How to Set Up a Virtual Host on MacOS

Setting up a virtual host on macOS can be tricky due to various Apache configuration errors, permission issues, port conflicts, or DNS-related problems.

Sometimes, even after restarting Apache, changes may not apply correctly. Additionally, SSL and PHP misconfigurations can create further complications.

Step 1: Edit the Virtual Hosts Configuration

First, edit the Apache virtual host configuration file:

vim /opt/homebrew/etc/httpd/extra/httpd-vhosts.conf

Add the following configuration at the end of the file:

Save and close the file.

Step 2: Add the Hostname to the Hosts File

Modify the system’s hosts file to map the custom domain to localhost:

vim /etc/hosts

Add the following line at the end of the file:

127.0.0.1      project_name.local

Save and close the file.

Step 3: Restart Apache

To apply the changes, restart Apache:

brew services restart httpd

Step 4: Test the Setup

Open your web browser and navigate to:

http://project_name.local

If everything is configured correctly, you should see your project directory’s content.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully set up a virtual host on macOS without running into common issues. Now, you can develop and test your local projects efficiently!
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