This source describe three distinct methodologies and software tools for setting up and managing local web development environments using virtual hosts: a Docker-based setup, the MAMP suite, and the dedicated macOS application VirtualHostX Pro.

1. Local Docker Development with Virtual Hosts (dnsmasq & nginx-proxy)

This methodology focuses on simplifying local development when using Docker containers.

• Problem Resolution: Eliminates the need for developers to manage or worry about port collision.

• Named Access: Allows developers to use named URLs (e.g., myapp.dev) instead of standard localhost:port notations (e.g., localhost:4000).

• Key Components: Implemented using a combination of dnsmasq (configured as a local DNS resolver to route *.dev requests to the local Docker instance) and an automated nginx reverse proxy (jwilder/nginx-proxy).

• Automated Configuration: The nginx reverse proxy automatically updates its configuration by detecting the VIRTUAL_HOST environment variable set on Docker containers.

2. MAMP and MAMP PRO

MAMP is a comprehensive local server environment for Mac and Windows, with the PRO version offering extended features.

• Server Stack: Supports multiple web servers including Apache and Nginx.

• Database Support: Includes MySQL (versions 5.7 and 8.0).

• Programming Languages: Supports PHP, Python, and depending on the version/OS, Perl and Ruby.

• Host Management (PRO): MAMP PRO supports an unlimited number of hosts, compared to the single host limit of the standard MAMP version.

• PHP Control (PRO): Offers support for an unlimited number of PHP versions and includes features like PHP Cache and various extensions (e.g., Xdebug, Imagick/ImageMagick, Oauth).

• Developer Utilities (PRO): Features include one-click installation for popular CMSs like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal, extended web server configuration, SSL support, integrated text editor, dynamic DNS, MySQL database tools (Verify, Repair, Upgrade, Dump), Snapshots, and Backup functionality.

3. VirtualHostX Pro

This was a dedicated macOS application designed for local web development, though it is no longer actively developed.

• Platform Focus: Designed to help web developers and designers build and test websites locally on macOS.

• Ease of Use: Provides a point-and-click method for setting up new websites and allows users to create as many websites as they want.

• Integrated Stack: Automatically includes the latest versions of PHP and MySQL.

• Quick Setup: Allows for WordPress installation in less than 30 seconds.

• Isolation and Stability: To ensure stability against macOS software updates, the application uses a real Ubuntu Linux virtual machine running under the hood to keep settings self-contained.

• Current Status: The product has been sunset as of late 2021 due to incompatibility with Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2). New sales have ended, but existing copies continue to work on Intel-based Macs, and existing license activation limits have been removed.