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How to Install LEMP on Google Cloud Server

This post shows students and new users steps to install the LEMP stack on Google Cloud servers running Ubuntu Linux. We have gone through a series of posts starting with registering a domain name, setting up a Google Cloud server, and installing software and packages to help us build functional LEMP-based websites and applications.

We’re now ready to install the LEMP stack used to build many of the most popular websites and apps online today.

LEMP (Linux, Engine-x, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP/Perl/Python) is an acronym for a common solution stack that powers many useful and popular websites and apps online today. The LEMP stack is mostly used as a building block for most content management systems (CMS), including WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla.

This post is part of a series that can be used as a beginner’s guide to learn how to create a website domain, set up a Google Cloud server with Ubuntu Linux, and install software and packages to run websites and apps built on LEMP.

In this series:

Now that you’ve learned how to create a website domain set up a Google Cloud server, and installed Apache, Nginx, PHP, MySQL, or MariaDB, you can continue below to tie all together with any platform that uses the LEMP stack.

When we started this series, we said a web server allows content to be published and served to web clients and audiences browsing your website. A PHP or server-side scripting language allows for a dynamic and more functional website. A database server allows you to store your website content efficiently.

Other software and packages may also be needed to enhance the functionality of a website. Below, we’ll show you how to install these tools with LEMP-based websites and applications.

In our first post, we also said that after creating a domain name, it can’t be used until it is forwarded or pointed to a server. The second post showed you how to point a domain to a server we created. Then we showed you how to install software and packages to help us run a website online.

We’re ready to connect to our Google Cloud server and install LEMP by tying the software and packages installed in our previous posts.

How to connect to Google Cloud servers

Google Cloud server (Compute Engine) allows users to connect using SSH from the browser window to their virtual machine (VM) instance within the Google Cloud Console. 

SSH from the browser supports the following:

  • Web browsers
    • The latest version of Google Chrome
    • Firefox
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 and later
    • Safari 8 and later. Note that Safari in private browser mode is not supported.
  • Virtual machine configurations
    • All Linux VM images are natively available in Google Cloud.

No additional software or browser extensions are needed. Simply login to Google Cloud Console and go to Menu ==> Compute Engine ==> VM instances.

In the list of virtual machine instances, click SSH in the row of the instance that you want to connect to.

Establishing SSH connection to Google Cloud VM instance

Alternatively, you can open an SSH connection to an instance by clicking its name and SSH from the instance details page.

An SSH terminal window with the Ubuntu Linux instance created in the series’s second post will open.

You should now be able to run commands in Ubuntu Linux created on the Google Cloud server.

Connecting to Google Cloud instance host for LEMP installation

How to install the LEMP stack on Google Cloud Servers

Installing and managing the LEMP stack on Ubuntu Linux is no different, whether on Google Cloud servers or a local VM instance.

All the previous posts above are related to installing LEMP, except for installing Apache. LEMP is Linux (Ubuntu), Engine-x, MySQL or MariaDB, and PHP.

Once you installed all required packages, you should be able to access the LEMP stack from your browser by browsing to the server hostname or IP address.

Below is a detailed post and help installing the LEMP stack on Ubuntu Linux. Use this link to learn more about LEMP.

How to install LEMP on Ubuntu Linux

That should do it!

Conclusion:

In summary, installing the LEMP stack on Google Cloud servers running Ubuntu Linux is a straightforward process that empowers you to build powerful websites and applications. Here are the key takeaways:

  • LEMP stands for Linux, Nginx (Engine-x), MySQL/MariaDB, and PHP, a widely used stack for modern web development.
  • Properly understanding the components—web server, server-side scripting, and database management—is essential for dynamic content delivery.
  • Following our series ensures a structured approach to creating a domain, setting up Google Cloud servers, and installing the necessary software.
  • Having completed the installation, you can now effectively host and manage LEMP-based websites.
  • Explore additional tools and packages to further enhance your site’s capabilities beyond the basic LEMP installation.

By leveraging the power of the LEMP stack, you’re well on your way to building robust online presences!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LEMP stack and why is it used?

LEMP stands for Linux, Nginx (pronounced 'Engine-X'), MySQL/MariaDB, and PHP/Perl/Python. It is a popular software stack used for hosting dynamic websites and applications, providing a robust environment for content management systems like WordPress and Drupal.

How do I connect to my Google Cloud server using SSH?

You can connect to your Google Cloud server using SSH directly from your browser. Simply navigate to the Google Cloud Console, select your virtual machine instance, and click on the 'SSH' button to open a terminal window.

Can I install LEMP on other operating systems?

While this tutorial focuses on installing LEMP on Ubuntu Linux, you can also set it up on other Linux distributions like CentOS or Debian. The installation steps may vary slightly depending on the operating system.

What are the prerequisites for installing LEMP on Google Cloud?

Before installing LEMP, you should have a Google Cloud account, a created virtual machine instance running Ubuntu, and basic knowledge of using the command line. Additionally, ensure that your VM has sufficient resources to handle your website's traffic.

What are some common issues when installing LEMP?

Common issues during LEMP installation include package conflicts, firewall settings blocking access, and incorrect configurations. It's essential to follow the installation steps carefully and check logs for any error messages if you encounter problems.

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