How to install WordPress?

Prerequisites:

1. Install the local server environment (This provides the necessary Apache server, PHP, and MySQL components):

• XAMPP (Windows, macOS, Linux)

2. WordPress Project Files: Have the WordPress project files available. This might be a zipped project folder.

3. Database Details: Confirm or set up your database credentials and name, which you’ll use for the local installation.

Step 1: Set Up Your Local Server:

1. Install and start your preferred local server environment.

2. Open the control panel and start the Apache and MySQL services.

3. Confirm the server is running by opening http://localhost in your web browser.

Step 2: Create a Database:

1. Go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin.
2. Click on Databases at the top.
3. Enter a name for your database (e.g., db_project) and select Create.

Note: Remember this database name as you will need it in the following steps.

Step 3: Download or Clone the WordPress Project:

1. If you have the project files as a zip:

Unzip the project into your local server’s root directory:

• XAMPP: htdocs folder (e.g., C:\xampp\htdocs\wordpress_local)

2. If you’re using Git to clone the repository:

• Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/your-wordpress-repo.git

Step 4: Configure the wp-config.php File:

1. Open the WordPress project folder and locate wp-config-sample.php.

2. Duplicate it and rename it to wp-config.php.

3. Open wp-config.php and configure the following lines:

define('FTP_HOST', 'localhost');
define('FTP_USER', 'daemon');
define('FTP_PASS', 'xampp');
define('FS_METHOD', 'direct');

4. Save and close the file.

Step 5: Create .htaccess file in the root of the project:

• This .htaccess file is a typical setup for WordPress projects requiring more control over server behavior, especially if you host your website on an Apache server.

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteBase /wp-projectName/
    RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
    RewriteRule . /wp-projectName/index.php [L]
</IfModule>

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteRule .* - [E=HTTP_AUTHORIZATION:%{HTTP:Authorization}]
    RewriteBase /wp-projectName/
    RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
    RewriteRule . /wp-projectName/index.php [L]
</IfModule>

<IfModule mod_headers.c>
    Header set Access-Control-Allow-Origin "*"
</IfModule>

php_value upload_max_filesize 7G
php_value post_max_size 7G
php_value memory_limit 7G
php_value max_execution_time 300
php_value max_input_time 300

Step 6: Give permissions for the project using the console:

sudo chmod -R 777 /Applications/XAMPP/xamppfiles/htdocs/wp-projectName

Step 7: Install WordPress Locally:

1. Go to your browser and visit http://localhost/your-project-folder-name.

2. Follow the WordPress installation steps:

• Choose your language.
• Set up your site title, admin username, and password.
• Enter your email address.

3. Click Install WordPress.

Step 8: Access Your Local WordPress Site:

• After installation, log in to the WordPress dashboard at:

http://localhost/wp-projectName/wp-admin

• Use the credentials you set up during installation.

Step 9: Install and activate the must-have plugins:

• Advanced Custom Fields PRO:
  1. localhost/wp-projectName/wp-admin
  2. ‘Plugins’ tab
  3. ‘Add New Plugin’
  4. ‘Upload Plugin’
  5. Upload ZIP file

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Your local WordPress installation is now ready!