How to install and configure WordPress on MAMP

Setting up WordPress on a local machine using MAMP is an efficient way to create a controlled development environment. MAMP (Macintosh, Apache, MySQL, PHP) simulates a web server, allowing you to run WordPress locally without the need for a hosting service. This setup is ideal for developers who need to test themes, plugins, or custom configurations before deploying changes to a live site.

MAMP bundles essential components like Apache, MySQL, and PHP into one package, eliminating the need for manual configuration. It provides an easy-to-use interface to manage your local server and database settings. MySQL is integrated within MAMP, and you can manage your WordPress database directly using phpMyAdmin. This local environment ensures secure testing of modifications and customizations without the risk of impacting a live site.

Running WordPress locally on MAMP allows you to safely test code changes, theme customizations, and plugins in an isolated environment. This guide outlines the technical steps required to install and configure WordPress using MAMP, supporting both macOS and Windows users.

1. Launch MAMP.
2. Ensure both Apache and MySQL servers are running in MAMP.

   Make sure the status indicators for both Apache and MySQL are green.

3. Open the Preferences window in MAMP.
4. Confirm that Apache is set to port 8888 and MySQL to port 8889.

   If you prefer, you can change the ports to default values such as 80 for Apache.

5. Set the Document Root in MAMP to your desired folder for storing WordPress files.
6. Download the latest version of WordPress from the official WordPress website.
7. Extract the downloaded WordPress files into the Document Root folder you set in MAMP.
8. Open MAMP and click the Open WebStart page to access the MAMP dashboard.
9. In the MAMP dashboard, open phpMyAdmin.
10. In phpMyAdmin, navigate to the Databases tab.
11. Create a new database and name it, for example, wordpress_local.

    Make sure to set the collation to utf8_general_ci.

12. Open the WordPress folder in your Document Root.
13. Find the wp-config-sample.php file and rename it to wp-config.php.
14. Open wp-config.php in a text editor.

    define('DB_NAME', 'wordpress_local');
    define('DB_USER', 'root');
    define('DB_PASSWORD', 'root');
    define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

    Modify the DB_NAME, DB_USER, and DB_PASSWORD values to match your database setup.

15. Save and close the wp-config.php file.
16. Open a web browser and go to http://localhost:8888/.
17. Follow the WordPress installation process by entering your site information.
18. Set your site title, admin username, and password during the installation.
19. After installation, log in to the WordPress admin dashboard.
20. Navigate to Settings, then Permalinks, in the WordPress dashboard.
21. Select the Post Name option in Permalinks.
22. Save the changes.

    After completing these steps, WordPress will be installed and running locally on MAMP.