How can I conveniently set up multiple local web servers on Windows with different versions of PHP, Apache, MySQL, etc.?

When working with one hosting provider, it was easy to install a local web server for customer sites. However, now I need to work with different hosting providers and old sites. To avoid unexpected issues, I think it would be logical (but correct me if I'm wrong) to install the same software versions on the local server as the ones used by the hosting provider of the working site (such as Apache, PHP, MySQL, etc., if necessary). This way, I can easily transfer my work to the live site by copying files and exporting/importing the database.

I need advice on how to conveniently achieve this. I want to be able to switch from one project to another within half an hour, where each project may require a different version of a web server (Apache/PHP).

For example, in the pre-configured XAMPP package, there is an admin panel where you can easily start and stop the necessary services with the click of a button. I will try to explore it and see if I can customize it for my own needs. However, I'm also wondering if there are existing solutions that have proven to be successful.

Overall, as a fellow freelancer, I am interested in hearing your opinion on the optimal organization of work in this area.

Setting up multiple local web servers on Windows with different versions of PHP, Apache, MySQL, etc. can be achieved using virtualization or containerization technologies. These technologies allow you to create isolated environments for each project, making it easier to switch between projects seamlessly. Here are a few approaches you can consider:

1. Virtual Machines: Use virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware to create separate virtual machines for each project. Install the required software versions in each virtual machine and manage them individually. You can start and stop the virtual machines as needed, providing an isolated environment for each project.

2. Docker Containers: Docker is a popular containerization platform that allows you to create lightweight containers for each project. Docker containers provide a consistent and reproducible environment. Using Docker, you can define a container configuration file (Dockerfile) that specifies the required software versions and dependencies. This enables easy sharing and replication of the development environment across different machines.

3. DevOps Tools: If you are comfortable with infrastructure-as-code tools, you can use tools like Vagrant or Ansible to automate the provisioning of development environments. These tools allow you to define the desired software versions and configurations as code, making it easy to set up and manage multiple projects.

Each approach has its own advantages and learning curve, so choose the one that suits your needs and experience. Regardless of the method you choose, having a consistent and automated process for setting up and managing development environments will save you time and ensure compatibility with different hosting providers.

Here are a few more details and recommendations to help you set up multiple local web servers conveniently:

1. Virtual Machines (VMs): Using VMs provides the benefit of full isolation for each project's development environment. You can install the required operating system, web server, database server, and other tools in each VM. Tools like VirtualBox or VMware allow you to easily manage your virtual machines, start and stop them as needed, and even take snapshots to revert to previous states.

2. Docker Containers: Docker containers provide lightweight and isolated environments for each project. With Docker, you can define a container image that contains all the necessary software versions, configurations, and dependencies for a specific project. These images can be easily shared and replicated across different machines. Docker Compose allows you to define multi-container setups for complex projects that require multiple services (e.g., Apache, PHP, MySQL).

3. Infrastructure-as-Code Tools: Tools like Vagrant or Ansible enable you to define your development environment as code. Vagrant uses pre-configured boxes to quickly provision virtual machines with the desired software versions. Ansible, on the other hand, allows you to automate the setup and configuration of development environments on existing machines by defining playbooks. Both tools provide flexibility and reproducibility in managing multiple projects' environments.

4. Custom Scripting: If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can write scripts or batch files to automate the setup and switching between different software versions. For instance, you can create separate directories for each project, each containing the specific versions of Apache, PHP, MySQL, etc. Implement a script that starts the appropriate services and configures the environment variables accordingly.

Regardless of the method you choose, remember these general best practices:

- dоcument the software versions used by each project, along with any specific configurations or dependencies.
- Regularly back up your databases and project files to avoid data loss.
- Consider using version control systems like Git to manage your project codebase.
- Test your deployment process from the local environment to the live site to identify any potential issues in advance.

Let me begin with the widely used combination of Vagrant and Virtualbox.

By using a VM, you can swiftly generate an identical replica of the production setup, which can be promptly downloaded, catering precisely to my requirements!
A VM empowers you with a plethora of fresh functionalities. Though there may be some inconveniences pertaining to performance, they are insignificant in nature.
One noteworthy example is In M - it presents a viable choice for mastering Linux. =)

Virtual machines such as Vagrant and Virtualbox are extremely popular tools for creating and managing development environments. They allow you to easily replicate the production environment, which is particularly useful for testing new software or making changes without affecting the live system. Additionally, virtual machines offer a wide range of features and options for learning and experimenting with different operating systems like Linux. While there may be some performance issues to consider, these can usually be addressed with proper configuration and optimization. Overall, utilizing virtual machines can greatly streamline development processes and provide developers with a flexible and efficient working environment.

For instance, you can use Denver to establish distinct ports for each copy. Consider assigning ports like 80, 81, 82, 83 or 8080, 8081, 8082, etc. This approach enables efficient management of multiple instances and helps ensure smooth operation.