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Setting Up a Local Apache Server for PrestaShop: What Worked for Me (and What Didn’t)

If you’re trying to run PrestaShop locally for development or testing, you might already know that setting up a local Apache server with the right PHP version and extensions can be a bit tricky. I recently tried three different methods to get PrestaShop working on my local machine, and in this post, I’ll walk you through what I tried, what problems I faced, and which method finally worked best for me. This way, you can decide which setup is most compatible for you.

1) XAMPP: Extension Setup Problems

What I tried:
I started with XAMPP, one of the most popular local server solutions that comes pre-packaged with Apache, MySQL, and PHP.

The issue:
While XAMPP makes it easy to get started, I ran into serious issues with PHP extensions required by PrestaShop (like intl, curl, or specific versions of openssl). Enabling and configuring these extensions manually proved to be a hassle, and I kept encountering errors during PrestaShop installation.

Verdict:
XAMPP is beginner-friendly but limited in terms of customization. If your PrestaShop version needs specific PHP settings or extensions, this might not be the ideal choice unless you’re comfortable digging into configuration files.

2) MAMP: Compatibility & Performance Issues

What I tried:
Next, I tried MAMP, another easy-to-install local server environment for macOS and Windows.

The issue:
MAMP ran much slower than I expected, especially during PrestaShop’s backend operations. Also, the version of PHP included in MAMP was not fully compatible with the version PrestaShop required, and switching PHP versions in MAMP wasn’t as smooth as I hoped.

Verdict:
MAMP can be useful for simpler PHP projects, but if you’re working with a specific CMS like PrestaShop that needs performance and version control, you might run into roadblocks.

3) Homebrew + Custom Apache Setup: My Working Solution

What I tried:
Finally, I decided to go the advanced route — setting up Apache, PHP, and MySQL individually using Homebrew (on macOS).

Why this worked:

  • I had full control over the Apache configuration.
  • I could install the exact PHP version required by PrestaShop.
  • Adding required extensions was straightforward using Homebrew.
  • Performance was noticeably better.

It took more time to set up initially, but the flexibility and stability I gained were worth it.

Verdict:
If you’re comfortable with command-line tools and want a stable, customizable environment for PrestaShop or other advanced PHP applications, using Homebrew to install Apache, PHP, and MySQL separately is a great option.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Choose?

  • If you’re new to local development and just want a quick preview of PrestaShop, try XAMPP first.
  • If you’re on macOS and want a simple GUI, you can try MAMP, but be prepared for potential performance issues.
  • If you’re an intermediate or advanced user, and want full control with better compatibility, Homebrew with custom Apache setup is the way to go.

I hope this post helps you choose the right method for setting up your local PrestaShop environment. If you’ve tried other methods or run into specific issues, feel free to share in the comments!

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