SimpleTest upload tests hanging

The Symptom

SimpleTests involving file uploading of any kind result in the test never finishing on Mac OS X covering Leopard and possibly other versions as well.

The Problem

It appears that the stock cURL that comes with Mac OS X is broken. As of the 10.5.7 release, this appears to be cURL 7.16.3.

Solutions

One option is to compile cURL and PHP from source in place. However, it's easier and more manageable to install your development environment using MacPorts. You can run both environments side by side on different ports, setup to run at different times, or to completely supersede the stock Apache+PHP setup.

If you already have MacPorts installed and current, this process will take 20-30 minutes. If this is your first MacPorts install, the process may require an hour depending on the speed of your computer.

First, install MacPorts.

*More verbose instruction set [off-site]

Update cURL with SSL support:
sudo port install curl +ssl

Install Apache 2:
sudo port install apache2

Install PHP 5:
sudo port install php5 +apache2 +mysql5 +pear

Configure Apache

sudo cp /opt/local/etc/php5/php.ini-dist /opt/local/etc/php5/php.ini
sudo cp /opt/local/apache2/conf/httpd.conf.sample /opt/local/apache2/conf/httpd.conf

Activate the PHP 5 Module

cd /opt/local/apache2/modules
sudo /opt/local/apache2/bin/apxs -a -e -n "php5" libphp5.so

You will need to add the following within the <IfModule mime_module> block in httpd.conf:

AddType application/x-httpd-php .php
AddType application/x-httpd-php-source .phps

You will probably also want to add index.php to the line in the <IfModule dir_module block.

Finish configuring Apache as seen fit.

Starting & Stopping Apache
Apache will be managed by launchd. Start apache with:
sudo launchctl load -w /Library/LaunchDaemons/org.macports.apache2.plist
This will also have Apache automatically start if the machine is rebooted.

Stop apache with:
sudo launchctl unload -w /Library/LaunchDaemons/org.macports.apache2.plist
This will also stop Apache from automatically starting.