Open your Firefox, go to [link]

You go via the web server (Apache) on your laptop (127.0.0.1)

Where are you storing the files? If you're using the version of Apache that comes with the Mac, php is automatically enabled, but you'll need to be sure to store your files in the Sites folder inside your home folder. (It's possible to tweak Apache to use something else, of course, but for now, easiest to go with the default.)

edit: and after that, what Kevin said (which I should've made more clear). But trying to open files that are on the desktop or wherever is the most common mistake I see with this.

When I followed Kevin's link, I got an error:

Unable to connect

Firefox can't establish a connection to the server at 127.0.0.1.

MAMP actually does run right on the Mac, and stores the database files under the Applications folder. I can run queries against them just fine, but when I try to open the .PHP file, it gives a screen with obvious errors in it that makes it clear that the boxes are not being filled by the MySQL queries that the PHP is supposed to be running.

And damn, I just realized I'm late to meet a friend. Back to this problem later. SIGH

Theodosia, when you go into PHPMyAdmin, what does the address bar look like? I don't know how MAMP works, but it might be running on a different port. In which case it's [link] (if 6000 was the port). amych's advice is also very correct.

It sounds like apache isn't running, if it can't find localhost. But I need to get out of this thread too!

Did you turn on personal web sharing in System Preferences?

OK, something for the collective brain. An idea came to me while getting into an oven baked car this summer. Here in CA, the Gubenator has the "Million Solar Roofs" initiative. I had the added idea of Solar Parking Lots. It's not an original idea (see Google headquarters and US Navy Depot in San Diego). My thought was, what if the cities/counties started an initiative that did Solar Parking lots for all the public parking areas, esp at the beach where there is little or no buildings causing shade. The idea being a double benefit. Folks cars would be cooler, and the area would generate power, reducing the need for the coal, oil & natural gas power places. What if they expanded the program, gave incentives to box stores, supermarkets, malls to do the same? Anywhere there are large blacktop expanses. In theory, it would provide power, provide shade, and if adopted on a larger scale, could help reduce city warming (if less blacktop absorbs solar energy, then it would re-radiate less heat during day/eveing)

So the question is... aside from cash to do it, what are the draw backs? What am I missing? Assuming one builds it high enough to accommodate 18-wheelers and such. I would love to post this idea to my Mayor (who drives an EV Rav-4) and our Gubinator.

(x-posted in my LJ)

Apache is definitely running, FWIW -- the MAMP controller says it is. But I have a hell of a time getting MySQL to start running most of the time.

Also: the local PHPAdmin page URL is:

http://localhost/MAMP/?language=English

This DOES open the PHPAdmin when MySQL actually starts the way it's supposed to. As you can see, it's looking locally for files, and it finds them just fine. Except that I can't see why it isn't recognizing a .PHP file to pick up on.