If you’re new to web development, one of the first things you’ll need to do is set up a local environment for building websites. A local environment allows you to develop and test your websites on your computer without uploading them to a live server. This tutorial will show you how to set up a local environment for building websites using XAMPP.

Step 1: Download and install XAMPP

XAMPP is a free and open-source web server solution that allows you to run Apache, MySQL, and PHP on your local computer. To download XAMPP, visit the official website (https://www.apachefriends.org/download.html) and select the version that corresponds to your operating system.

Once you’ve downloaded XAMPP, run the installer and follow the instructions to install it on your computer. Select the components you need for your web development work, such as Apache, MySQL, and PHP.

Step 2: Start the Apache and MySQL servers

Once XAMPP is installed, open it and start the Apache and MySQL servers. You can do this by clicking the “Start” button next to each component.

Step 3: Create a new database

Next, you’ll need to create a new database for your website. To do this, open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost/phpmyadmin/. This will take you to the phpMyAdmin dashboard, where you can manage your MySQL databases.

Click on the “New” button to create a new database, and give it a name corresponding to your website.

Step 4: Download and install WordPress

Now that your local environment is set up, you can download and install WordPress. To do this, visit the official WordPress website (https://wordpress.org/download/) and download the latest version of WordPress.

Extract the WordPress files to the htdocs folder in your XAMPP installation directory. Rename the extracted folder to something that corresponds to your website.

Next, open the wp-config-sample.php file in a text editor and enter your database details (database name, username, and password). Save the file as wp-config.php.

Step 5: Access your website

Your website is now ready to use. To access it, open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost/your-website-folder-name. This will take you to the WordPress installation wizard, where you can set up your website and start building.

Setting up a local environment for building websites using XAMPP is a great way to start web development. With XAMPP, you can run a web server on your own computer and develop and test your websites without uploading them to a live server. You’ll be up and running by following the steps outlined in this tutorial in no time.

Upgrade your online presence today. Delaware Valley Cyber-Technologies can provide a free website analysis that includes keyword research and cross-linking to dramatically improve your site’s SEO with minimal effort on your part. Connect with us at 215-313-8345 for an enhanced digital strategy.