How to Uninstall XAMPP in Ubuntu using Terminal: 7 Easy Steps

XAMPP is a widely used software package that provides an easy-to-use environment for web development. It bundles tools like Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl, making it convenient for developers to set up a local server on their systems. However, there are times when you may no longer need XAMPP, such as when switching to a different development stack or simply freeing up disk space. In such cases, uninstalling XAMPP from your Ubuntu system is a crucial step.

In this comprehensive guide, we will learn how to uninstall XAMPP in Ubuntu using terminal on an Ubuntu system.

By following these instructions, you can ensure the clean removal of XAMPP, including its associated files and configurations. Whether you’re using Ubuntu 20.04, 22.04, or another version, this guide will help you achieve your goal effectively.

Why Uninstall XAMPP?

Uninstalling XAMPP may be necessary for several reasons:

• Switching Development Environments: You might want to move to an alternative development stack, such as Docker or native LAMP.
• Freeing Up Disk Space: XAMPP and its components can occupy significant disk space.
• Solving Issues: Sometimes, reinstalling XAMPP or switching to another tool can resolve software conflicts or errors.
• Security Concerns: If XAMPP is no longer maintained or secure, removing it is a prudent decision.

Let’s now dive into the detailed steps to uninstall XAMPP from your Ubuntu system using the terminal.

---

Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstalling XAMPP

Step 1: Stop XAMPP Services

Before removing XAMPP, it’s essential to stop all its running services to avoid conflicts. Open your terminal and execute the following command:

sudo /opt/lampp/lampp stop

This command stops the Apache, MySQL, and other services associated with XAMPP.

Step 2: Verify the XAMPP Installation Directory

By default, XAMPP is installed in the /opt/lampp directory. To confirm its location, you can list the contents of the /opt directory:

ls /opt

If XAMPP is installed, you will see the lampp directory listed.

Step 3: Uninstall XAMPP Using the Built-in Uninstaller

The simplest way to uninstall XAMPP is by using its built-in uninstaller. Run the following command:

sudo /opt/lampp/uninstall

This command launches the XAMPP uninstaller, which will guide you through the removal process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.

Alternative Method: Manual Removal

If the built-in uninstaller is unavailable or doesn’t work, you can manually remove XAMPP by deleting its installation directory. Execute the following command:

sudo rm -r /opt/lampp

This command forcefully removes the entire lampp directory and all its contents.

Step 4: Remove XAMPP Binaries and Symlinks

XAMPP may have added binaries and symbolic links to your system. To remove them, use these commands:

sudo rm /usr/bin/php
sudo rm /usr/bin/phpize
sudo rm /usr/bin/pear

These commands remove the PHP binaries and associated tools installed by XAMPP.

Step 5: Remove XAMPP Data and Configuration Files

To ensure no residual files are left behind, delete the data and configuration files created by XAMPP. Run the following commands:

sudo rm -r /var/lampp
sudo rm -r /etc/php
sudo rm -r /etc/apache2

These commands clean up directories related to XAMPP, PHP, and Apache.

Step 6: Remove MySQL (Optional)

If you installed MySQL through XAMPP and no longer need it, you can uninstall it separately. Use the following command to remove MySQL along with its configuration files:

sudo apt remove --purge mysql-server mysql-client

After running this command, confirm the removal when prompted.

Step 7: Clean Up Unused Dependencies

Finally, clean up any unused dependencies or packages left behind during the uninstallation process. Run the following command:

sudo apt autoremove

This command removes unnecessary packages and helps keep your system clean.

---

Alternative Solutions for Uninstalling XAMPP

Solution 1: Using /opt/lampp/uninstall

The first and most straightforward method is to use the uninstaller script provided by XAMPP. This script is located in the /opt/lampp directory and can be executed with the following command:

sudo /opt/lampp/uninstall

Solution 2: Using Manual Commands

If the uninstaller script is not functioning correctly, you can manually navigate to the XAMPP directory and remove it. Use the following commands:

sudo -i
cd /opt/lampp
./uninstall

If this fails, proceed with manually deleting the lampp directory as described in Solution 3.

Solution 3: Deleting the Directory

Manually delete the XAMPP installation directory using the following command:

sudo rm -r /opt/lampp

This method ensures that all files within the lampp directory are removed.

---

Additional Tips and Precautions

Backup Important Data

Before uninstalling XAMPP, ensure that you back up any important data or project files stored within the lampp directory. Once deleted, these files cannot be recovered.

Check for Residual Files

After completing the uninstallation process, double-check for any residual files or directories that may have been missed. Use the ls command to inspect directories like /opt, /var, and /etc.

Reboot Your System

Rebooting your system after uninstalling XAMPP ensures that all services are stopped, and changes take effect.

---

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue 1: Permission Denied

If you encounter a “Permission Denied” error, ensure you are using sudo to execute commands with administrative privileges.

Issue 2: Command Not Found

If the uninstall script or other commands return “Command Not Found,” verify the installation directory and ensure XAMPP is installed.

Issue 3: Residual Files Left Behind

If you notice residual files or directories after uninstallation, use the sudo rm command to manually delete them.

---

Conclusion

Uninstalling XAMPP in Ubuntu using the terminal is a straightforward process when you follow the proper steps. Whether you choose to use the built-in uninstaller or manually delete the files, this guide has provided you with multiple methods to ensure a clean and efficient removal of XAMPP.

By stopping services, removing binaries, deleting configuration files, and cleaning up unused dependencies, you can maintain a tidy development environment on your Ubuntu system. If you’re planning to switch to another development stack, uninstalling XAMPP is the first step toward optimizing your workflow.

Remember to back up any important data before proceeding with the uninstallation. With these steps, you now have a complete understanding of how to uninstall XAMPP in Ubuntu using the terminal.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

Happy coding!

FAQs: How to Uninstall XAMPP in Ubuntu using Terminal