This article discusses how to set up a WordPress website using localhost as a server on your computer. It explains the concept of localhost and guides on installing XAMPP, a software that supports localhost installation. The article provides step-by-step instructions on setting up XAMPP on a Windows operating system and starting localhost. It also includes basic operations on localhost, such as creating a directory for the WordPress source code. Additionally, it addresses common issues like fixing a duplicate port 80 error and answers frequently asked questions about localhost. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the installation process before proceeding.
If you are new to creating a WordPress website, you can follow a basic WordPress course to get started. In the previous article, we discussed what WordPress is, and now we will focus on turning your computer into a hosting server to run a website.
Let’s start by understanding the concept of “localhost.” Localhost is a combination of the words “local” and “host,” where “local” refers to your computer and “host” refers to a server. Therefore, localhost means that the server is running on your computer.
To access localhost, you simply need to type http://localhost in your browser after installing it. However, before installing localhost, ensure you change the port for Skype to avoid conflicts with the web server’s default port.
When it comes to installing localhost on your computer, XAMPP is a recommended software for its ease of use and compatibility with popular operating systems. If you are using a Windows operating system, you can download and install XAMPP following the provided instructions.
Once XAMPP is installed, you can start localhost by opening the XAMPP control panel and clicking on the “Start” buttons for Apache and MySQL. If both services start successfully, you can access localhost through your browser using http://localhost.
After setting up localhost, you can create a directory to store the WordPress source code on your computer. Simply create a folder in the ‘htdocs’ directory of XAMPP and copy the WordPress files into it.
If you encounter any issues with port conflicts or need to troubleshoot errors, follow the provided steps to ensure smooth operation of localhost. Remember that localhost is only accessible on your computer and cannot be shared with others.
In conclusion, setting up localhost using XAMPP is a convenient way to test and develop websites with WordPress without the need for a domain name or hosting. Feel free to explore and experiment in this local environment before transferring your site to a live server in the future. If you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek help or reinstall XAMPP for a fresh start. Enjoy your localhost experience!
