What is Localhost?

Localhost for any computer network; refers to the computer on which a program is running. Localhost acts like a local server allowing you to host a program or application on the local machine without having physical network resources. So the computer is like a virtual server. You do not need a network card, modem or other communication equipment for this. Localhost is used by accessing the driver in the kernel of the operating system with the interface.
As you know, we use easier to remember domain names instead of IP addresses like 192.168.l.l to connect to websites. Every device connected to the Internet has an IP address that is used for identification. An IP address is in the format 1.1.1.1 and "1's" range from 1 to 255.

Localhost's default IP address is 127.0.0.1, so when you try to connect to 127.0.0.1, you always connect to your system or your own PC. In other words, it speaks to itself when your computer uses localhost.
127.0.0.1 has been arranged so that it cannot be taken by any website or domain name on the internet. Using the address 127.0.0.1 allows server programs running on the same computer as the client program to establish a connection.
Sometimes starts with "http://". This URL allows you to enter a website hosted on your local machine.

Localhost Loopback means your computer determines that you are accessing a local resource rather than a resource on the external network.
By allowing the network connection to loop through itself, it allows you to emulate network connections when such a network is not available or inaccessible.

What Is Localhost Used For?

Localhost; Used to check whether applications are meeting expectations by acting as a local server. The websites you work on 12.0.0.1 are technically offline, cannot be accessed over the internet and can only be viewed by the user of the computer on which it is located.

Therefore, localhost is used to check whether the application meets the expectations before an application is placed on the server. Developers test their apps on their local systems before publishing them live on the main server or on the internet to see if they are working properly thanks to localhost. For example; By testing the functions of a new theme, it is possible to switch from the old design to the new design without disturbing any functionality on the website.

Another use of Localhost, which enables your operating system to become a simulated server, is network speed control. A network administrator can perform a connection check by sending a ping request to localhost to ensure that all equipment and TCP / IP protocols are working properly. The result of the ping request includes the number of data packets sent, received, lost, and the time elapsed in the round trip data transmission.

You can also use localhost/phpmyadmin to block malicious websites. There is a host file on the local machine that contains the mapping of IP addresses and domain names. You can prevent unwanted content from being accessed by assigning the localhost domain name to unwanted IP addresses.

What Are The Advantages Of Using Localhost?

  1. It allows you to communicate with the current device as if communicating with a remote machine.
  2. It offers developers autonomy to manage websites, configure and test the necessary changes.
  3. It's free. While developing your website, you do not need to allocate a budget for domain name and hosting until all your preparations are finished.
  4. Localhost makes it possible to work on any changes or configurations on the WordPress platform offline.
  5. Ping tests are performed at localhost using basic commands such as Command Prompt on Windows or Terminal on macOS.
  6. You can continue to work on your applications regardless of internet connection.
  7. Working locally allows viewers to be limited to only you and the people who use your computer.

Summary

Localhost is a free tool that has the advantages of enabling network administrators and web developers to test their apps independently from the internet.

What is Localhost for those who haven't used it before? try to work with a local host inspired by the question; can be useful in the development stages of applications.

How can I access

Before; you must install a web server with PHP, MySQL and PHPMYAdmin. XAMPP and WAMP are often the most preferred local server software packages for developers. After setup, you can access your localhost by typing http://localhost or http://127.0.0.1 to your web broser(Chrome, Opera, Microsoft Edge, Firefox).