How to use php in pc

[WebDesignLearner]

hi

i have window vista, and i'm new to php and webpage design

i have a free web host account so i'm going to put a web site there

i have made a .php file with a simple <?php require(somepage.php) ?> code, and i want to test it before i upload it to the server

i downloaded and installed php on my computer, but i can't open my php file with a browser

i even download and install xampp since they say they make installing apache, php, mysql, etc. easier

but i still can't view the .php file

when i first try to open it, it prompted me to choose a program to open it, so maybe .php files are not supposed to be opened with browsers?

i don't know how php works, what should i do to be able to view the .php file on my pc?

thanks!

[greatstar00]

u installed xampp
did u run xampp?
and after run xampp, did u make sure apache, and php are running?

[WebDesignLearner]

Originally Posted by greatstar00

u installed xampp
did u run xampp?
and after run xampp, did u make sure apache, and php are running?

yes, i entered http://localhost/ in the browser's address bar, and it showed a xampp's page, and i clicked status, and it showed that php and apache are activated

[WebDesignLearner]

just some more information

when i open the .php file with a browser, it asks me to save it instead of opening it, like it's not a web page

[WebDesignLearner]

ok
i finally figured it out
you have to put it under the server's directory, in my case /xampp/htdocs, and access it from http://localhost/

no one expected me to be that ignorant, i guess

[jlhaslip]

and start the server first...