Get Perplexed and Bursted with Installing WordPress on Localhost

Are you ready to get started with WordPress on localhost? Brace yourself because this content management system is used by millions of website owners worldwide! Setting up WordPress on your personal computer is easy but seems daunting, wouldn’t you agree? Don’t panic. In this article, we will share clear instructions on how you can run WordPress on localhost, and we will take you through each step to get there.

What the Heck is Localhost?

If you’re not familiar with the term localhost, it refers to the server that’s on the same computer you are using. It’s sometimes referred to as the loopback IP address. Whether you’re looking at a computer or a web page hosted on a local computer, localhost is commonly used for such situations.

Why Run WordPress on Localhost?

If you’re still skeptical about running WordPress on localhost, here are several valid reasons why you would want to do so:

• For learning purposes, it’s ideal to run WordPress on localhost first before launching it on the web.
• If you plan on designing and developing WordPress themes, it’s best to run them on a localhost.
• If you aim to test and develop WordPress plugins, running them on localhost is the way to go. It allows you to explore different codes to enhance your live site.
• If you prioritize your website’s security, running WordPress on localhost improves your site’s security since it’s not visible to outsiders.

Step-by-Step Guide on Installing WordPress on Localhost

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to run WordPress on localhost:

Step 1: Install a Local Server Software

You need to install a server application on your computer before running WordPress on localhost. Several options are available:

• MAMP: Compatible with Mac OS X and Windows
• WAMP: Compatible with Windows
• LAMP: Compatible with Linux
• XAMPP: Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux

We highly recommend using XAMPP because it is widely used and supported by all three major operating systems. To install XAMPP on your machine, visit the Apache Friends website and download the version that corresponds to your operating system. Once downloaded, run the installer and install all its components.

Step 2: Download and Install WordPress

After installing XAMPP and its components, you need to download WordPress.

Visit the official WordPress website and download the latest WordPress version. Once the download is complete, extract the files into the folder htdocs located in the XAMPP installation folder.

Step 3: Create a MySQL Database

To run WordPress on localhost, you must create a database to store all the necessary information. Here are the steps to create a MySQL database on XAMPP:

1. Open the XAMPP Control Panel.
2. Click the Admin button under MySQL to launch phpMyAdmin.
3. Once PhpMyAdmin Open, click on the Databases tab located at the top.
4. Enter your preferred database name in the Create database field and click on Create.

You also need to create a user with full permissions to access the database.

1. Click the Users tab and Add User.
2. Enter the desired username and password.
3. In the Global privileges section, select “All privileges” or “Create database”.
4. Click save.

Step 4: Configure WordPress Configuration File

Configure WordPress to run on your computer by locating the WordPress installation files in the htdocs folder (if you saved it there). Look for the wp-config-sample.php file, rename it to wp-config.php, and then edit it by adding your database details.

Find and replace the following:

• Database name: Replace it with the database name you created above.
• Database username: Replace it with the username you added while creating a MySQL database.
• Database password: Replace it with the password you created while creating a MySQL database.
• Database host: Replace it with “localhost”.

Save the changes and close the file.

Step 5: Install WordPress

You’re close to completing the process! Go to your web browser and type in localhost/your-wordpress-directory-name. This step will display the WordPress installation page. Follow the prompts to set up your website.

WordPress requires you to enter your website name, username, and password to log in and your email address. Fill out the form and then click on the “Install WordPress” button.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed WordPress on your localhost.

Wrapping It Up

Running WordPress on localhost is easy and efficient. It allows developers to test themes and plugins before launching them online, among other benefits outlined. By following our step-by-step guide, you can run WordPress securely and without any network connection. Thanks for reading, and we hope this article has helped you get started with WordPress on localhost.