In order to develop and run PHP Web pages three vital components need to be installed on your computer system.
Web Server − PHP will work with virtually all Web Server software, including Microsoft's Internet Information Server (IIS) but then most often used is freely available Apache Server. Download Apache for free here − https://httpd.apache.org/download.cgi
Database − PHP will work with virtually all database software, including Oracle and Sybase but most commonly used is freely available MySQL database. Download MySQL for free here − https://www.mysql.com/downloads/
PHP Parser − In order to process PHP script instructions a parser must be installed to generate HTML output that can be sent to the Web Browser. This tutorial will guide you how to install PHP parser on your computer.
Before you proceed it is important to make sure that you have proper environment setup on your machine to develop your web programs using PHP.
Type the following address into your browser's address box.
http://127.0.0.1/info.php
If this displays a page showing your PHP installation related information then it means you have PHP and Webserver installed properly. Otherwise you have to follow given procedure to install PHP on your computer.
This section will guide you to install and configure PHP over the following four platforms −
If you are using Apache as a Web Server then this section will guide you to edit Apache Configuration Files.
Just Check it here − PHP Configuration in Apache Server
The PHP configuration file, php.ini, is the final and most immediate way to affect PHP's functionality.
Just Check it here − PHP.INI File Configuration
To configure IIS on your Windows machine you can refer your IIS Reference Manual shipped along with IIS.