Setting Up Nginx + MariaDB + PHP-FPM on CentOS/RHEL 9/8

Introduction

The LEMP stack, consisting of Linux, Nginx, MariaDB, and PHP-FPM, is a powerful combination for hosting dynamic websites and applications. CentOS/RHEL, known for its stability and security, is an ideal choice for setting up such an environment. This guide will provide detailed instructions on installing and configuring Nginx, MariaDB, and PHP-FPM, with an emphasis on a specific PHP version to meet the requirements of various applications.

1. Preliminary System Update

• Update your system packages:

  sudo dnf update
  sudo dnf upgrade
  

• Enable the EPEL repository:

  sudo dnf install epel-release
  

2. Installing Nginx

• Install Nginx:

  sudo dnf install nginx
  

• Start and enable the Nginx service:

  sudo systemctl start nginx
  sudo systemctl enable nginx
  

• Verify the Nginx installation:

  sudo systemctl status nginx
  

3. Installing MariaDB

• Install MariaDB:

  sudo dnf install mariadb-server
  

• Start and enable MariaDB:

  sudo systemctl start mariadb 
  sudo systemctl enable mariadb
  

• Secure your MariaDB installation:

  sudo mysql_secure_installation
  

4. Installing PHP and PHP-FPM

• Install a specific version of PHP and PHP-FPM (for example, PHP 7.4):

  sudo dnf install php74 php74-php-fpm php74-php-mysqlnd
  

• Start and enable PHP-FPM:

  sudo systemctl start php74-php-fpm 
  sudo systemctl enable php74-php-fpm

5. Configuring Nginx to Use PHP-FPM

• Edit the Nginx configuration file:

  sudo nano /etc/nginx/conf.d/default.conf
  

• Configure Nginx to process PHP with PHP-FPM:

  
  location ~ \.php$ {
  fastcgi_pass unix:/var/run/php74-php-fpm/www.sock;
  fastcgi_index index.php;
  fastcgi_param SCRIPT_FILENAME $document_root$fastcgi_script_name;
  include fastcgi_params;
  }
  
  

• Restart Nginx:

  sudo systemctl restart nginx
  

6. Testing PHP Processing

• Create a PHP test file:

  sudo nano /usr/share/nginx/html/info.php
  

• Insert PHP code and save:

  
  <?php phpinfo(); ?>
  
  

• Access http://your_server_ip/info.php to see the PHP info page.

7. Configuring the Firewall

• Allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic if firewalld is enabled:

  sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=http 
  sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=https 
  sudo firewall-cmd --reload 
  

8. Securing Your Server

• Keep your packages updated.
• Use robust passwords for all services.
• Consider SSL certificates for HTTPS.

Conclusion

You have now successfully set up a LEMP stack on CentOS/RHEL with Nginx, MariaDB, and a specific version of PHP-FPM. This environment is ideal for deploying a range of web applications, offering reliability and performance. Regular maintenance and security measures are essential to ensure the smooth functioning of your server.