Using the three free, open-source and original system components (PHP, MySQL, and phpMyAdmin) to develop, test, and deploy Web applications locally is almost the only best option available at the moment. Thereinto, Apache Web server and PHP hypertext preprocessor are preinstalled on Mac. But they are not enabled by default, and the pre-installed version of PHP lacks many utility features. The MySQL needs to be installed and configured separately. Unless you are able to expertly use command lines in Terminal, installing the one-stop solution MAMP (PRO) is much simpler and more efficient.

For beginners coming to website back-end development, if you are looking for a book that can really let you, in a short period of time, learn how to use PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript these three primary web development techniques to create dynamic, interactive web sites or applications, then do not miss Sams Teach Yourself PHP, MySQL & JavaScript All in One in Sams Teach Yourself series.