How To Live Preview Php In Brackets

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Brackets is a popular open-source code editor that offers powerful features and extensions for front-end developers, like live previewing your work in real-time. However, setting up live preview for PHP files can be a bit tricky, as the built-in live preview feature doesn’t support PHP out-of-the-box. But don’t worry, in this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up live preview for PHP files in Brackets using an extension called PHP Server for Brackets.

Step 1: Install a local web server

Since PHP is a server-side language, you’ll need a local web server to execute the PHP code and render the output in your browser. For Windows users, we recommend installing WAMP, while MacOS users can use MAMP. Both are free and easy to install.

Step 2: Install the PHP Server extension in Brackets

To install the PHP Server extension, follow these steps:

  1. Open Brackets and click on the Extension Manager icon on the right side of the window.
  2. Search for “PHP Server for Brackets” in the search bar and click the Install button.
  3. Restart Brackets to activate the extension.

Step 3: Configure the PHP Server extension

Now that you have the extension installed, you’ll need to configure it to work with your local web server. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click on the PHP Server icon on the right side of the Brackets window.
  2. In the dialog box that opens, enter the following information:
  • PHP Server Root: This is the root directory of your local web server. For WAMP users, it’s usually “C:\wamp64\www”. For MAMP users, it’s “/Applications/MAMP/htdocs”.
  • PHP Server Address: This is the IP address of your local web server. In most cases, it’s “127.0.0.1” or “localhost”.
  • PHP Server Port: This is the port number used by your local web server. For WAMP and MAMP users, it’s usually “80” by default.
  • Click Save to apply the changes.

    • Step 4: Test the live preview

    To test the live preview for PHP files, create a new PHP file in Brackets and add some PHP code, like this simple example: 

    <?php echo "Hello, World!";
?>

    Save the file in your local web server’s root directory, then click on the Live Preview button in the top-right corner of the Brackets window. A new browser window should open, displaying the output of your PHP code. Congratulations, you’ve successfully set up live preview for PHP in Brackets!

    With live preview enabled for PHP files, you can now enjoy real-time feedback as you code, making your development process much more efficient and enjoyable. Happy coding!