Installing a LAMP stack on an Ubuntu server

Learn how to quickly install a complete LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack on an Ubuntu server.

About LAMP

A LAMP stack is an open-source software bundle used for hosting web applications. It includes:

• Linux – the operating system (already installed on your server)

• Apache – the web server

• MySQL – the database management system

• PHP – the server-side programming language

Many popular web applications, like WordPress, run on a LAMP stack.

Note: This guide applies only to unmanaged hosting packages. You must have root access to install Ubuntu and a LAMP stack.

Installing a LAMP stack on Ubuntu

The following steps assume Ubuntu is installed on your server.

1. Log in via SSH as the root user.

2. Update the system:

apt update
apt upgrade

3. Install and run tasksel:

apt install tasksel
tasksel

The tasksel interface lists predefined software collections for installation.

4. Install the LAMP server:

• Use the arrow keys to highlight LAMP server.

• Press Spacebar to select it, then Enter to start the installation.

• When prompted, set a password for the MySQL root user.

5. Verify the installation:

• Test Apache: Open your web browser and visit your server’s domain or IP address. You should see the default Apache page.

• Test PHP: Run the following command:

php --version

Tip: To confirm PHP is integrated with Apache, create a web page containing phpinfo() and load it in your browser. This displays PHP configuration details.

6. Secure MySQL: Strengthen MySQL security by running:

mysql_secure_installation

Follow the prompts to configure additional security settings.

More information

• LAMP stack (Wikipedia)

• Ubuntu official site