PhpHow-ToBeginner · 3 min read

How to Install PHP on Mac: Simple Step-by-Step Guide

To install PHP on a Mac, the easiest way is to use Homebrew by running brew install php in the Terminal. Alternatively, macOS comes with a pre-installed PHP version you can enable with sudo apachectl start and check using php -v.

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Syntax

Use the following command in the Terminal to install PHP via Homebrew:

brew install php: Installs the latest PHP version.
php -v: Checks the installed PHP version.
sudo apachectl start: Starts the built-in Apache server that can run PHP.

bash

brew install php
php -v
sudo apachectl start

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Example

This example shows how to install PHP using Homebrew and verify the installation by checking the PHP version.

bash

brew install php
php -v

Output

PHP 8.2.6 (cli) (built: May 4 2024 12:00:00) ( NTS ) Copyright (c) The PHP Group Zend Engine v4.2.6, Copyright (c) Zend Technologies

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Common Pitfalls

Some common mistakes when installing PHP on Mac include:

Not having Homebrew installed before running brew install php.
Using outdated macOS versions where the built-in PHP is deprecated or missing.
Forgetting to update your PATH environment variable if PHP is installed in a non-standard location.
Not restarting the Terminal or shell after installation, causing the system to not recognize the new PHP command.

bash

### Wrong: Trying to run PHP without Homebrew installed
php -v

### Right: Install Homebrew first
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
brew install php
php -v

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Quick Reference

Summary tips for installing PHP on Mac:

Install Homebrew if you don't have it: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
Install PHP: brew install php
Check PHP version: php -v
Use built-in PHP on older macOS by enabling Apache: sudo apachectl start
Restart Terminal after installation to update environment variables.

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Key Takeaways

Use Homebrew to easily install the latest PHP version on Mac with 'brew install php'.

Check your PHP installation by running 'php -v' in the Terminal.

Ensure Homebrew is installed before trying to install PHP.

Restart your Terminal after installation to recognize the new PHP command.

Older macOS versions include PHP pre-installed but may require enabling Apache.