Create your PHP page. If you haven’t already, create a PHP page by opening a new file in an IDE (integrated development environment) text editor of your choice (such as SublimeText) and save it using the .php extension. Use the following outline structure:

4. Place the PHP file on the server. Whether you are using a server on your computer or the web. Put the PHP file in the location you want it to be accessible from.

For XAMPP, you will need to put the PHP file in the .htdocs folder.

For web servers, you will need to make an FTP connection using a program like FileZilla or your web host control panel.

5. Find the path to your PHP page in your Chrome browser. Type the address in the Chrome address bar.

If you placed the file in the root directory. The page address will have the following structure, using its domain and file name:

http://yourdomain.com/yourfile.php

If the PHP file is in a subdirectory, its location will have the following structure.

http://yourdomain.com/directoryname/yourfile.php

If the PHP file is running on a local server installed on your computer. The file location will have the following structure. http: //localhost/yourfile.php

6. Check the functionality of the page. The details of how you test your PHP will depend on its purpose.

Check first that the content is all that appears and is structured correctly in HTML.

If necessary, you can view the source of the HTML page using the browser menu. If the page contains user controls, test these thoroughly to ensure they work as you need.

Conclusion

As you have learned, running a PHP file directly in the Chrome browser is not possible. However, there is great software such as XAMPP that will help you to run and test your php file.

I hope this tutorial is a good starting point explaining how to run a PHP file in Chrome, or at least explaining how it can be done.

Happy coding!

Hey guys! It’s me, Marcel, aka Maschi. I earn a full-time income online and on MaschiTuts I gladly share with you guys how I stay on top of the game! I run several highly profitable blogs & websites and love to speak about these project whenever I get a chance to do so. I do this full-time and wholeheartedly. In fact, the moment I stopped working an 8-to-5 job and finally got into online business as a digital entrepreneur, is problably one of the best decisions I ever took in my life. And I would like to make sure that YOU can get on this path as well! Don’t let anyone tell you that this can’t be done. Sky’s the limit, really…as long as you BELIEVE in it! And it all starts right here..at Maschituts!

How do I open a php file in Chrome?

Can I view PHP code in browser?

How do I open a php file?

How do I open a php file in Firefox?