This is the first chapter of the Complete WordPress Theme Guide series. In this chapter, you will learn how to install WordPress on a local computer. By doing so, it will save you time from updating and previewing files (so, you don't have to frequently upload files on every change). You can also use the local version to test new plugins, themes, and upgrades. This tutorial is intended for beginners who want to learn how to run WordPress locally.
Quick Summary
If you have some technical background, you can skip the detailed steps in this tutorial. Here are the simplified steps on how to install WordPress on a local computer:
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Create a new database.
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Download WordPress from wordpress.org and extract the files to a new folder under the htdocs folder.
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Rename the wp-config-sample.php file to wp-config.php and update the database details according to your local server.
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Run wp-admin/install.php and follow the instructions to install WordPress.
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Done!
Let's Begin...
Before you start, let's look at the requirements to run WordPress:
- PHP 4.3+
- MySQL 4+ Database Server
1. Install a Local Server
In order to run any PHP/database application on a local computer, you need a local host (ie. Apache + MySQL). For Mac, use MAMP. For PC, use XAMPP or WAMP.
I'm using Mac here, so I'm going to install MAMP. Go to mamp.info, download and install MAMP.
2. Create a New Database
After you've installed MAMP, run it and it should take you to the start page. Now click on phpMyAdmin. In the phpMyAdmin page, create a new database (eg. wordpress).
3. Download WordPress
Go to wordpress.org and download the latest build of WordPress. Go to the htdocs folder (where you installed the MAMP), extract the wordpress.zip to a new folder (eg. mysite).
4. Update wp-config.php File
In the folder, rename the wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php. Open wp-config.php and update the database details (db_name, user, password, host) according to your local server.
5. Run install.php
With your browser, go to http://localhost:8888/mysite/wp-admin/install.php and follow the instructions to install WordPress.
What's Next...
In the next chapter, I'm going to show you how to create a custom WordPress theme in designer way (no PHP skill is required).
many thanks for the nice concise tutorial here Nick : )
And then he handed you the thirty-five 45
Thanks for the guide. It’s self explanatory. My problem now is that I can’t install a php server in my system. I then used wamp and it installed. Trying to run it, it displays an application error message. What am I to do? Is there any other reputable server that has php server, database mysql and apache. Any help will be appreciated. My email is masterweb4real(64)yahoo(dot)com
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I’m good up to step 5…then when I eneter http://localhost:8888/mysite/wp-admin/install.php into my browser, it just prompts a download of install.php?
What have I done wrong?
I had exactly the same problem and found that changing the url to
http://localhost/mysite/wp-admin/install.php and changing the
data in the wp-config.php to the bellow code solved the problem
define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘wordpress’); // The name of the database
define(‘DB_USER’, ‘root’); // Your MySQL username
define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ”); // …and password
define(‘DB_HOST’, ‘localhost’); // 99% chance you won’t need to change this value
define(‘DB_CHARSET’, ‘utf8′);
define(‘DB_COLLATE’, ”);
This is the best tutorial I have came across for setting up wordpress locally. The instructions are simple to follow and very clear. A wonderful post will be back to see what else you have to say.
Cheers from Mel
Thank ‘ s For Gui d me how to install WordPress……………..
What a very user-friendly tutorial! I had only 15min and managed to install everything with absolutely no problem. Bookmarked!
Superb info..!!! and i love wordpress..!!!
Very helpful tutorial, especially for those who are beginners and want to learn
excellent tutorial. just used it to help with a college course. excellent stuff. thanks for sharing
Gr8t sharing.Today i will implement these .Thank you for sharing..
Hi,
I was reading your article and I would like to appreciate you for making it very simple and understandable. This article gives me a basic idea of how to install and use wordpress article on local system and it will help me a lot.
Check this link too its also having a collection wordpress article which helped to beginner as well as developer.
http://mindstick.com/Articles/f7e1b2dc-2d24-470a-acf2-3f108229d97d/?Download%20and%20Install%20WordPress
Thanks for sharing your article with us.
This is amazing thank you so much for doing this.
But one question, I’d like to get an e-commerce site up on WP using WPEC, do you think I should download the local server XAMPP for my PC?
Is it powerful enough for a e-commerce site?
I’m open to any suggestions, please and thank you!
@javivo
Really great tutorial.
If this looks too hard for you guys then we can help you out! For free!
very good explaination about wordpress ,thanks alot
Thank you so much, now I’ll be able to test my geodesic greenhouse website locally.
oops – sorry forgot to leave my link – http://edenbiodomerevolutionreview.org
Very useful blog. I really appreciate it.
Thanks
Very useful information. I tried your guide while installing wordpress on my blog and it is successful.
Thanks
You can get this for free!
I am having great difficulty with WAMP install on my win7-64bit…I hope your tutorial is the answer…Thanks for the simple instructions for a “newbie” on WordPress running locally!