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phpMyAdmin

307
293
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15
XAMPP

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269
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6
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XAMPP vs phpMyAdmin: What are the differences?

Introduction

XAMPP and phpMyAdmin are two popular tools used in web development and database management. While they both serve similar purposes, there are several key differences between them that set them apart.

  1. Installation and Setup: XAMPP is a comprehensive software package that includes Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl. It provides a complete local development environment with easy installation and setup, making it a suitable choice for beginners. On the other hand, phpMyAdmin is a web-based tool that is typically installed on a server. It is a standalone application specifically designed for managing MySQL databases.

  2. Interface: XAMPP offers a user-friendly interface that allows users to manage their servers, databases, and application files from a single dashboard. It provides a graphical interface with various tools and features for easy administration. In contrast, phpMyAdmin is purely web-based and offers a browser-based interface for managing databases. It provides a more minimalistic interface focused solely on database management.

  3. Functionality: XAMPP offers a range of functionalities including server management, database management, and application development. It provides a complete development environment with tools for testing and debugging PHP applications. On the other hand, phpMyAdmin is solely focused on database management. It allows users to perform tasks such as creating databases, tables, and executing SQL queries.

  4. Platform Compatibility: XAMPP is designed to work on multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It provides a consistent experience across different platforms. In contrast, phpMyAdmin can be installed on any server that supports PHP and MySQL. It is not limited to any specific operating system, making it a versatile choice for database management.

  5. Security: XAMPP provides several security measures to protect the local development environment. It includes features such as password protection, access control, and firewall configurations to ensure the security of the server and the database. On the other hand, phpMyAdmin relies on the security measures provided by the server it is installed on. It does not provide additional security features and depends on the server's configurations.

  6. Portability: XAMPP allows users to easily transfer their development environment from one machine to another. It provides a portable option that can be installed on a USB drive, allowing users to work on their projects without the need for a permanent installation. In contrast, phpMyAdmin is installed on a server and cannot be easily transferred to another machine. It is tied to the specific server it is installed on.

In summary, XAMPP is a comprehensive local development environment that provides a wide range of tools and functionalities. It has an easy installation process and offers a user-friendly interface. On the other hand, phpMyAdmin is a web-based tool focused solely on database management. It can be installed on any PHP and MySQL supported server.

Decisions about phpMyAdmin and XAMPP
Adam Taylor

We were looking a tool that would allow us to do MySQL and PostgreSQL development/administration from a single tool. We decided on Navicat Premium because it can connect to MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and SQLite databases - and simultaneously. It's also compatible with Amazon RDS and Microsoft Azure, which we also use.

Moreover, we previously experienced the occasional freezing and crashing in MySQL Workbench. It also suffered from a poor design, with certain features being a bit difficult to find. Meanwhile, phpMyAdmin lacked schema visualization tools and seemed better suited to lightweight day to day transactions than some of the big jobs that we needed to do.

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Pros of phpMyAdmin
Pros of XAMPP
  • 5
    Query linter
  • 5
    Easy data access
  • 5
    User administration
  • 6
    Easy set up and installation of files

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Cons of phpMyAdmin
Cons of XAMPP
  • 1
    Insecure
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    What is phpMyAdmin?

    As a portable web application written primarily in PHP, it has become one of the most popular MySQL administration tools, especially for web hosting services.

    What is XAMPP?

    It consists mainly of the Apache HTTP Server, MariaDB database, and interpreters for scripts written in the PHP and Perl programming languages.

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    What companies use phpMyAdmin?
    What companies use XAMPP?
    See which teams inside your own company are using phpMyAdmin or XAMPP.
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    What tools integrate with phpMyAdmin?
    What tools integrate with XAMPP?

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    What are some alternatives to phpMyAdmin and XAMPP?
    Navicat
    Powerful database management & design tool for Win, Mac & Linux. With intuitive GUI, user manages MySQL, MariaDB, SQL Server, SQLite, Oracle & PostgreSQL DB easily.
    MySQL WorkBench
    It enables a DBA, developer, or data architect to visually design, model, generate, and manage databases. It includes everything a data modeler needs for creating complex ER models, forward and reverse engineering, and also delivers key features for performing difficult change management and documentation tasks that normally require much time and effort.
    MySQL
    The MySQL software delivers a very fast, multi-threaded, multi-user, and robust SQL (Structured Query Language) database server. MySQL Server is intended for mission-critical, heavy-load production systems as well as for embedding into mass-deployed software.
    HeidiSQL
    HeidiSQL is a useful and reliable tool designed for web developers using the popular MariaDB or MySQL server, Microsoft SQL databases or PostgreSQL. It enables you to browse and edit data, create and edit tables, views, procedures, triggers and scheduled events. Also, you can export structure and data, either to SQL file, clipboard or to other servers. Read about features or see some screenshots.
    Webmin
    It is a web-based interface for system administration for Unix. Using any modern web browser, you can setup user accounts, Apache, DNS, file sharing and much more. It removes the need to manually edit Unix configuration files.
    See all alternatives