Setting Up LEMP Linux, Nginx, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP) and PhpMyAdmin on Ubuntu 15.04 Server

LEMP stack is a powerful combination of open source technologies used for web development and hosting. LEMP comprises Linux (the operating system), Nginx (pronounced "engine-x", a web server), MySQL/MariaDB (database management), and PHP (server-side scripting language).

Note: Ubuntu 15.04 has reached end-of-life. This guide is for educational purposes. Consider using a current Ubuntu LTS version for production environments.

Prerequisites

Before starting the installation, ensure you have

• Ubuntu 15.04 server with root or sudo access
• Internet connection for package downloads
• Basic command line knowledge

Manual Installation Method

Step 1: Update System Packages

First, update your package repositories

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade

Step 2: Install Nginx Web Server

Install and start Nginx

sudo apt-get install nginx
sudo systemctl start nginx
sudo systemctl enable nginx

Step 3: Install MySQL Database

Install MySQL server and secure the installation

sudo apt-get install mysql-server
sudo mysql_secure_installation

Step 4: Install PHP and Required Modules

Install PHP-FPM and necessary extensions

sudo apt-get install php5-fpm php5-mysql php5-curl php5-gd php5-mcrypt

Step 5: Configure Nginx for PHP

Edit the default Nginx configuration

sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/default

Add the following PHP location block

location ~ \.php$ {
    try_files $uri =404;
    fastcgi_split_path_info ^(.+\.php)(/.+)$;
    fastcgi_pass unix:/var/run/php5-fpm.sock;
    fastcgi_index index.php;
    fastcgi_param SCRIPT_FILENAME $document_root$fastcgi_script_name;
    include fastcgi_params;
}

Restart Nginx and PHP-FPM

sudo systemctl restart nginx
sudo systemctl restart php5-fpm

Step 6: Install PhpMyAdmin

Install PhpMyAdmin for database management

sudo apt-get install phpmyadmin
sudo ln -s /usr/share/phpmyadmin /var/www/html/

Step 7: Test Installation

Create a test PHP file

<?php
phpinfo();
?>

Save this as /var/www/html/info.php and access it via browser at http://your-server-ip/info.php.

Security Considerations

Verification Steps

To verify your LEMP stack is working correctly

• Access http://your-server-ip to see Nginx welcome page
• Visit http://your-server-ip/info.php to confirm PHP is working
• Access http://your-server-ip/phpmyadmin for database management

Conclusion

You have successfully set up a complete LEMP stack with PhpMyAdmin on Ubuntu 15.04. This environment provides a robust foundation for hosting dynamic websites and web applications with efficient database management capabilities.