How to Install and Configure WordPress on Localhost?

WordPress is a popular and open-source content management system that allows users to create and manage websites easily. Installing WordPress on a localhost environment is useful for development, testing, testing and learning purposes without affecting a live website. It can be done using various approaches. In this article, we will explain about installation and configuration of WordPress on the Localhost using various approaches with detailed steps and syntax with related examples.

Prerequisites

• Any Localhost Server like XAMPP, WAMP and others
• WordPress Theme
• Database
• Basics of Database, WordPress, Content Management System.

Approaches

These are the following approaches we can use to Install and Configure WordPress on Localhost:

• Using XAMPP - It is a free and open-source cross-platform web server solution stack package developed by Apache Friends. It consists of Apache HTTP Server, MariaDB, and interpreters for scripts written in the PHP and Perl programming languages.
• Using WAMP - WAMP is a Windows web development environment. It allows you to create web applications with Apache2, PHP, and a MySQL database. Alongside, PHPMyAdmin allows you to manage easily your databases.
• Using MAMP for macOS - MAMP is a free, local server environment that can be installed under macOS and Windows with just a few clicks. MAMP provides them with all the tools they need to run WordPress on their desktop PC for testing or development purposes.
• Using Docker - Docker is a set of platform-as-a-service products that use OS-level virtualization to deliver software in packages called containers. Containers are isolated from one another and bundle their own software, libraries, and configuration files.
• Using Local by Flywheel -Local by Flywheel is a free development application that allows you to create and manage local WordPress sites with ease. It simplifies the process of setting up a local environment with an easy-to-use interface.

Steps to Install and Configure WordPress on Localhost using XAMPP

Step 1: Install XAMPP

First We need to install the XAMPP server in our local system. Download XAMPP from the official website and Install it.

Select options as shown in image and then press next button:

Wait till XAMPP gets installed.

Step 2: Start Apache and MySQL

Once XAMPP is successfully installed, Now open the XAMPP Application.

Step 3: Download WordPress

Now Download the latest version of the WordPress into our local system and keep in the htdocs folder of the XAMPP Server folder.

Once download now extract the ZIP file into htdocs folder in xampp folder.

Step 4: Create MySQL Database

Now create a database in the PhpMyAdmin by starting the MySQL and Apache in the XAMPP server. Here we created database name as mydb.

Creation of Database: mydb

Step 5: Setup the Configuration

Now change the required configuration for Install and Configure WordPress on Localhost. Open your wordpress folder and locate wp-config-sample.php in wordpress folder and change the required configuration here we change database name as mydb and user name as root. Now save this file name as wp-config.php in same folder.

<?php

define( 'DB_NAME', 'mydb' );

/** Database username */
define( 'DB_USER', 'root' );

/** Database password */
define( 'DB_PASSWORD', '' );

/** Database hostname */
define( 'DB_HOST', 'localhost' );

/** Database charset to use in creating database tables. */
define( 'DB_CHARSET', 'utf8' );

/** The database collate type. Don't change this if in doubt. */
define( 'DB_COLLATE', '' );

define( 'AUTH_KEY',         'put your unique phrase here' );
define( 'SECURE_AUTH_KEY',  'put your unique phrase here' );
define( 'LOGGED_IN_KEY',    'put your unique phrase here' );
define( 'NONCE_KEY',        'put your unique phrase here' );
define( 'AUTH_SALT',        'put your unique phrase here' );
define( 'SECURE_AUTH_SALT', 'put your unique phrase here' );
define( 'LOGGED_IN_SALT',   'put your unique phrase here' );
define( 'NONCE_SALT',       'put your unique phrase here' );


$table_prefix = 'wp_';


define( 'WP_DEBUG', false );

if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) {
    define( 'ABSPATH', __DIR__ . '/' );
}

/** Sets up WordPress vars and included files. */
require_once ABSPATH . 'wp-settings.php';

Step 6: Setup WordPress

Now open the wordpress folder through localhost and set up the WordPress with required configuration like Registration and login. once opened the registration page then fill the details and click on install wordpress button.

Once successfully the installed the wordpress now login into wordpress by using your login details.

Step 7: WordPress Dashboard

After successfully login you can able to see the WordPress Dashboard.

Step 8: Run WordPress

Finally click on view site option in the Dashboard. It will show your website below we provide an example website.

Conclusion

Installing and Configuring WordPress on a Localhost provides a convenient environment for development, Testing and learning without affecting a live site. There are several ways you can take what you want. Here we have Installed and Configured WordPress on Localhost by using XAMPP server. By understanding and applying above process you can efficiently set up a local WordPress environment.