XAMPP is an open-source software that allows users to develop and test web applications on their local computer. The default configuration of XAMPP uses localhost as the domain name for its web server, which can be changed to a custom domain name. This can be useful when testing and developing applications that require a domain name instead of an IP address.
In this article, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about how to change localhost to a domain name in XAMPP.
Q1: How do I change the localhost to a custom domain name in XAMPP?
A: To change localhost to a custom domain name in XAMPP, follow these steps:
Buy a domain name from a domain registrar.
Edit the hosts file on your computer. On Windows, the hosts file is located at “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.” On Mac or Linux, the hosts file is located at “/etc/hosts.”
Open the hosts file in a text editor and add the following line:
127.0.0.1 yourdomain.com
Save the changes to the hosts file.
Open the XAMPP control panel and start Apache.
Open a web browser and enter the custom domain name in the address bar. The XAMPP default web page should be displayed.
Q2: Can I use any domain name with XAMPP?
A: You can use any domain name with XAMPP, but it is recommended to use a subdomain instead of a top-level domain. A subdomain is a domain name that is a sub-section of a larger domain, such as “test.yourdomain.com.” Using a subdomain allows you to test your applications without affecting the main domain.
Q3: What happens if I use a domain name that is already in use on the internet?
A: If you use a domain name that is already in use on the internet, your computer will use the IP address associated with the domain name in the hosts file, instead of the IP address associated with the domain name on the internet. This means that the web page displayed will be the XAMPP default web page, not the web page associated with the domain name on the internet.
Q4: How do I test my applications with a custom domain name in XAMPP?
A: To test your applications with a custom domain name in XAMPP, follow these steps:
Open the XAMPP control panel and start Apache.
Open a web browser and enter the custom domain name in the address bar.
Navigate to the folder where your application is located in the XAMPP htdocs folder.
Test your application as you would on a live server.
Q5: Can I use a custom domain name with XAMPP for live websites?
A: XAMPP is intended for local development and testing, not for live websites. If you want to use a custom domain name for a live website, you need to purchase web hosting and upload your website files to the server.
In conclusion, changing localhost to a custom domain name in XAMPP is a simple process that allows you to test your web applications with a domain name instead of an IP address. It is recommended to use a subdomain for testing purposes, and to purchase web hosting for live websites.