Use XAMPP To Create A Local WordPress Website

XAMPP download and installation

Start by obtaining a copy of XAMPP for your device at the official web page. Then, select the package that you find most suitable. For example, suppose you want to choose one for normal website development. In that case, the Basic Package will be ideal as it brings many necessary applications, extensions (phpMyAdmin and eAccelerator), and libraries. Once you download the package, save it on your computer after, for example, choosing the Installer version. On opening the executable, you will see a dialogue box where you will have to select your preferred language.

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Moving further, you will see the initial page of the XAMPP Setup Wizard, and you will have to choose a location to install the file. It is recommended that you install it in the drive’s root. On configuring your choices in the XAMPP options box, you could go ahead with the default option.

This is all that it takes to install. It may sound a bit complicated, but in reality, you will realize it is only a few simple steps.

Start the Apache and MySQL services

Once you have completed the installation formality, you must open the XAMPP control panel. If you do not see this option, then you could either explore it using the Windows interface or open it through the control panel straightaway. On finding the XAMPP Control Panel, select the Start button near Apache. Choose Unblock if you are using a Windows device. If you pass this stage, then you will be able to view the XAMPP Control Panel section showing Apache Started, and Running in green.

Simultaneously, you can start the MySQL service following the same method.

Local WordPress installation and configuration

Once the Apache and MySQL services have started working, you must now open a website browser and explore localhost to see the logo on the screen. If you see it, you are a proud owner of your own locally hosted website server.

Creating a WordPress MySQL database

One of the simplest ways to create a WordPress MySQL database would be by using the phpMyAdmin that already comes included in the Basic Package. Then, through your browser, navigate to phpMyAdmin, and create your WordPress database by filling in the name detail before selecting the Create option.

In phpMyAdmin, create a MySQL database user for WordPress

Go to the phpMyAdmin page, and click the Privileges option to add a new user. In the new user field, fill in a name, and select local for the host. You must even auto-generate a password for higher security, and before you move ahead, remember to note down your username and password for the future. Next, select the Check All option in the Global Privileges and select Go to create a database. If everything has gone smoothly, you will receive a confirmation notification that you have successfully created a user.

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In the following screen, you must select wordpress\_db >add privileges on the following database> database-specific privileges section. You must remember to check the Privilege section to see that all users having access to your WordPress database is there. You must see the wordpress_user placed in this section.

If you see that everything is okay, then know that you have just created a MySQL database user using phpMyAdmin.

Use an XML file to import some test data into WordPress

Before moving ahead to open the XAMPP folder and navigating to the htdocs file, know that you must have the most updated version of WordPress on your device. Open the WordPress file, and extract all of its contents in the htdocs file. Using your ideal text editor, open the wp-config-sample.php present in the WordPress file. Fill in your database details, and once you are done, save the file, now as wp-config.php, in the same folder.

To finally complete the WordPress installation, explore the install script. If you have done everything correctly till here, you will be greeted with the Install WordPress option, whose instructions you must read carefully before selecting it. Once you choose it, you will now be able to navigate the homepage of your WordPress after logging in with your generated password.

Congratulations! You have completed the local installation of your WordPress website.