Do not use this XAMPP configuration as a live, public-facing web server.

. Consider storing your MySQL/MariaDB data files outside the XAMPP directory so they survive complete XAMPP reinstalls or PHP version swaps.

A: Yes, absolutely. Laravel 5.6 specifically requires PHP 7.1.3 or higher, so this configuration meets the minimum requirements perfectly.

Since the official XAMPP website primarily pushes the latest versions, finding the exact 7.1.3 build requires visiting the .

What (Windows, macOS, or Linux) are you using?

(or the more stable 7.1.x revisions) remains a critical version for many developers operating in these environments. This article provides a comprehensive guide on why you might need this version, how to find it, and best practices for running it securely in 2026. What is XAMPP?

Search for or the closest release bundle containing PHP 7.1.3.

Streamlining error logic by allowing multiple exception types to be caught in a single block. Why XAMPP with 7.1.3 Mattered

If you are currently relying on PHP 7.1.3 for a production application, plan an upgrade path:

:

Open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost/hello.php (replace hello.php with your actual filename). The browser will display the output of your PHP script.

Adjust memory_limit to at least 256M if you are running modern frameworks.

PHP 7.1.3 was not just a minor increment; it brought critical refinements to the revolutionary PHP 7.0 engine. For developers using XAMPP during this period, the jump in performance was staggering—often doubling the execution speed of previous versions while significantly reducing memory consumption. Key features introduced or refined in this version include:

Older frameworks like Magento or older WordPress plugins rely heavily on specific PHP extensions. Ensure the following lines do not have a semicolon ( ; ) at the beginning: