How to Use PHP Scripts with Apache on AlmaLinux

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is one of the most popular server-side scripting languages for building dynamic web applications. Its ease of use, extensive library support, and ability to integrate with various databases make it a preferred choice for developers. Pairing PHP with Apache on AlmaLinux creates a robust environment for hosting websites and applications.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up Apache and PHP on AlmaLinux, configure PHP scripts, and optimize your environment for development or production.

Why Use PHP with Apache on AlmaLinux?

The combination of PHP, Apache, and AlmaLinux offers several advantages:

1. Enterprise Stability: AlmaLinux is a free, open-source, enterprise-grade Linux distribution.
2. Ease of Integration: Apache and PHP are designed to work seamlessly together.
3. Versatility: PHP supports a wide range of use cases, from simple scripts to complex content management systems like WordPress.
4. Scalability: PHP can handle everything from small personal projects to large-scale applications.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

1. A Server Running AlmaLinux
   With root or sudo access.

2. Apache Installed and Running
   If Apache is not installed, you can set it up using:

   sudo dnf install httpd -y
   sudo systemctl start httpd
   sudo systemctl enable httpd
   

3. PHP Installed
   We’ll cover PHP installation in the steps below.

4. Basic Command-Line Knowledge
   Familiarity with Linux commands and text editors like nano or vim.

Step 1: Install PHP on AlmaLinux

1. Enable the EPEL and Remi Repositories
   AlmaLinux’s default repositories may not have the latest PHP version. Install the epel-release and remi-release repositories:

   sudo dnf install epel-release -y
   sudo dnf install https://rpms.remirepo.net/enterprise/remi-release-8.rpm -y
   

2. Select and Enable the Desired PHP Version
   Use dnf to list available PHP versions:

   sudo dnf module list php
   

   Enable the desired version (e.g., PHP 8.1):

   sudo dnf module reset php -y
   sudo dnf module enable php:8.1 -y
   

3. Install PHP and Common Extensions
   Install PHP along with commonly used extensions:

   sudo dnf install php php-mysqlnd php-cli php-common php-opcache php-gd php-curl php-zip php-mbstring php-xml -y
   

4. Verify the PHP Installation
   Check the installed PHP version:

   php -v
   

Step 2: Configure Apache to Use PHP

1. Ensure PHP is Loaded in Apache
   The mod_php module should load PHP within Apache automatically. Verify this by checking the Apache configuration:

   httpd -M | grep php
   

   If php_module is listed, PHP is properly loaded.

2. Edit Apache’s Configuration File (Optional)
   In most cases, PHP will work out of the box with Apache. However, to manually ensure proper configuration, edit the Apache configuration:

   sudo nano /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf
   

   Add the following directives to handle PHP files:

   <FilesMatch \.php$>
       SetHandler application/x-httpd-php
   </FilesMatch>
   

3. Restart Apache
   Apply the changes by restarting the Apache service:

   sudo systemctl restart httpd
   

Step 3: Test PHP with Apache

1. Create a Test PHP File
   Place a simple PHP script in the Apache document root:

   sudo nano /var/www/html/info.php
   

   Add the following content:

   <?php
   phpinfo();
   ?>
   

2. Access the Test Script in a Browser
   Open your browser and navigate to:

   http://<your-server-ip>/info.php
   

   You should see a page displaying detailed PHP configuration information, confirming that PHP is working with Apache.

3. Remove the Test File
   For security reasons, delete the test file once you’ve verified PHP is working:

   sudo rm /var/www/html/info.php
   

Step 4: Configure PHP Settings

PHP’s behavior can be customized by editing the php.ini configuration file.

1. Locate the PHP Configuration File
   Identify the active php.ini file:

   php --ini
   

   Typically, it’s located at /etc/php.ini.

2. Edit PHP Settings
   Open the file for editing:

   sudo nano /etc/php.ini
   

   Common settings to adjust include:

   • Memory Limit:
     Increase for resource-intensive applications:

     memory_limit = 256M
     

   • Max Upload File Size:
     Allow larger file uploads:

     upload_max_filesize = 50M
     

   • Max Execution Time:
     Prevent scripts from timing out prematurely:

     max_execution_time = 300
     

3. Restart Apache
   Restart Apache to apply the changes:

   sudo systemctl restart httpd
   

Step 5: Deploy PHP Scripts

With PHP and Apache configured, you can now deploy your PHP applications or scripts.

1. Place Your Files in the Document Root
   By default, the Apache document root is /var/www/html. Upload your PHP scripts or applications to this directory:

   sudo cp -r /path/to/your/php-app /var/www/html/
   

2. Set Proper Permissions
   Ensure the apache user owns the files:

   sudo chown -R apache:apache /var/www/html/php-app
   sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/html/php-app
   

3. Access the Application
   Navigate to the application URL:

   http://<your-server-ip>/php-app
   

Step 6: Secure Your PHP and Apache Setup

1. Disable Directory Listing
   Prevent users from viewing the contents of directories by editing Apache’s configuration:

   sudo nano /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf
   

   Add or modify the Options directive:

   <Directory /var/www/html>
       Options -Indexes
   </Directory>
   

   Restart Apache:

   sudo systemctl restart httpd
   

2. Limit PHP Information Exposure
   Prevent sensitive information from being displayed by disabling expose_php in php.ini:

   expose_php = Off
   

3. Set File Permissions Carefully
   Ensure only authorized users can modify PHP scripts and configuration files.

4. Use HTTPS
   Secure your server with SSL/TLS encryption. Install and configure a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate:

   sudo dnf install certbot python3-certbot-apache -y
   sudo certbot --apache
   

5. Keep PHP and Apache Updated
   Regularly update your packages to patch vulnerabilities:

   sudo dnf update -y
   

Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. PHP Script Downloads Instead of Executing

   • Ensure php_module is loaded:

     httpd -M | grep php
     

   • Verify the SetHandler directive is configured for .php files.

2. 500 Internal Server Error

   • Check the Apache error log for details:

     sudo tail -f /var/log/httpd/error_log
     

   • Ensure proper file permissions and ownership.

3. Changes in php.ini Not Reflected
   Restart Apache after modifying php.ini:

   sudo systemctl restart httpd
   

Conclusion

Using PHP scripts with Apache on AlmaLinux is a straightforward and efficient way to create dynamic web applications. With its powerful scripting capabilities and compatibility with various databases, PHP remains a vital tool for developers.

By following this guide, you’ve configured Apache and PHP, deployed your first scripts, and implemented key security measures. Whether you’re building a simple contact form, a blog, or a complex web application, your server is now ready to handle PHP-based projects. Happy coding!