Trouble with Composer? Openssl Extension Missing on WAMP

While attempting to incorporate Composer into your WAMP setup, you may encounter an alarming warning: "The openssl extension is missing." This message suggests that your system's security and stability will be compromised without this extension.

Troubleshooting Steps:

You've diligently navigated the WAMP interface, marking the php_openssl extension as enabled and restarting WAMP, but to no avail. The warning persists, leaving you puzzled.

Missing Link: Modifying php.ini

The key to resolving this issue lies in understanding that WAMP utilizes separate php.ini files for the command-line interface (CLI) and Apache. While you successfully enabled the extension for Apache, you need to extend the same courtesy to the CLI.

Navigate to C:\wamp\bin\php\php-5.4.3\php.ini. Identify the openssl extension directive and remove any comments (e.g., preceding it with a semicolon). Save the changes and restart WAMP.

Verify Success

Once the CLI version of php.ini is configured, Composer should recognize the openssl extension. To confirm, try accessing one of your local sites using HTTPS. If successful, you've successfully resolved this obstacle.

Remember, it's essential to modify the correct php.ini file to ensure the openssl extension is enabled in both the CLI and Apache environments. This simple adjustment will mitigate the security and stability concerns raised by Composer, allowing you to continue installing and managing dependencies with confidence.