LAMP Stack software is actually an acronym for the combination of several free programs: Linux, Apache HTTP Server, MySQL, and Perl/PHP/Python. This programming bundle offers everything needed to run a computer, and is referred to as a solution stack. The programs are free and available through open source, which allows for just about any user to download and use the programs. Though they were designed individually, the designers of each piece of software worked closely together to make sure that each operates well with the other, allowing for the stack to be a perfect conjunction of all programs. The four programs together allow for users to have all the necessary tools at their fingertips in order to create websites as simple or detailed as they desire, as well as have just about any function and feature to make them interactive, user-friendly, and very artistically appealing to all those who will visit the site.
Linux is the operating system, and is generally used by those who are slightly more advanced in computer technology, since the program is fully customizable depending on the desires of the user. Apache is a web server, which allows users to create and manage personal as well as business websites, and gives the freedom to not have to use an expensive web designer or company to do so. MySQL is a program through Oracle which helps users to manage their databases, and is generally useful for businesses as they often have plenty of information that needs to be managed and stored in one easy to use location. PHP is a programming language software program which assists users in enhancing their websites, and Perl and Python are both similar programming language programs. The software stack can come with any of the three programs and still be considered as part of the LAMP stack software.