How to install and configure WordPress locally on XAMPP

Running WordPress on a local environment allows you to test and develop websites without an internet connection. Using XAMPP, a local server stack that includes Apache, MySQL, and PHP, makes this process streamlined. XAMPP allows you to replicate the required server environment for WordPress, enabling seamless testing of themes, plugins, and customizations on your local machine.

WordPress is a PHP-based CMS that relies on a MySQL database to store content. With XAMPP, all necessary components, including Apache as the web server, are preconfigured to support local WordPress installations. This environment allows developers to work in isolation, making changes without affecting live sites, and ensures that the local setup matches the production server closely.

By installing WordPress on XAMPP, you create a local development space that simplifies the process of modifying, debugging, and updating WordPress sites. This approach provides flexibility for testing configurations, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing performance in a controlled environment. The following instructions will guide you through the installation and setup process for WordPress on XAMPP.

1. Start Apache and MySQL from the XAMPP Control Panel.

   Click on Start next to both services to run the server and database.

2. Open phpMyAdmin by clicking Admin next to MySQL in the XAMPP Control Panel.
3. Create a new database in phpMyAdmin by entering a name and clicking Create.

   Give the database a relevant name such as wordpress.

4. Download WordPress from the official WordPress website.
5. Extract the WordPress files and move the folder to the XAMPP htdocs directory.

   Rename the folder to match the desired project name, for example, mywordpress.

6. Navigate to http://localhost/mywordpress in your browser to start the WordPress setup.
7. Enter the database name, username root, and leave the password blank in the setup.

   Ensure the Database Host is set to localhost and the table prefix is set to wp_.

8. Complete the installation by filling in the site title, admin username, password, and email.
9. Log in to the WordPress dashboard by going to http://localhost/mywordpress/wp-admin.
10. Configure basic settings, install themes, and add plugins as needed.

    Enabling Pretty Permalinks under Settings > Permalinks can improve your URL structure.