Getting Started with WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide to Local Installation
Tags: webdev, learning, opensource
Published: 2024-07-13 13:49:47

**Introduction:**

🚀 Welcome to Series 1: Building a Simple WordPress Site! 🚀 In this series, I'll guide you through the essential steps to create and manage your very own WordPress website. Whether you're a WordPress newbie or looking to refine your skills, this series will equip you with the knowledge to build a functional and customizable site. 🌐

**Prerequisites:**

Before starting this series, make sure you have:

- Basic familiarity with web development concepts (HTML, CSS). 💻
- Access to a computer with an internet connection. 🌐
- A local development environment set up (XAMPP, LAMP, etc.) for installing WordPress. 🛠️

No prior experience with WordPress is required, but having a basic understanding of web technologies will enhance your learning experience. Let's dive into creating your WordPress site step-by-step! 🎉

**Part 1: Getting Started with WordPress**

**Step-by-Step Guide**

**Step 1: Introduction and Setup**

_Title: Introduction to WordPress_

_Overview of WordPress as a CMS:_

WordPress stands as the most popular Content Management System (CMS) globally, facilitating the creation and management of websites. Its versatility supports a wide range of applications, from blogs to complex e-commerce platforms.🌍

_Installing WordPress locally using XAMPP, MAMP or LAMP:_

**_XAMPP (Windows, macOS, Linux)_**

- XAMPP: Visit [Apache Friends](https://www.apachefriends.org/download.html) and download XAMPP for your operating system.

- Run the installer and follow the prompts to install XAMPP.

- Open the XAMPP Control Panel and click "Start" next to Apache and MySQL.

**_LAMP (Linux)_**

Open your Terminal for installation : 

- Update Package Repository: `sudo apt update`

- Install Apache Web Server: `sudo apt install apache2`

- Verify Apache Installation: `sudo systemctl status apache2`

- Adjust Firewall Settings: `sudo ufw allow 'Apache'`

- Install MySQL/MariaDB Database Server: `sudo apt install mysql-server`

- Secure MySQL/MariaDB Installation: `sudo mysql_secure_installation`

- Install PHP: `sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql`

- Verify PHP Installation: `sudo nano /var/www/html/info.php`
Add the following PHP code:
`<?php
phpinfo();
?>`

Save and close the file. Access http://localhost/info.php in your browser to see PHP information.

- Testing: echo "<?php phpinfo(); ?>" | sudo tee /var/www/html/test.php

Access http://localhost/test.php to verify PHP functionality.

**_MAMP (macOS)_**

- Visit [MAMP](https://www.mamp.info/en/downloads/) and download MAMP for macOS.

- Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the MAMP folder to your Applications folder

- Open Applications, then MAMP, and double-click MAMP.app.

- Click "Start Servers" to start Apache and MySQL.


**_Conclusion_**
🎉 Congratulations on setting up your local development environment with XAMPP, LAMP, or MAMP! This crucial step allows you to develop and test your WordPress site safely. 🎉

In this episode, we have:

Introduced WordPress as a CMS. 📝
Detailed the setup for XAMPP, LAMP, and MAMP. 🛠️
Next, we’ll cover installing WordPress and exploring its features. Stay tuned for more on building your WordPress site from scratch. Happy developing! 🚀💻🌟