Want to build a website or launch a blog? WordPress powers millions of sites globally. Installing it locally with XAMPP offers hands-on experience without needing immediate web hosting or a domain. Follow our step-by-step guide to install WordPress on XAMPP, whether you’re a newbie or an expert. It’s a valuable skill for developing and testing websites locally.
What is XAMPP?
XAMPP is a free and open-source cross-platform web server solution stack package developed by Apache Friends. It stands for Cross-platform, Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl. In simpler terms, XAMPP provides an environment in which you can run websites locally on your computer.
Why Install WordPress on Localhost?
Installing WordPress on localhost has several advantages:
- Safe Testing Environment: Test themes, plugins, and updates without affecting your live site.
- Development Speed: Work on your site without internet access, ensuring faster loading times.
- Learning and Experimentation: Experiment with WordPress without any risk to your live website.
6 Steps to Install WordPress on XAMPP
Follow these six simple steps to install WordPress on XAMPP:
Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP
First, you’ll need to download XAMPP from the official website (https://www.apachefriends.org/index.html) and install it on your computer. Make sure to choose the version that is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Step 2: Start the Apache and MySQL Services
Once you have installed XAMPP, open the control panel and start the Apache and MySQL services by clicking on the “Start” button next to each of them.
Step 3: Create a MySQL Database
Now click on Admin button, it will automatically open php myadmin in your default browser
Or open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost/phpmyadmin/.
If you have installed Apache using port 8080, please access it via the following URL: http://localhost:8080/phpmyadmin/
This will open phpMyAdmin, where you can manage your databases. Click on the “Databases” tab and create a new database for your WordPress installation. Remember the name of the database as you’ll need it later.
Step 4: Download WordPress
Next, you need to download the latest version of WordPress from the official website (https://wordpress.org/download/)
Once WordPress is downloaded, unzip the file to reveal the wordpress folder.
Copy all of these files.
Next, go to where XAMPP is installed on your computer.
If you’re using Windows, it’s usually in C:/Program Files/XAMPP/htdocs or C:/Xampp/htdocs/YOURFOLDER.
If you’re on a Mac, look in /Applications/XAMPP/htdocs/YOURFOLDER
For me, that’s E:/xampp/htdocs/newsite
Put the WordPress folder you copied before into the ‘htdocs/YOURFOLDER‘
Step 5: Configure WordPress
Now, open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost/FOLDERNAME/. or http://localhost:8080/FOLDERNAME/ This will start the WordPress installation process. Select your language and click on the “Continue” button.
On the next screen, enter the database name, username (which is usually “root” by default), password (leave it blank), database host (usually “localhost”), and table prefix (you can leave it as the default “wp_”). Click on the “Submit” button to continue.
Step 6: Complete the Installation
WordPress will now connect to your database and set up the necessary tables. Once the installation is complete, you’ll be asked to provide some information about your website, such as the site title, username, password, and email address. Fill in the required fields and click on the “Install WordPress” button.
WordPress will start setting up. Once it’s finished, it will ask you to sign in.
Conclusion
Installing WordPress on XAMPP is a straightforward process that allows you to create and test websites locally on your computer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, XAMPP provides a convenient environment for building and testing WordPress websites without the need for web hosting or a domain name. So why wait? Start building your dream website today!
For more information on installing WordPress locally, check out our article on How to setup WordPress on localhost using Local by Flywheel.
Now that you know how to install WordPress on XAMPP, the possibilities are endless. Happy website building!
Howtowebz.com provides detailed tutorials and honest reviews to help beginners make the most of WordPress.
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