Complete Guide to Installing PHP Extensions on Ubuntu

 

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Ubuntu is a widely recognized Linux distribution that provides a simple yet powerful web development environment together with hosting solutions. A quite familiar language PHP for server-side development is functioning with Ubuntu without any troubles. This manual will give you an idea of what PHP extensions are, their benefits through the key points of their usage, and the procedure one should follow while installing them on Ubuntu.

What is a PHP Extension?

PHP Extensions give the extra modules that PHP needs for it to work well in Ubuntu. They are indispensable in such cases as database connections, image processing, and XML data handling, among others. By including PHP extensions, developers can become research-based. Web programming is much easier, more productive, and faster when using Ubuntu, making it a powerful tool for developers.

Popular PHP Extensions on Ubuntu

Here are some popular PHP extensions and their uses:

  • MySQL: The main feature of the MySQL extension is that it makes PHP connect to the MySQL databases, which makes it possible to store information, retrieve, or manage it. The newer and more advanced MySQLi library, on the other hand, gives developers a more convenient experience, enhanced security, and transaction support.
  • GD Graphics: This is a PHP library used to build and edit images. A developer might choose to resize an image, crop it, or apply filters and effects to the image.
  • OpenSSL: Secure communication with endpoints of a server or a client. It decryption, and secures connections, and digital signatures for PHP applications.
  • cURL: The implementation of cURL in PHP is a really vital feature that enables an API call, web server interaction, and file transfer. Therefore, cURL gives us a huge advantage over PHP functions like fsockopen and fread.

Advantages of Installing PHP Extensions on Ubuntu

For PHP developers, the installation of PHP extensions on Ubuntu has several merits:

  • Enhanced Functionality: Extensions allow for the addition of a wide variety of functions, such as database access and image processing, while ensuring that applications communicate with various services effortlessly.
  • Improved Performance: A lot of extensions are designed to maximize performance, making PHP work faster, which is a key factor for busy websites.
  • Increased Code Reusability: Extensions, as ready-made routines, make it possible for the same function to be used more than once saving time and making code more readable across different projects.
  • Ensured Compatibility: Several apps and frameworks utilize the features provided by the extensions. To these, there should be no fear about the installation on Ubuntu because it guarantees the code is all smooth and free of errors.

How to Install PHP Extensions on Ubuntu

Follow these steps to install PHP extensions on Ubuntu:

Step 1: Update Package Lists

Start by updating the package lists to access the latest versions of packages and extensions:


sudo apt-get update

Step 2: Install PHP

If PHP is not already installed, you’ll need to set it up. Open the terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run:


sudo apt-get install php


Verify the installation by checking the PHP version:


php -v


Step 3: Install PHP Extensions

To install a specific PHP extension, use the following command:


sudo apt install php-<extension_name>


Replace <extension_name> with the desired extension. For example, to install the MySQLi extension:


sudo apt-get install php-mysqli

Repeat this step for each extension you need.


Step 4: Restart the Web Server

After installing a PHP extension, restart the web server to apply the changes. Use one of the following commands based on your server:

For Apache:


sudo service apache2 restart


For Nginx:


sudo service nginx restart


Step 5: Verify the Installation

To verify the installed PHP extensions, create a file named phpinfo.php in your server’s document root and add this code:


<?php phpinfo(); ?>


Open phpinfo.php in a web browser to view a list of installed extensions.


Why PHP Extensions on Ubuntu Are Valuable for Developers

PHP extensions significantly enhance the functionality and performance of PHP applications on Ubuntu. They provide developers with essential tools, improve compatibility, and enhance security, all of which contribute to building more robust web applications. By following the steps in this guide, you can quickly install and use PHP extensions on your Ubuntu system, unlocking their full potential for your projects.


References 
Complete Guide to Installing PHP Extensions on Ubuntu : https://www.servermo.com/blogs/complete-guide-install-php-extensions-ubuntu/










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