It is better to make a website using WordPress and run it on local server before go on live. Running a website on a local XAMPP (Cross-platform, Apache, MariaDB (formerly MySQL), PHP, and Perl ) server.As a result allows to view theme outlooking, design and to identify and fix errors, test features, databases, and compatibility, and improve performance . Basically it reduces development costs and risks while ensuring the website is stable, secure as well as and ready for launch.Before proceeding to create a website require following:
- A basic understanding of WordPress
- A computer with Windows, macOS, or Linux
- XAMPP server
Following given details step to Install WordPress on personal Computer and Create Website Locally using XAMPP, a powerful and user-friendly tool for setting up a local web server.Common steps to make a website through WordPress in Windows OS:-
Step-1 Install XAMPP
XAMPP is a free and open-source software package it includes Apache, MySQL, and PHP, which are necessary to run WordPress locally.
Download XAMPP on your PC –Go to the official XAMPP website XAMPP and Download the version that matches with operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).Run the installer.
e.g. xampp-windows-x64-8.2.12-0-VS16-installer, better to install to root drive, e.g. c:\XAMPP
If XAMPP is successfully installed on C:\ drive without the UAC block then it is ready to start building WordPress site. Here are the next steps to get everything running:
- Open the XAMPP Control Panel
- Find the XAMPP Control Panel on computer (you can search for it in your Windows start menu)
- click Start next to both Apache and MySQL
- Start Apache and MySQL,
Fig:-Local host in run
Step 2: Download WordPress
Now that local server is running, we can install WordPress.Go to the official WordPress website,to WordPress.org, Download WordPress. Extract the WordPress zip file, Click here to get WordPress
WordPress
Step-3 Move wp files to htdocs
Move WordPress XAMPP’s instaaltion at htdocs folder.Move wp files to htdocs: Extract the downloaded zip file of WordPress, copy the WordPress folder inside, and paste it into XAMPP directory’s htdocs on windows like at C:\xampp\htdocs.(We can rename this folder to whatever we want ,this name is website name to be called, like mywebsite) like at C:\xampp\htdocs\mywebsites.Renamed the folder to something relevant, like mywebsite .
STEP-4 Create a Database for WordPress
Create a Database: Set up the database — Create the database and tables using phpMyAdmin . Open web browser and go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin/.
Click Databases at the top, type a name for your database (e.g., wordpress_db),
Here wordpress_db database has been created.
Step-5 Configure the website
Configure the website — Connect the PHP application to the local database and configure settings.
Install WordPress:
Open your browser. Open a new tab in browser and go to http://localhost/mywebsite/(or whatever you named your folder).Open the installation page.Select your preferred language and click Continue.
Click Continue
Click Let’s go! to proceed with the database setup.
Step-6 Database configures
Follow the on-screen setup,
- Enter wordpress_db for the database name,
- root for the username,
- leave the password blank,
and click Install.
6.1 Click Submit,
then Run the installation.
Step-7 Run the installation
Click Install WordPress.Site is ready, onboard on your site my website.Welcome to your website Welcome page will appear.
Step-8 Configure site
Fill up site information:
- Site Title
- Username
- Password
Site title:-datashop( given)
Once installed, log in by visiting
8.1 Log-in
after log-in
Step 9: Customization
Now that WordPress is installed, you can:
- Choose a Theme: Go to Appearance > Themes and install a theme.
- Install Plugins: Add new functionalities via Plugins > Add New.
- Create Pages and Posts: Start adding content under Pages and Posts.
Re-cap
- Installing XAMPP to set up a local web server.
- Downloading and setting up WordPress inside the XAMPP htdocs folder.
- Creating a MySQL database for WordPress using phpMyAdmin.
- Running the WordPress installation and logging in.
Recommendations
- Use Local SSL in XAMPP
- Keep backups for local WordPress site to prevent data loss
- Sync with Live Server
- When ready, use tools like All-in-One WP Migration
- or WP Migrate DB to transfer site online
- Explore Development Tools, WordPress debugging tools and
- version control systems like Git to enhance workflow
Use sandbox to experiment, develop, and refine website without restrictions.