How to install WordPress

Unlock the power of WordPress with this step-by-step installation guide designed for beginners and experts alike.

Preparing Your Server for WordPress

Before you can install WordPress, it's crucial to ensure your server meets the necessary requirements. Most hosting providers offer one-click installations for WordPress, but if you're doing it manually, you need to make sure your server supports PHP version 7.4 or greater and MySQL version 5.6 or greater or MariaDB version 10.1 or greater.

Additionally, you'll need an FTP client to upload files to your server, and it's recommended to have a basic understanding of web hosting and domain management. Make sure your server is configured correctly and has sufficient storage space to accommodate WordPress and any themes or plugins you may want to install.

Downloading and Uploading WordPress Files

The next step is to download WordPress. Visit the official WordPress website (wordpress.org) and download the latest version of WordPress. The download will be in a .zip file format.

After downloading, extract the .zip file on your computer. Using your FTP client, upload the extracted WordPress files to your server's root directory, usually named 'public_html' or 'www'. Ensure all files are uploaded correctly to avoid installation issues.

Creating a MySQL Database for WordPress

WordPress requires a MySQL database to store its data. Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.) and find the MySQL Databases section. Create a new database and a database user with a strong password. Be sure to grant the user full privileges to the database.

Take note of your database name, username, and password as you will need these details during the WordPress configuration process. Some hosting providers also offer a database wizard to simplify this process.

Configuring the wp-config.php File

Once the database is set up, you need to configure the wp-config.php file. This file contains the database connection details required by WordPress. Locate the wp-config-sample.php file in your WordPress directory and rename it to wp-config.php.

Open the wp-config.php file with a text editor and fill in your database name, username, and password. Additionally, you can set unique authentication keys and salts to enhance your website's security. Save the file and upload it back to your server.

Completing the Installation Through the WordPress Installer

With the wp-config.php file configured, you can now complete the installation through the WordPress installer. Open your web browser and navigate to your domain (e.g., http://yourdomain.com). You should see the WordPress installation screen.

Follow the on-screen instructions to set your site title, create an admin username and password, and provide your email address. Once completed, click 'Install WordPress'. After a few moments, you should see a success message. Log in with your admin credentials to access the WordPress dashboard and start customizing your site.