How to Install ionCube Loader on XAMPP/PHP 8.1 in Ubuntu WSL

IonCube Loader is a crucial PHP extension for running protected PHP code—especially with applications like phpListings. If you’re seeing a “Site error: the ionCube PHP Loader needs to be installed,” this tutorial will get your XAMPP server ready to run ionCube-encrypted applications using PHP 8.1.

Prerequisites

• XAMPP installed in WSL (Ubuntu)
• PHP 8.1 (via XAMPP)
• sudo privileges

Step 1: Download ionCube Loader

First, get the latest ionCube Loader:

bashwget https://downloads.ioncube.com/loader_downloads/ioncube_loaders_lin_x86-64.tar.gz
tar xzf ioncube_loaders_lin_x86-64.tar.gz

Navigate into the extracted folder:

bashcd ioncube

Step 2: Copy the Loader File to Your Server

Copy the loader for PHP 8.1 into your desired location. For instance, if you want to place it inside your htdocs directory for quick access:

bashcp ioncube_loader_lin_8.1.so /opt/lampp/htdocs/ioncube/

Alternatively, most installations use the PHP extensions directory. You can find your current extension directory with:

bash/opt/lampp/bin/php -i | grep extension_dir

Step 3: Enable ionCube Loader in php.ini

Append the following configuration line to your XAMPP php.ini file to activate ionCube:

bashecho "zend_extension=/opt/lampp/htdocs/ioncube/ioncube_loader_lin_8.1.so" | sudo tee -a /opt/lampp/etc/php.ini

If you copied to the extension directory, use that path instead.
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Step 4: Restart XAMPP to Apply Changes

Restart XAMPP so PHP can load the newly installed extension:

bashsudo /opt/lampp/lampp restart

Step 5: Verify Installation

Now, check that the loader is working:

bash/opt/lampp/bin/php -v

You should see something like: with the ionCube PHP Loader (enabled) in the output, confirming the installation is active.
orcacore

Troubleshooting

• If ionCube Loader doesn’t appear, double-check the path in php.ini and ensure the file exists.
• Use phpinfo() to visually verify loader activation in a web browser.
• Always restart XAMPP after editing php.ini.

This quick guide resolves the common ionCube loader error and enables protected applications to run on your XAMPP/PHP 8.1 setup in Ubuntu WSL.ticket.aorasoft+1