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 your info. i just install WP on my PC. it good way to go.
its seems easy for me to install in Cpanel. but my previous host was in EHCP Control panel. so. i was confused.
I really amazing and great i can install two WordPress on a single database, for instance for a preview? If so, can I how do?
thanks. this tutorial is very useful for new learners like me.
now we can install it easily :)
Great, post! Most guides show you how to install WordPress with your host but not locally. This is really helpful and I’m going to start testing my sites locally rather than tweaking them in a live environment.
While I’m here, I’ll make a shameless plug. For anyone reading the above post, if you are new to blogging and do not want to hassle with installing WordPress, check out http://geekblogsetup.com. Geek Blog Setup will install WordPress for Free!
thank you very nice to share
Hello
so I went through all the steps and all the results I got were what you said except the last step.
I enter http://localhost:8080/“folder name”/wp-admin/install.php
and it just says waiting for local host and no error, nothing
if I say just localhost:8080 it’s all good and I go to the page you mentioned at the beginning
anything I am missing here
That was a good attempt but If any of you after reading the post still face problem in installing WordPress, then I recommend everyone to check out this post here
http://createawebsite4free.com/index.php/how-to-install-wordpress
If you’re using WAMP – you should extract the WordPress-files into the www-folder :) (see: http://screamable.com/how-to-install-wordpress-on-localhost.html). Looking forward to following the rest of the tutorial!
This post is great. I installed a wordpress into my computer successfully.
nice very god thanx..
Heh… I’m just starting out, so the online site is a mess. But… now I can work on a local copy to get the kinks out so to say.
Thank you so much!
.rob.
Thanks to a nice presentation