A frequent topic in our Drupal classes and meetups is 'how do I work on my Drupal site on my own computer?' Sometimes you want to work on a site locally, before you've chosen a web host provider, or because you're just trying out some new techniques. Local development can be faster and more convenient than remote development, and once you've got a local toolkit together you can really fly with it.
A few months ago we had a Drupal 'installfest' meetup where we helped folks get Drupal installed on their own computers, and we'll cover it in our upcoming Drupal in Depth class. But Lullabot just posted a free video series designed to get you up and running with your local Drupal environment, whether you're on Mac OS X, Windows, or Ubuntu Linux.
So check out Three Local Web Servers videos from the inimitable expatriate and longtime Drupal training star Addi Berry.
Comments
Good stuff..with a warning.
If folks are new to Drupal and running a localhost-test server on their local computers, make sure:
1) You are running the version or flavors of Apache/MySQL/PHP you are-or-will be dealing with on your live server. That is important to make sure one has the same functionality and responses (or errors) in both places/installs. Match your server (X)A.M.P. versions on your Localhost install.
That one item kept me stumped for days until Andy discovered/pointed out why I was having issues with one install on my local machine.
2) Not all functions of Localhost (local install on one's computer) work like one encounters on a live site. I recall that any mail functions or email alerts ('You have new module updates on your site') did not work and one might even have modules that may not function properly (guessing Mollum?) running on localhost. But then I haven't run a Localhost in quite a while so perhaps these issues have been resolved.
So don't freak when playing with localhost and something errors out. There usually is a simple solution or workaround. Just post your error or issue for help. As well, Google your error and you might be surprised to find that error has already been answered by someone else.
Most of all, have FUN with it...one can screw up the install of sites locally and not have to panic. This sandboxing of sites allows you much greater freedom to play and learn.
Thanks Andy, for posting this.