Installing WordPress locally is a great way to test themes, plugins, or develop a site without affecting a live server. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up WordPress on your local machine:
1. Choose a Local Server Environment
You need a local server environment that can run PHP and MySQL. Some popular options are:
XAMPP (cross-platform)
MAMP (Mac and Windows)
WampServer (Windows)
Local by Flywheel (cross-platform, with a focus on WordPress)
Download and install one of these tools. For this guide, I’ll use XAMPP as an example, but the steps are similar for other tools.
2. Install XAMPP (or Your Chosen Environment)
Download XAMPP:
Go to XAMPP’s official website and download the version appropriate for your operating system.
Run the Installer:
Follow the on-screen instructions to install XAMPP. During installation, you’ll be asked to select which components to install. Make sure you choose Apache, MySQL, and phpMyAdmin.
Start Services:
Open the XAMPP Control Panel and start Apache and MySQL.
3. Set Up a Database for WordPress
Open phpMyAdmin:
Go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin/ in your web browser.
Create a Database:
Click on “Databases” in the top menu.
Enter a name for your database (e.g., wordpress_db) and select “Create.”
4. Download and Extract WordPress
Download WordPress:
Go to WordPress.org and download the latest version of WordPress.
Extract WordPress:
Extract the downloaded .zip file.
Rename the extracted folder to your preferred name (e.g., my_local_site).
Move WordPress:
Copy the extracted folder to the htdocs directory of your XAMPP installation. This directory is usually found at C:\xampp\htdocs on Windows or /Applications/XAMPP/htdocs on macOS.
5. Configure WordPress
Open WordPress Setup:
Go to http://localhost/my_local_site in your web browser (replace my_local_site with the name of your folder).
Create the wp-config.php File:
You’ll be prompted to create a wp-config.php file. Click “Let’s go!”
Enter Database Details:
Database Name: The name of the database you created (wordpress_db).
User Name: root (default user for MySQL in XAMPP).
Password: Leave it empty (default for MySQL in XAMPP).
Database Host: localhost.
Table Prefix: You can leave this as wp_ or change it if needed.
Run the Installation:
Click “Submit” and then “Run the installation.”
6. Complete the WordPress Setup
Site Information:
Enter your site title, username, password, and email address.
Click “Install WordPress.”
Login:
Once the installation is complete, you’ll see a success message.
Click “Log In” to access your WordPress dashboard using the credentials you just created.
7. Start Developing
You can now access your local WordPress site at http://localhost/my_local_site.
Use the WordPress dashboard to customize your site, install themes and plugins, and start creating content.
