XAMPP for Mac

XAMPP for Mac is a completely free, easy to install Apache distribution containing MySQL, PHP, and Perl. The XAMPP open source package has been set up to be incredibly easy to install and to use.

Many people know from their own experience that it's not easy to install an Apache web server and it gets harder if you want to add MySQL, PHP and Perl. The goal of the tool is to build an easy to install distribution for developers to get into the world of Apache. To make it convenient for developers, the app is configured with all features turned on.

In the case of commercial use please take a look at the product licenses, from the app point of view commercial use is also free. There are currently distributions for Windows, Linux, and macOS. The most popular PHP dev package and completely free of charge.

Install your favorite apps on top of XAMPP for macOS. Bitnami provides a free all-in-one tool to install Drupal, Joomla!, WordPress, Magento, MediaWiki, ownCloud, phpBB, Zurmo, OpenCart, Mautic, Mahara and many other popular open source apps on top of the app.

Main Features

Cross-Platform Compatibility: The package is compatible with multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Ease of Installation: Simplified installation process, requiring minimal configuration.

Components: Includes Apache HTTP Server, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl. Additionally, it comes with tools such as phpMyAdmin, OpenSSL, and Webalizer.

Control Panel: Intuitive Control Panel for managing individual components.

Portability: The software can be installed on a USB stick, allowing developers to carry their web server environment anywhere.

Addon Modules: Various addons such as Tomcat, FileZilla FTP Server, Mercury Mail Server, and Perl.

User Community: Active community forums and documentation for support and troubleshooting.



What`s New

The latest installer include the next main components:

• PHP 8.2.12, 8.1.25 or 8.0.30
• Apache 2.4.58
• MariaDB 10.4.32
• phpMyAdmin 5.2.1
• OpenSSL 3.1.3
• curl 8.4.0_6
• Tomcat 8.5.96

User Interface

• Module Control: Start and stop services like Apache and MySQL with simple buttons.
• Logs: Access detailed logs for troubleshooting.
• Config: Quick access to configuration files for each component.
• NetStat: Monitor network status and connections.

Installation and Setup

Download: Obtain the app installer from the official Apache Friends website or FileHorse website.

Run Installer: Execute the downloaded file and follow the installation wizard.

Select Components: Choose the components you want to install. By default, all are selected.

Choose Installation Directory: Select the directory where you want the app installed.

Start Installation: Click 'Next' to begin the installation. This process may take a few minutes.

Setup Completion: Once the installation is complete, launch the Control Panel.

How to Use

• Starting Services: Open the Control Panel and start Apache and MySQL by clicking the 'Start' buttons.
• Accessing Localhost: Open a web browser and go to http://localhost to see the dashboard.
• Creating Projects: Place your web files in the htdocs directory located in the installation folder.
• Using phpMyAdmin: Access phpMyAdmin via http://localhost/phpmyadmin to manage databases.
• Stopping Services: Return to the Control Panel and stop services by clicking the 'Stop' buttons.

FAQ

How do I change the default port of Apache?
Open the Control Panel, click on 'Config' next to Apache, then open httpd.conf and change the Listen 80 line to your desired port number. Save the file and restart Apache.

What should I do if MySQL is not starting?
Check the MySQL error log for detailed error messages. Common solutions include checking for port conflicts or ensuring no other MySQL service is running.

How do I secure my XAMPP installation?
Use the security console available at http://localhost/security to set passwords for MySQL, phpMyAdmin, and other components.

Can XAMPP for Mac be used for production?
THis program is designed for development environments. It is not recommended for production due to security and performance considerations.

How do I add a new PHP extension?
Edit the php.ini file located in the installation directory to include the desired extension. Then restart Apache to apply changes.

Alternatives

MAMP: Similar to this program but tailored for macOS. It includes Apache, MySQL, and PHP for Mac users.

Docker: It allows you to create isolated development environments using containers, making it platform-agnostic and highly customizable.

Pricing

This software is entirely FREE and open-source. There are no hidden costs or premium versions.

Users can download and use it without any financial investment, making it accessible for developers at all levels.

System Requirements

• Operating System: macOS
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 512 MB or more (1 GB recommended)
• Disk Space: 1 GB free space

PROS

• Free and open-source
• Easy to install and use
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Comprehensive package with essential tools
• Strong community support

CONS

• Not recommended for production use
• Occasional port conflicts
• Limited out-of-the-box security

Also Available: Download XAMPP for Windows