The instructions still need some work. I'd did some updating but haven't tried using it with a clean install yet. After reading this it sounds like there's some bigger changes. I've also been trying to switch from macports to homebrew so that'll also mean some changes to this.

Install XCode

Install XCode from the App Store. Run Xcode and open its Preferences (⌘+,) select the Downloads tab and then the Components sub-tab. Click the Install button on the Command Line Tools component.

Install MacPorts

Follow the directions to install Mac Ports.

Become root

To follow these instructions you need to be running as the root user using the default sh shell. If you've got administrator permissions you can open up a Terminal window and switch users using the sudo command then provide your password.

Install MySQL

Use port to install MySQL:

You'll need to create the databases:

Let launchd know it should start MySQL at startup.

Secure the server and set a new admin password:

Create a configuration file:

Edit /etc/my.cnf using your editor of choice and make the following changes to the [mysqld]:

• Change the maximum packet size to 16M:
  
max_allowed_packet = 16M

I was half way done adding some info how to setup pecl/pear to my guide to running Drupal 6 on OS X 10.6 before I realized I'd been running Lion for almost nine months. So it seemed like a good excuse to update it for Lion. These might be a little wonky since I did an upgrade rather than a clean install so if you notice anything please drop me a line.

Note:I'll save you the trouble of commenting, I am familiar with MAMP but would rather punch myself myself in the face than use it. If you'd like to, go right, but I'm going to continue to compile my own so I know where everything ends up.