What web application software (ASP.NET, PHP, ColdFusion, etc.) can run on a Mac? How? Where can I find it?

Question

I need to know what web application is the most popular and easy to use on a Mac. Also, if one doesn't run on Mac (like ASP.NET) is there a way that it can that will be successful?

I'm just trying to find out what most people do to create dynamic web pages on their Mac. (Web application software, web page editor (dreamweaver?))

Thank you!

Answer 1

Assuming you want to run a Web server on a Mac, both PHP and ColdFusion run on MacOS X. There is also a language called Lasso that was originally developed for Mac, but eventually found a broader user base.

As to successful Web sites, they usually don't run on MacOS; the hardware is too expensive.

Answer 2

I think you're confusing client software with server software.

Mac computers can do all of the things PCs can do, when you're talking about viewing webpages... but when it comes to servers its a different story (like ASP doesn't work on some servers, PHP works on most)

You should develop your pages using dreamweaver if possible (I like that program a lot). If you can stick to the basics, like javascript and html then you'll be safe. The server running your page probably runs PHP, so that would be safe to use as well.

Using things like Flash and other special dynamic languages - is generally not a good idea because lots of people don't have that installed.

Answer 3

Your best bet for Mac is PHP - because most of what you need is already installed on your computer.
You want to use PHP MySQL and Apache -
There's a lot available online about this topic, too long for a post response - do a search on Installing PHP on a Mac to start -

http://php.net/
http://www.andybudd.com/archives/2003/09/installing_php_and_mysql_and_apache2_on_osx/