Quick Start

This guide will get you from zero to a running local PHP + MySQL environment in under 5 minutes.

1. Install a Web Server

1. Open Kythia Workspace
2. Click Web Server in the sidebar
3. Select Nginx (or Apache / Caddy if you prefer)
4. Choose a version and click Install
5. Once installed, click Start

Your web server is now running on http://localhost!

2. Install PHP

1. Click Runtimes in the sidebar
2. Select PHP
3. Choose a version (we recommend PHP 8.3) and click Install
4. After install, click Start to start the PHP FastCGI process

Your web server will automatically detect PHP and route .php files through it.

3. Install a Database

1. Click Database in the sidebar
2. Select MySQL or MariaDB
3. Install and Start it
4. Default credentials: root / (no password)

4. Place your project files

Put your project files inside your Document Root (default: C:\kythia\www\).

Any index.php or index.html file there will be served at http://localhost.

Tip

You can change the Document Root in Settings. It supports any absolute Windows path.

5. Add a custom domain (optional)

1. Click Sites in the sidebar
2. Click Add Site
3. Enter a folder name and a .test domain (e.g. myapp.test)
4. Kythia will automatically update your hosts file

Your site is now accessible at http://myapp.test!

What’s next?

• Learn how to configure Nginx in detail
• Set up SSL/HTTPS for local development
• Explore Kythia Data — the companion database client app