Lecture 3: Practical Exercise: Installation of WordPress
Introduction:
In this practical exercise, we’ll walk through the process of installing WordPress, a crucial step in building a website. Whether you’re setting up a local development environment for testing or deploying a live site, understanding the installation process is essential for WordPress website development.
Installation Methods:
1. Local Development Environment:
– Utilize tools like LARAGON, XAMPP, MAMP, or Local by Flywheel to set up a local server environment on your computer.
– Download the latest version of WordPress from wordpress.org and extract the files into the local server directory.
– Follow the installation wizard to configure WordPress settings, including database setup, site title, admin credentials, and site URL.
2. Web Hosting Services:
– Choose a web hosting provider that meets your requirements for performance, reliability, and support.
– Access your hosting account’s control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk) and locate the WordPress installer tool (e.g., Softaculous, Fantastico).
– Follow the installer’s prompts to create a new WordPress installation, providing necessary details such as domain name, directory, database name, and admin credentials.
Key Considerations:
– Database Setup: Ensure the database credentials (e.g., database name, username, password) are correctly configured during installation to establish a connection between WordPress and the database server.
– Security Measures: Implement security best practices, such as using strong passwords, renaming the default admin account, and limiting access to essential files and directories, to protect your WordPress installation from vulnerabilities.
– Backup Procedures:Â Establish backup procedures to safeguard your website data and files in case of unexpected incidents or data loss.
Troubleshooting Tips:
– Common Errors: Address common installation errors, such as database connection issues, file permissions, or compatibility conflicts with server configurations.
– Documentation and Support: Refer to WordPress documentation, forums, and support resources for troubleshooting guidance and solutions to installation-related issues.
Conclusion:
Mastering the installation of WordPress is a foundational skill in website development. By completing this practical exercise, you’ll gain the confidence and proficiency to set up WordPress installations efficiently, whether for local development or live websites. Remember to follow best practices, troubleshoot effectively, and seek assistance when needed to ensure a smooth installation process.
So, let’s jump into the practical exercises.