Local WordPress development and deploy

Do any of you have a local WP testing environment? I know there are a few software choices out there and I am curious on your opinions?

I've used WAMP before, and it's alright.. but I would like one that's more geared towards WordPress like InstantWP & DesktopServer. I am downloading InstantWP right now (I have slow internet).

The main feature I'd like to find is one that will allow me to use the same domain that I will be setting up the website on, and be able to deploy it with as few button presses as possible after I'm done testing locally and making it live over the internet. If I have to edit my host files manually.. that's ok, but if not.. that's a plus.

Any suggestions?

I used to test it by adding the DNS entry in the hostfile. It's the best way to test the website before pointing it to the desired server.

wpengine has something like that. But you have to host with them.

I have always just set up a sub domain on the account loaded the site there and did all the testing and updates. when done move files over update database and domain in database and done. Less than a few min.

Using plugins or other programs just adds to stuff you have to make sure you keep updated when using wordpress.