Development WebServer on OSX Lion

So you found yourself in need of a development server (or maybe a regular production server) on your Mac… Well, good for you, because your mac can do it all. I found myself in need of it as well and wanted a stable Apache2/PHP5/MySQL installation with the PHP SVN PECL module installed. (because I want to fool around with our SVN server :) )

I can tell you 4 ways of getting a real, life ‘n kickin’, web server on OSX.

1. Use MAMP

MAMP is probably the least painless but also the least compatible. I’ll tell you the pro’s and con’s.

PRO:

  • Easy to install when used out of the box
  • Offers choice between PHP 5.2 and 5.3
  • Comes with a control panel to restart MySQL and/or Apache
  • Offers a PRO version to allow Virtual Host configuration

CON:

  • Does NOT play nice with the built-in Apache web server (disable it and use MAMPs server)
  • Does NOT play nice with the built-in PHP (You will need to do some configuring to get OSXs built-in PHP to work with MAMPs MySQL)
  • Configuration of the non-PRO version of MAMP is a joke; there is none. Use VirtualHostX to do your heavy lifting.
  • The PECL SVN extension I needed is a pain to install, numerous attempts failed

MAMP PRO is a bit better but it’s commercial.

PRO:

  • Built-in Virtual Host panel

CON:

  • In my attempts, the Virtual Host configuration was not saved, not in Native Apache mode, not in MAMP Apache mode and not even in Manual-select-paths-to-config-files-mode.

Advice on MAMP:

Use it when you have no choice, discard and use the options below for a more stable environment. And MAMP Pro?? not worth the money, use the free version and buy VirtualHostX instead.

2. Macports Apache/MySQL/PHP

This is a bit more tricky to set-up. There is some planning involved and you can find decent guides on the internet everywhere. Just google it.

Software:

  • xcode (Apple, Free, see the App Store application on your mac)
  • macports (free)
  • Use the guide in the previous link to install it.
PRO:
  • It works like a charm; all files are placed in /opt so no system parts are touched. Macports will adjust your system config to use the newly installed software
  • All latest software built for your system
CON:
  • Software that uses the built-in Apache/PHP other than via the webserver will need configuring to use the Macports version
  • The SVN PECL module? no dice. Not available in Macports – or so it seems after 48 hours of googling (not all in one day :P )
You still have to use a program like VirtualHostX to set-up virtual hosts on your server.

3. A hybrid version

Just use MySQL from Macports, and the rest from OSX

PRO:

  • Easy install; one package and done.
  • In my case PHP 5.2 would not build from Macport or did build and produce segmentation faults, so just use the built-in Apache and PHP.
CON:
  • Still need to tell PHP where to find your database server socket.
  • Still no SVN support

And indeed, you still have to use a program like VirtualHostX to set-up virtual hosts.

4. My favorite; use the built-in Apache and PHP and MariaDB for a super-fast 100% MySQL compatible database.

PRO:

  • Super fast Database (YES, it is faster than MySQL and with Oracle holding the code, MySQL will probably not stay free forever.)
  • Very easy to install with this great guide – much easier than MacPorts in my opinion. (follow the MariaDB instructions and skip the ‘APC and other PECL modules’ section)
  • after installation, a
    Shell commandpecl install svn
    was all I needed to do to get SVN included.

And again, you will still need VirtualHostX (or similar) to maintain your virtual hosts

Ow, and a final note;

When trying out VirtualHostX and you find your hosts don’t work? Downgrade to version 2.x of VirtualHostX, it works like a charm!

Ow, p.s. don’t forget to grant access to your databases.

Author: Remon Pel

WebDeveloper though not WebDesigner

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