This wikiHow teaches you how to view and edit the contents of a PHP file using a Windows or Mac computer.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Download and install the Notepad ++ program
It is a free text editor, available only for Windows platforms, capable of displaying the contents of a PHP file. To install the program follow these instructions:
- Use the internet browser of your choice to access the following URL;
- Press the green button DOWNLOAD;
- Double-click the Notepad ++ installation file icon;
- Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to install the program on your computer.
Step 2. Launch Notepad ++
If the program does not start automatically after installation, access the menu Start clicking the icon
type in the keyword notepad ++, then select the entry Notepad ++ at the top of the results list.
Step 3. Access the File menu
It is located in the upper left corner of the program window. A list of options will be displayed.
Step 4. Choose the Open… item
It is one of the options listed in the drop-down menu that appeared. This will bring up the "File Explorer" dialog.
Step 5. Select the PHP file to open
Navigate to the folder where it is stored, then select its icon with a click of the mouse.
Step 6. Press the Open button
It is located in the lower right corner of the window. The content of the chosen PHP file will be displayed inside the Notepad ++ window. This way you will have the opportunity to consult the PHP code and make any necessary changes.
If you have made any changes to the PHP code of the file, before closing the Notepad ++ program window, press the key combination Ctrl + S to save them
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Download and install the BBEdit program
It is a free software that can view the content of numerous file types, including PHP files. To install BBEdit on the Mac follow these instructions:
- Use the internet browser of your choice to access the following URL;
- Push the button Free Download placed in the upper right part of the page;
- Double-click the icon of the DMG file you just downloaded;
- If requested, authorize the installation of the program;
- Drag the BBEdit program icon to the "Applications" folder;
- Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to install the program on your computer.
Step 2. Enter the Spotlight search field by clicking the icon
It features a magnifying glass and is located in the upper right corner of the screen. A small search bar will appear.
Step 3. Launch BBEdit
Type the keyword bbedit in the search field, then select the item BBEdit appeared in the hit list.
At the first launch of the BBEdit program after installation, press the button Open when prompted, then select the item Continue to activate the free trial period of 30 days.
Step 4. Access the File menu
It is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A list of options will be displayed.
Step 5. Choose the Open… item
It is one of the options listed within the menu File. This will bring up the Finder window.
Step 6. Choose the PHP file to open
Navigate to the folder where it is stored, then select its icon with a click of the mouse.
Step 7. Press the Open button
It is located in the lower right corner of the Finder window. The content of the chosen PHP file will be displayed in the BBEdit program window. This way you will have the opportunity to consult the PHP code and make any necessary changes.
- In some cases you may need to press the button You choose.
- If you have made any changes to the PHP code of the file, before closing the program window, press the key combination ⌘ Command + S to save them.
