WordPress is a powerful platform for building websites, but before you launch your site live on the internet, it’s a good idea to set up a local development environment to test changes and updates. Installing WordPress locally on your computer allows you to work on your website without affecting the live version.
How to Install WordPress Localhost?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing WordPress on localhost:
Step 1: Choose a Local Development Environment
Before you can install WordPress locally, you’ll need to set up a local development environment on your computer. There are several options available, including XAMPP, MAMP, and Local by Flywheel. Choose the one that best fits your operating system and preferences.
Step 2: Download and Install the Local Development Environment
Once you’ve selected your preferred local development environment, download and install it on your computer following the instructions provided by the software. This process typically involves running the installer file and configuring basic settings such as the server port and document root.
Step 3: Create a New Database
After installing the local development environment, you’ll need to create a new database for your WordPress site. Access the database management tool provided by your local server (such as phpMyAdmin) and create a new database with a name of your choice.
Step 4: Download and Extract WordPress
Next, download the latest version of WordPress from the official website (wordpress.org) and extract the contents of the zip file to a folder on your computer. Rename the folder to something memorable, such as “mywordpresssite.”
Step 5: Configure WordPress
Navigate to the folder where you extracted the WordPress files and locate the “wp-config-sample.php” file. Rename this file to “wp-config.php” and open it in a text editor. Enter the database details you created earlier, including the database name, username, and password.
Step 6: Run the WordPress Installation Script
Once you’ve configured the wp-config.php file, open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost/yourfoldername (replace “yourfoldername” with the name of the folder where you extracted the WordPress files). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the WordPress installation process, including setting up your site title, username, password, and email address.
Conclusion
By following these six simple steps, you can easily install WordPress locally on your computer for development and testing purposes. Working with WordPress on localhost allows you to experiment with themes, plugins, and customizations without impacting your live website. Once you’re satisfied with your changes, you can easily deploy them to your live site for the world to see.