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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pros of phpMyAdmin
- Query linter5
- Easy data access5
- User administration5
Pros of XAMPP
- Easy set up and installation of files6
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Cons of phpMyAdmin
- Insecure1