Can i use PHP without using server?

paradice

I want to learn PHP real soon. I have access to the net at various peoples houses (friends and family) but i dont have a connection where i live because my area does not accept it.
Can i use PHP locally? I hear its possible but how can i do this?
Also what software would you suggest to use and is there any useful places online to help me out?
thanks to those that help.

rIkLuNd

you can download a good server here:
http://www.aprelium.com/

And php here:
http://www.php.net/

There is a very good tutorial on how to implement php with the server on the servers homepage!

paradice

sorry i forgot to mention, im using a mac, OSX.

largo

Have a look at:

http://developer.apple.com/internet/macosx/intro.html

hth.

orangehairedboy

We should clarify that a "server" isn't anything special. It's just a computer that is running "server software". In this case, server software is software that allows incomming internet connections to a computer, and returns any requested data.

So, no...you don't need a "server"...but you do need a computer which can run PHP.

Lewis

greg252

I've been developing PHP on os X for about a year now, and I love it.

A few things:
-When you start web sharing, you are in fact starting APACHE- no need to install another version.

-PHP is installed but not configured with apache- you need to edit the apace config file. I suggest downloading BBEdit lite (it opens invisible files easily) to edit the config file.

-There is a 1 click install available for mySQL, but I don't remember where.

Best of luck

uk_moshur

Found this great preconfig server thats basically an install away.

I thinks its a great virtual apache program!!!

http://www.firepages.com.au/

works from a http://localhost/ all you need do is drag php files into the www directory.

Oh yeh and it supports MySQL