A software stack is a set of systems or components needed to build complex platforms such as dynamic websites and web applications. Programs and applications run on top of each other using compatible code. While a variety of software stacks exist, LAMP is the industry standard. It powers WordPress, the most popular CMS solution on the Internet, and other CMS options such as Drupal and Joomla.
LAMP stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL, and Perl/PHP/Python. Each component is the operating system, web server, database management system, and scripting language respectfully. What makes this stack stand out as a top performer for building websites is how strong and ubiquitous each element is.
Linux Benefits
Linux has an extensive worldwide user base and supports a wide variety of industries. While an operating system like Mac or Windows, Linux offers more flexibility and options in communicating with necessary data sources.
Apache Benefits
As a web server, Apache is what requests and delivers information to a user when they input a URL. A sizable chunk of the Internet runs on Apache, it is a well-maintained, trusted server. It's also modular, allowing easy customizations where needed and standard options where not.
MySQL Benefits
Storing and managing large amounts of data can be complicated, especially if that data needs to be frequently accessed. MySQL beautifully structures websites and can scale as your business grows in content or user base.
Perl/PHP/Python Benefits
Any of these three scripting languages can control how a website is displayed and power its dynamic populating functions. Super-efficient from both a coding and design aspect, these three P* languages can run and build a plethora of website elements and applications.
LAMP Stack Benefits
The LAMP stack's wide adoption by the web development industry cuts down on development time, allowing a higher focus on those elements that require custom work. Its architecture is well established, as are the stack's encryption protocols. The components of the LAMP stack are updated, troubleshot, and tested consistently. This provides websites built on it a high standard of security and allows for faster identification and repairs of errors.
LAMP as a solution stack is also built and run on non-proprietary options, meaning you won't be locked into a system and will have the flexibility to use the right component for a specific need. This can mean switching out PHP for Python, or using Windows instead of Linux.
LAMP is a powerful, simple, and most importantly, stable solution that ensures websites and web apps perform as expected. Used to support websites belonging to a wide range of organizations from Disney to Harvard University, the LAMP stack is a time-trusted set of software that can build the website your business needs.
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