How to Install the LAMP Stack on Ubuntu

What a LAMP stack is

A LAMP stack is four cooperating layers on Linux: Apache (the A) receives HTTP requests and serves them; MySQL/MariaDB (the M) stores the data; PHP (the P) executes the application. Linux is the floor everything stands on. On an Ubuntu VPS:

1. sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y — always first.
2. Apache and firewall: sudo apt install apache2 -y, then ufw allow 'Apache Full' (and OpenSSH before enabling ufw).
3. Database: sudo apt install mysql-server -y (or mariadb-server), then sudo mysql_secure_installation.
4. PHP: sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql -y plus your app's modules.
5. Test: create /var/www/html/info.php with <?php phpinfo(); — visit it, confirm, delete immediately.

One database plus one dedicated user per application comes next; the MySQL setup guide details it.

Step 1: Apache and firewall

On Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 LTS, the honest summary is that defaults matter more than brand names — a well-set budget plan outranks a mis-tuned premium one. WebJi® documents its defaults openly and adjusts them per ticket when workloads need it.

Step 2: MySQL or MariaDB setup

Step two, MySQL or MariaDB: sudo apt install mysql-server -y installs the distribution's MySQL, or sudo apt install mariadb-server for the MariaDB line — identical steps after. Ubuntu's MySQL root uses auth_socket, meaning sudo mysql works without a password — by design, not a bug.

Immediately run sudo mysql_secure_installation: it walks setting a root password method (VALIDATE PASSWORD plugin optional), removing anonymous users, disallowing remote root login, removing the test database, and reloading privileges — answer Y to the removals. Verify: sudo systemctl status mysql, then connect with sudo mysql and SELECT version();. Two habits now save later pain. Create application users with passwords rather than using root, and note that PHP connects over the local socket by default — host localhost is correct in wp-config and .env files.

Step 3: PHP and modules

How this plays out with MariaDB and MySQL: settings that look cosmetic usually decide page speed and uptime under real traffic. The defaults WebJi® ships are tuned for Indian network conditions, and support can review your setup on request.

Step 4: test page and phpinfo

test page and phpinfo. Create a temporary file that only calls phpinfo(), open it in the browser, and read the PHP version, memory_limit and loaded extensions. Delete the file as soon as you have checked it. A blank page usually means the file is outside the document root, or PHP is not enabled for that site.

Creating databases and users

Two practical notes on UFW firewall rules: it interacts directly with caching and database response, and misconfiguration is the most common cause of 'hosting is slow' tickets. WebJi® support checks it as part of standard migrations.

Common install errors

Common install errors. Do the change this heading names on one site first, then check it in a private browser window or in the mail client, depending on the topic. Change one setting at a time, and undo it if the result is wrong before you try the next. If you want the Jaipur desk to look with you, email support@webji.services — that mailbox is staffed 24/7 in Hindi and English. Phone +91 141 4941811 is business hours only.