How can I optimize PHP framework sites hosted on a local web server for maximum speed on Windows 10? I have tried various options like Vagrant and Ubuntu server, but they proved to be inconvenient since they require remote connections.

I am currently using XAMPP, but it is still slow and seems to get slower over time. I have a powerful computer with QuadCore AMD Athlon II X4 630, 2800 MHz (14 x 200), 8 gigabytes of RAM, so I don't think that's the issue. I have also tried installing PHP+Apache+MySQL separately but it's not much better.

 Are there any tips or tricks to make it faster? I have heard good things about NGINX but don't know how to install it in Windows. Is it really significantly faster than Apache?

NGINX is highly regarded despite its cost.
Numerous articles about the performance of NGINX and Apache can be found on Habre. I personally prefer using Apache since it is simple to install and set up.

The performance aspect relies heavily on the optimization of your scripts and sql queries. As a WAMP, I use Open Server for local purposes, and for virtual machines, I use LAMP on Ubuntu.

The first step should be to install an SSD. This is not due to any issues with the web server, but rather because of the hard drive. For a server, it is recommended to install a version of Windows specifically designed for servers, rather than one meant for gaming or document editing.

Additionally, it's important to check the list of running tasks, as there may be several processes that are using up valuable memory. When it comes to choosing a server software, Nginx is generally considered better than Apache for high loads and development. Lastly, it's crucial to properly configure Opcache for PHP.

I am currently using OpenServer with PHP 5.6 due to Docker's slow speeds in shared folders and discrepancies with fonts and interfaces on Ubuntu Linux. However, this setup is considerably slower than on Linux.

To improve the project's performance, enabling partial caching or relying heavily on opcache may help. Switching to PHP 7 or 7.1 and utilizing an SSD can also increase efficiency. Changing from Apache to Nginx doesn't seem necessary since very little of the workload is spent on queries compared to PHP and MySQL.

Here are some tips to help improve the performance of your local web server:

1. Use a Lightweight Web Server: Consider using NGINX instead of Apache. While both are capable web servers, NGINX is known for its high performance and low resource usage, making it an excellent choice for improving the speed of PHP framework sites.

2. PHP Opcode Caching: Enable PHP opcode caching using extensions like OPcache. This will store precompiled script bytecode in memory, reducing the need for PHP to load and parse scripts on each request, thus enhancing the overall speed of your PHP applications.

3. Database Optimization: Ensure that your MySQL database is properly optimized. This includes indexing frequently queried columns, minimizing the use of inefficient queries, and utilizing caching where applicable. A well-optimized database can significantly improve the speed of dynamic content generation.

4. Use PHP 7 or higher: If you're not already using PHP 7 or a later version, consider upgrading. Newer versions of PHP bring significant performance improvements, and staying updated will help you take advantage of the latest optimizations.

5. Minify and Compress Static Assets: Minify and compress your CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files to reduce their size and improve load times. This can be achieved through build tools like Gulp or Webpack, which can automatically optimize your static assets for production.

6. Enable GZIP Compression: Configure your web server to enable GZIP compression, which reduces the size of HTTP responses, leading to faster page loads for your visitors.

7. Monitor Resource Usage: Utilize tools like Windows Performance Monitor to identify any resource bottlenecks on your local server. This can help you pinpoint areas for improvement and optimize your server configuration accordingly.