Install PHP5 & MySQL – The One-Stop FastCGI Index Page
Welcome to the PHP5 (4 Nginx) index page.
Here are the options for installing, upgrading and extending PHP with FastCGI. Each installation method sets up MySQL alongside and is geared for serving mutiple blogs and websites.
This PHP index is a working document: it will be updated to consider new options when available.
This page is also home to PHP-related guides such as for caching, adding special third party extensions and benchmarking.
Setup Unmanaged VPS: The Ubuntu-Nginx Guide
Take your virtual private server from zero to hero
.. from blank box to cute-as server ..
with this easy-to-follow copy/paste guide.
22+ parts with video, here’s the index.
Installing PHP: What’s FastCGI?
Installing PHP itself is no big deal. The trick is to get it to talk to Nginx.
.. for that we use FastCGI – a kind of a middle-man negotiator – and this can be set up in, currently, one of four ways.
What’s more, we need FastCGI to start/stop/restart on demand and/or with a server reboot. To do that we use an initiation script, together with startup hooks.
Let’s consider FastCGI’s four flavors:-
I’m a speed freak, just show me the benchmarking!
| Method | Summary | Pros | Cons | Tutorial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FastCGI with PHP Installed via Aptitude | Traditional basic solution | Easy setup | Can be unreliable | FastCGI |
| Spawn-CGI with PHP Installed via Aptitude | Using the Lighttpd (web server) FastCGI package | Easy setup, no longer needs extracting Spawn from Lighttpd | Relies on Lighttpd’s future PHP support | Spawn-FCGI |
| PHP-FPM (Integrated) Installed from Source | PHP-integrating * solution, separate package. Installs all PHP modules | Fast solid performer, PHP-adopted for future-proofing | Unwanted PHP modules | ** |
| PHP-FPM (Separate) Installed from Source | As above but installs only specified PHP modules | As with integrated, benchmarks fastest | Fiddly set-up to be truly bespoke | PHP-FPM (separate) |
* Note I say ‘integrating’, not ‘integrated’. PHP are working on the integration of PHP-FPM to core code for sometime in 2011.
** Unless I get requests I’m not going to bother. The only reason to go for this inferior alternative to PHP-FPM (separate) is because it’s supposed to be easier to set up but, with the PHP-FPM (separate) tutorial spelled out as it is, that argument is redundant. Of course, I am open to arm-twisting.
vpsBible Recommends and Why
PHP-FPM (Separate) followed by PHP-FPM (Integrated).
Why? Because:-
- PHP-adopted
- reliability
- speed
But PHP-FPM (Separate) is tricky to compile?
Well, it was. You are at vpsBible.com! The PHP-FPM (Separate) tutorial will work for the vast majority of scenarios.
.. That said, the PHP-FPM (Integrated) tutorial works for every scenario and is easier to set up.
Benchmarking FastCGI
Tested April 2010, this is the web’s most comprehensive and up-to-date FastCGI testing, period.
If you didn’t yet look, now check out the benchmark comparison to these four FastCGI methods serving PHP on Nginx.
Rebuilding PHP from Source
Maybe you’ve made a mistake on installing PHP? Or want to upgrade, say, from regular FastCGI to PHP-FPM?
Aptitude/apt-get
If you installed PHP using aptitude or apt-get, there’s a tutorial in the works about how to upgrade with no server downtime. Watch this space ‘cos I haven’t tested it yet!
If you just want to add a module to an existing PHP installation:-
sudo aptitude install [php5-MODULE]
.. and (probably not necessary) maybe edit /etc/php5/cgi/php.ini with any special config options.
Compiled PHP
If you compiled (using ./configure command) PHP from source files, and need to recompile – for example if you need to add an extra PHP module – this is quick and easy to do with no server downtime:-
Extending PHP
Once PHP is setup or upgraded, there are third party extensions to consider adding on. Most importantly:-
Security
PHP has recognized vulnerabilities. Here’s the answer:-
Caching
Caching comes in various flavors and vpsBible will be adding to this list which, for now, comprises the most popular respected solution:-
Install XCache: FastCGI/Spawn-FCGI
Install XCache: PHP-FPM (integrated or separate)
Here endeth the PHP Index! Tx for reading.
Setup Unmanaged VPS: The Ubuntu-Nginx Guide
Take your virtual private server from zero to hero
with this easy-to-follow copy/paste guide.
“My local PC runs Windows” Show me for Linux
“My local PC runs Linux” Show me for Windows
22+ parts with video, here’s the index ..
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Setup Unmanaged VPS: The Ubuntu-Nginx Guide
Introducing vpsBible’s how-to guide for setting up a super-charged unmanaged VPS featuring Ubuntu and Nginx.
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VPS (Virtual Private Server) vs Shared vs Dedicated
Before getting stuck in, let’s compare the web host types in detail and weigh up the differences between managed & unmanaged VPS.
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Set Up a VPS Linux Distribution
Opening a VPS hosting account, we’ll choose, configure & launch a Linux server ‘distribution’.
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Set Up Command Line Interface (CLI) using PuTTY
Now we’ve got a server to play with, we’ll connect to it, using the ’ssh’ protocol for a super-secure link.
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Create a Linux User & Set Permissions
Initially you’ve logged into your remote Linux machine as ‘root’. We’ll add you as a user now, with root or SuperUser permissions.
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Encrypt Data with OpenSSH & Auto-Login with PuTTY
Now we can use ‘authentication keys’ to shore up our connection while simplifying login to an automated, password-free yet secure process.
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Harden the Secure Shell (SSH) & Create a Firewall
The final security step: galvanizing the OpenSSH protocol and setting up an ‘iptables’ firewall. Now the server is rock ruddy solid.
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Edit bashrc for User-Friendly Linux, plus System Updates
We use the terminal a whole lot so let’s cut ourselves a break and create some command shortcuts, then update the server.
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Add a Domain Zone to Your VPS
To make your server aware of yourDomain.com you’ll need a few ‘DNS’ records. Damn this is simple I’m practically asleep!
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Prepare Linux Server for Email with Postfix
In order to send and receive email from our web applications we’ll install some software and tweak the ‘RDNS’ record.
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Install PHP5 & MySQL – The One-Stop FastCGI Index Page
Add PHP5 & MySQL, but which FastCGI method is best? Here’s the benchmarking, 4 ways to install/compile, add caching modules & more.
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Nginx (better than Apache) Web Server
Let’s install this supersonic web server, tweaking its file structure & adding default configuration files.
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Setup FileZilla for Secure FTP (SFTP)
There’s FTP, and then there’s ‘Secure FTP’. We’ll set up FileZilla using SFTP – and those authentication keys – for secure file transfers.
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Serve Multiple Sites & Blogs with Virtual Hosts
We want a website folder structure, some permissions, some site-specific configuration files and, hey, we’ll hook up ‘FastCGI’.
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Adding Sub-Domains with Nginx
Need a sub-domain? If you do, here’s how to add subDomain.yourSite.com with an ‘A record’ and a configuration file.
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Integrate A CMS Like WordPress, WP MU, Drupal etc
For those of you wanting to use a specific content framework, such as a CMS, blogging or forum software, pop in here and we’ll sort that out.
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Google Apps for Domain-Specific Email
GA’s free Standard Edition for catchall webmail – POP-ping or IMAP-ped to your desktop client – saves precious server resources for your webs.
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Moving Day! How to Move Your Blog or Site
Nearly there. Here’s the web site or blog migration guide, relocating to your VPS with minimal or no downtime.
Manage Unmanaged VPS: Ubuntu-Nginx Administration
Already set it up? We’d best maintain it then.
Toggle to the .. Ubuntu-Nginx Admin Index
Manage Unmanaged VPS: Ubuntu-Nginx Administration
Maintain your virtual private server with ..
.. cheatsheets, tutorials, tips & guides.
Head back to the .. Ubuntu-Nginx Installation Index
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Nginx Control Panel: Here’s the Deal
You’re migrating shared-to-VPS and want a GUI like cPanel? No you don’t, not after you read this! What’s more, you don’t need one either.
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Nginx Control Panel Workarounds
For every control panel module there’s an equivalent (and faster) terminal command. Let’s compare these.
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Upgrade to Nginx Latest Version with ZERO Downtime
Keep Nginx up-to-date – and optimized for security. This guide shows precisely how *with no missed server requests*.
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Compile an Advanced Nginx Module Configuration
Need special web server functions? Here’s how to install or upgrade Nginx with bespoke required modules & parameters.
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Add Web Sites Nginx Cheatsheet
Once you’ve set up your first site, adding more gets easier. Especially when you refer to this. (Let’s face it, I’m just too good to you.)
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Adding Sub-Domains with Nginx
Rather than add somesite.tld, maybe you want some.subsite.tld? Here’s how to set your A record using a DNS manager and the vhost file for Nginx.
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Add/Delete MySQL Database from Command Line
Need a database? Want to bin an old db? This tutorial shows you how using the terminal command line console whatnot.
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Configure phpMyAdmin for Nginx to Maintain MySQL
Rather than have to crunch databases via the command line, we can make life easier by adding this splendid tool to manage them.
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Backup/Export MySQL DB with CLI & mysqldump
Here’s how to backup a database from the command line using the handy mysqldump utility.
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Import MySQL Database using Command Line
Import data to a new database with this simple mysqldump guide .. great for reinstating an old backed-up db, for instance.
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Batch Replace/Delete Data in MySQL Database
Change repetitive db data with a single command. Rather than manually find & alter each instance, isolate the lot & update multiple content.
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LOST a MySQL Password? How to RESET it
Lost your MySQL password? That’s a bit of a bummer .. or it would be if you didn’t have this new password setup guide, huh.
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Backup or Upload with Secure Copy SCP (Linux to Linux)
Never mind FTP m8! Save time and download/upload your files using encrypted SCP (secure copy), the #1 Linux-Linux file transfer solution.
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Backup or Upload with PuTTY PSFTP (Windows/Linux)
Equivalent to the above, how to transfer your files if you’re unlucky enough to be running Windows for your local PC. Not that I’m biased.
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*USEFULLY* Park A Spare Domain with Nginx
Got a spare domain name sat around doing nothing? Put it to some use, have it point its traffic at your primary domain. Here’s the deal ..
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Password Protect Nginx Web Files/Directories
Maybe you want a hidden website directory, say, for projects, or are developing a site and want it off-limits ’till launch day. Top tip ..
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Redirect Web Pages with Nginx Rewrite Rule
Here’s the syntax to point a site or blog to another domain. That way, for instance, traffic from a passive site benefits an active one.
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Nginx Error & Access Logs
Need to troubleshoot some error, or want to find out who’s trying to hack your site? Here’s a start .. those tell-tale logs.
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Subversion for Easy CMS Updates ie WordPress/Drupal/etc
A brief introduction to install and know about the power of Subversion, the version control system to keep scripts and platforms up-to-date.
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You Tell Me …
Something missing? Probably. Let me know what you’d like included. And if it’s listed below, shout out anyhow and I’ll try to bump it.
Nginx Admin: In the Works ..
This lot’s marked for addition already:-
- Setup or Edit DNS using Bind
- Network Tools Troubleshooting Guide
- The Comprehensive Permissions Guide
- Configuring Nginx Rewrites
- Custom Website Error Page
- Setting up Cron Jobs
- Rsync for Incremental Remote-to-Local Backup
- Cron & Rsync for Automatic Backup
- Cron & mysqldump for Auto DB Backup
- Safeguard Bandwidth with Hotlink Protection
- Block Access with Nginx’ IP Deny
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Setup & Configure Postfix Email: VPS BIBLE - vpsBible April 23rd, 2010 at 4:38 pm
[...] the next section Install PHP5 & MySQL – The One-Stop FastCGI Index Page, as well as setting up MySQL for your databases we’ll look at the options for setting up PHP [...]
SPEED BENCHMARK TEST FastCGI vs PHP-FPM vs Spawn-FCGI: VPS BIBLE - vpsBible May 6th, 2010 at 10:00 am
[...] * You can find the precise installation procedures I used for each linked from the PHP Index page. [...]