How to test php offline?

I am new to web stuff, and am running 10.5.4. I am trying to find if it is possible to test php offline, because where I volunteer in the day has no wi-fi, but I try to work on some php im learning.
I have php installed, obviously, as well as apache. I have uncommented the lines in httpd.conf file, and I have enabled websharing in system prefs.
I created a simple test.php file that calls phpinfo(), and it works I know because I ran it from terminal. But when I put the file into /library/websharing/documents and point localhost to it, all it does is display the code, not the info. Isn't it supposed to interpret the php that way? If not, is there anyway to do that?
Thank you for help!

Hey!

There is a software called XAMPP, which is for free and installs an apache server, SQL, ... on your mac. Easy to use. I love it for web development.

http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-macosx.html

I already have php and apache installed, thats why im stuck I think.
For example, if I open a browser and type in http://localhost I get an apache start page saying that installation of apache was succesful...

copy your php file in to the htdocs folder of your apache server then point your browser at the file you wish to test

eg

http://localhost/testthis.php

what is a hotdocs folder?
I had been putting the files into Mac->Library->webserver->documents

the htdocs folder is the "local web server" this is where you would put your folder containing all of the html, php, images folder, other folders. Generally you would view through a web browser on your machine with the address http://localhost/webfoldername/filename.php
Check out www.apachefriends.org they have an apache/mysql setup for mac called xampp.

I think that MAMP sounds way easier. (Something a Mac worth)

wheelguy said:

the htdocs folder is the "local web server" this is where you would put your folder containing all of the html, php, images folder, other folders. Generally you would view through a web browser on your machine with the address http://localhost/webfoldername/filename.php
Check out apache friends - very easy apache, mysql, php and perl installation without hassles they have an apache/mysql setup for mac called xampp.

Click to expand...

I'm having issues with this part. It simply will not connect to htdocs!

Make sure that you have started the xampp program, it does not automatically run on startup.

I second MAMP as well. Select the htdocs folder, right click, make alias, then drag that to your home folder (I named mine www). Then start up MAMP and you are good to go.

Josso said:

I think that MAMP sounds way easier. (Something a Mac worth)

Click to expand...

have used this for a long time. works great. even has a widget to turn on/off your php server. great for testing.

type this into google
typo3

get that and yout laughing
it sets up php and mysql localy all by its self and it runs smoooooth

its great basically