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).
Thanks for the great tutorial.
Everything works fine for me until the actual installation process. So when I go to this address:
http://localhost:8080/magie's site/wp-admin/install.php
It seems like it’s trying to connect with localhost, and after waiting for about 3 minutes all I get is a blank page, instead of the wordpress screen.
Any thoughts that could help?
Thanks
ffsf
@magge
3 options:
1: did you actually started wamp/xamp?
2: you cant type ‘s in a url so you can try choosing a different map name
3: instead of typing localhost you can try typing http://127.0.0.1/magie's site/wp-admin/install.php
hope it help’s.
have a nice day
ohw forgot to say…. you cant use ‘ in a url and you cant use a space try – instead
Hi,
Thanks for this. I am new to wordpress. local setup is helpful for learners like me. just did it.
regards
vinodh
wow it works !! i can see my site locally . awesome !! now I just have to learn to upload my site to my Godaddy account.. hhmm.. i know how to do this with FTP. but it owuld be cool to do it from withtin Phpmyadmin. or am I missing the point somewhere ?
If you go into your hosting account on GoDaddy you can install WordPress. It’s usually in applications on the right sidebar. It will take you through step by step setting up the database. Once it’s installed you just have to compress your theme and upload it. No FTP necessary. GoDaddy, in my opinion has great customer service so if you need help just call them and they will walk you through the install.
Hello all,
I am waiting for my domain to be transfered, but I would like to staart working on my template.I s there a way to start working on a wordpress design before the website server is pointed?
I am getting a 404 Not Found when I try and do the final install. Using MAMP – http://localhost/iconic/wp-admin/install.php
I’ve also tried with localhost:8888 as stated in the tutorial but that isn’t working either.
Suggestions??
Scratch that…Solved the problem!
How did you solve it? I have installed xamp and created a new database. When I have to fill in the database, user and password in the wp-config file I create a password in the MySQL database and then it tells me no access. I also have the problem when I dont set a password then it tells me 404 not found…I am very new to MySQL and would really appreciate some help.
Thanks
I dont know how to proceed after step 4. What do I have to type for local host.? it is showing url not found in this server.
Any one help me….
Very nice tutorial, It helps me alot for installing wordpress. Thanks for writing for us :)
Thank you Thank you!! This is organized very nicelyasd
Thank you so much for this very clear post. I find that being self taught leaves lots of holes in my theory, and often I read more than I need to get where I want to get. This was so on the money, and I was able to troubleshoot what I did wrong.
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
Marty
Nice Post, i would like to know which one is better, xampp or wamp?? given the fact that my system is a bit slow..
how to insert the theme and banner
I cannot get past step 2.
I get error 2002 when I try to click on myPHPadmin from the MAMP startup page. I’ve got green lights for Apache and SQL, but I cannot even access myPHPadmin. (I do not have any duplicate processes running in activity monitor).
Any ideas on what to do?
hi
Thank’s for this (Installing WordPress Locally) great tutorial. I was having a hard time with those.
wow thats great method.thx for the article.Thanks for the great tutorial.
thnks for your comment
thanx to help ua to make a bolg