[DEV]

To host a website in aaPanel Free Edition, install a web server first. PHP and a database are needed only when your application requires them. This guide explains what each component does before you create your first site.

Choose the stack for your website

• Static HTML/CSS/JavaScript website: Nginx or Apache serves the files. PHP and MySQL are not required for a site made entirely of static files.
  
• PHP website without a database: a web server plus a compatible PHP version. Check the script’s extension requirements.
  
• WordPress or another database-backed PHP application: a web server, a supported PHP version and MySQL or MariaDB. Follow the application’s current compatibility requirements.
  

1. Nginx or Apache: the web server
The web server receives HTTP/HTTPS requests and returns your website’s content. Choose one for the beginner setup. Our Ubuntu 22.04 lab uses Nginx; Apache is an alternative, especially when an application depends on Apache configuration such as .htaccess. Nginx does not process .htaccess files, so rewrite rules must be configured for Nginx.

Do not independently install two services that both try to use ports 80 and 443. Multi-webserver hosting has its own routing and configuration and will be covered separately.
Install Nginx in aaPanel Free Edition

2. PHP: the application runtime
PHP runs server-side application code. Install a release your application supports, then select it in that website’s settings. Multiple PHP versions can serve different websites. Website PHP and command-line PHP can differ. Install required extensions for the exact version used by the site.
Install PHP 8.4 in aaPanel Free Edition

3. MySQL or MariaDB: the database
A database stores application data such as posts, users and settings. Choose an engine/version compatible with your application. Our lab uses MariaDB. Create a separate database and database user for each application; avoid using the database root account in a website’s configuration. A website on the same VPS normally does not need public access to database port 3306.
Install MariaDB in aaPanel Free Edition

4. Domain, DNS and HTTPS
For normal public access, use a domain or subdomain you control. Its DNS records must point to the server hosting the site. Add only hostnames you will actually use. A website SSL certificate enables HTTPS for those hostnames; the panel’s HTTPS certificate is separate from the website’s certificate.

A domain is not required simply to install aaPanel or its software. It becomes useful when publishing and testing the actual website. An incorrect AAAA record can send IPv6 visitors to a different server even when the A record is correct.

5. Optional tools

• phpMyAdmin: a database administration interface, not the database server. It is optional.
  
• FTP server: optional for FTP workflows. SFTP uses SSH and does not require Pure-FTPd. Prefer encrypted file transfer.
  
• Mail server: not needed just to host a website. An application can use a separate email provider.
  
• Redis and other services: add them only when your application needs them.
  

Our tested starter stack
Ubuntu 22.04.5, aaPanel Free Edition 8.0.6, Nginx, PHP 8.4 and MariaDB on a 2-vCPU/4-GB lab VPS. The screenshot shows the installed components checked on 10 October 2026. It includes optional phpMyAdmin and Pure-FTPd; these are not compulsory website requirements.


Before creating the website

• Confirm the web server and required PHP/database services are running.
  
• Secure panel access and keep recovery access available.
  
• Prepare the domain, application requirements and a backup plan.
  
• Keep panel, SSH and database credentials private.
  

Follow the series:
Install and verify the web stack
Secure aaPanel Free Edition after installation
Then create the website, create its database/user, select PHP/extensions, connect DNS, enable website HTTPS and test the application.

Official aaPanel Quick Start