Installing WordPress on a Local Server

Installing WordPress on a local server is a fundamental step for developers and designers who want to build and test their websites before releasing them to the public on the internet. This process allows you to work in a safe and controlled environment without the need for paid web hosting or concerns about online security during the development phase. In this guide, we will cover step by step how to install WordPress on a local server, using the XAMPP software, which is one of the most popular tools for this purpose.

What is XAMPP?

XAMPP is a free and open source Apache distribution that contains MariaDB, PHP and Perl. The installation package makes the task of setting up a local web server extremely easy and quick. XAMPP is available for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.

Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP

Before installing WordPress, you need to set up an environment that simulates a web server. To do this, go to the official XAMPP website (https://www.apachefriends.org/index.html) and download the version compatible with your operating system.

After downloading, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. During installation, you can choose which components to install. Make sure to include Apache server, MySQL (which will be replaced by MariaDB), and PHP, which are essential for WordPress to work.

Complete the installation and launch the XAMPP control panel. From here you will be able to start and stop the necessary services for your local server.

Step 2: Start the Apache and MySQL Modules

In the XAMPP control panel, start the Apache and MySQL modules by clicking the "Start" buttons next to each. This will get up and running the web server and database that WordPress needs to operate.

Step 3: Download WordPress

With the local server running, the next step is to download the latest version of WordPress. Visit the official WordPress website (https://wordpress.org/) and click the "Download WordPress" button. Save the .zip file on your computer and extract the contents to a new folder.

Step 4: Copy the WordPress Files to the htdocs Folder

After extracting the WordPress files, copy the entire folder to the "htdocs" directory inside the XAMPP installation folder. It is recommended that you rename the WordPress folder to your project or website name for easier access.

Step 5: Create a Database for WordPress

Before starting the WordPress installation, you need to create a database. Access "phpMyAdmin" through your browser by typing "localhost/phpmyadmin". In the phpMyAdmin interface, click on "Database" and create a new database with a name of your choice. Make a note of the name as you will need it when installing WordPress.

Step 6: Install WordPress

Now, open your browser and type "localhost/yourfoldername" in the address bar, replacing "yourfoldername" with the name you gave to the WordPress folder in the "htdocs" directory. This will start the WordPress installation process.

You will be asked to choose the language and then provide details of the database you created. Enter the database name, username (usually "root"), leave the password field blank (as by default there is no password in XAMPP) and set the database host to "localhost".

Once you've entered this information, click "Submit" and on the next screen, click "Run installation." Fill in the requested fields, such as the site title, username, password and administrator email. When finished, click "Install WordPress".

Step 7: Access the WordPress Control Panel

After installation, you can access your WordPress dashboard by typing "localhost/yourfoldername/wp-admin" in your browser. Use the username and password you set during installation to log in.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed WordPress on a local server using XAMPP. Now you can start developing your website in a secure environment and without the need foran internet connection. Remember that any changes you make here will only be visible to you as it is on a local server. When you're ready to publish your website, you'll need to migrate WordPress to a web hosting server.

This is just the beginning of your journey with WordPress. From here, you can explore themes, plugins, and all the other features WordPress has to offer. Good luck and have fun creating your website!