MAMP Local Development Environment Guide
Run Apache, MySQL, and PHP on macOS or Windows using MAMP, defaulting to http://localhost:8888.
MAMP (Mac/Windows + Apache + MySQL + PHP) is an integrated local development environment for macOS and Windows, easy to install, suitable for local debugging of PHP and WordPress.
Default localhost Access
| Purpose | Address |
|---|---|
| Default Site (Commonly used with MAMP) | http://localhost:8888 |
| MAMP PRO / Standard Port 80 | http://localhost |
| phpMyAdmin | http://localhost:8888/phpMyAdmin/ |
The free version of MAMP typically uses Apache port 8888 (to avoid conflict with system port 80) and MySQL port 8889.
Installation and Startup
- Download MAMP (or MAMP PRO) from mamp.info.
- Open MAMP and click Start to launch Apache and MySQL.
- Access in your browser at http://localhost:8888.
Website Root Directory
- macOS:
/Applications/MAMP/htdocs/ - Windows:
C:\MAMP\htdocs\
Place your project in htdocs/myproject/ → http://localhost:8888/myproject/
MAMP PRO
The PRO version supports multiple virtual hosts, SSL, and switching between different PHP versions, with local domain names like http://myproject.test (requires hosts configuration).
Common Issues
Unable to access 8888
Ensure the MAMP server is running (indicated by a green light).
Change default port
MAMP Preferences → Ports, can be changed back to 80 / 3306.
Conflict with macOS built-in Apache
Stop the system Apache: sudo apachectl stop, or continue using 8888.
Summary
MAMP is one of the most popular PHP local stacks on Mac, defaulting to http://localhost:8888, with the project directory being htdocs.