Installing WordPress locally is an essential step for developers and designers who want to test new features, experiment with development projects, or build a WordPress site before pushing it live. There are a variety of methods you can use to do this. The most common options include WAMP, XAMPP, and MAMP.
These are great tools, and we’ll walk you through each of these software tools to install WordPress locally on your machine.
Designed to work with a variety of other software and tools and they can have a bit of a learning curve. Therefore, we’ll start by introducing you to Local By Flywheel, which was actually designed and optimized specifically for WordPress as a local AMP stack.
Local By Flywheel
Local by Flywheel is easy to use even if you have no background in development. Initially only available to macOS users, it now offers a Windows version as well. This tool makes setting up a new website straightforward, allowing you to choose from Nginx and Apache servers. Local also lets you collaborate with teammates or clients because it has an option to create live links for your local websites.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Supports both Nginx and Apache servers
- Option to create live links for collaboration
- Available for both macOS and Windows
Local by Flywheel offers by far the easiest experience when it comes to local WordPress development. It may not be as powerful as Vagrant, but it makes up for it thanks to its accessibility. If you’re wondering how to run a WordPress website on a local machine, this tool is a great starting point. You can also edit WordPress website on local with ease, making it a versatile option for developers and designers alike.
WampServer
WampServer is a powerful tool that allows you to set up a full development stack locally on your Windows machine. WAMP stands for Windows, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. This software provides a simple management interface to interact with each component, making it an excellent choice for developers.
Key Features
- Lightweight software
- Database management tools
- Built-in debug tools
Installation Steps
- Download and install WampServer on your computer by visiting the WampServer website.
- Choose between WampServer 32 bit and WampServer 64 bit, depending on your operating system.
- Follow the installation instructions to set up the software.
WampServer automates the configuration process, allowing you to have a production server in minutes. Once installed, you can add as many releases as you like. This makes it easy to duplicate a live site to local server using Wamp. Although the software isn’t designed for WordPress specifically, the development stack can still be used for the CMS anyway. Seasoned developers will find WampServer’s minimal interface easy to navigate while working on WordPress projects.
XAMPP
XAMPP is an acronym that stands for Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl. This open-source tool is a wrapper that sets up that entire development stack and provides you with a minimalist interface you can use to manage it. XAMPP is a cross-platform software, meaning that it supports the Windows, macOS, and Linux-based operating systems. Due to its simple interface, beginners will find it easy to learn how to use XAMPP. Additionally, it comes with an additional high-level programming language called Perl.
Key Features
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Minimalist interface
- Includes Apache, MariaDB, PHP, and Perl
- Free and open-source
Installation Steps
- Download XAMPP from the official Apache Friends website.
- Navigate to ‘Click here for other versions’ to see the different download options.
- Install the software on your computer.
- Set up the stack, make a database, and go through the steps of manually installing WordPress.
Bitnami Integration
Bitnami provides a module for XAMPP that simplifies the process of installing WordPress and other applications. This module can be added to your existing XAMPP installation, making it even easier to manage your local development environment.
MAMP
MAMP is a combined software package. In other words, you’ll have all the tools you need to create a local WordPress environment. It follows a similar setup process to WAMP, except that it has options to support macOS-based software.
Using MAMP PRO, you can even test your WordPress site on a mobile device. With its NAMO application, you can edit your website on different devices, such as your smartphone or tablet.
MAMP Pro provides you with a lot more options, such as the ability to set up Nginx servers, a mobile testing tool, and a built-in editor. If you and the rest of your team are macOS users, all these features make MAMP a strong choice out of the many local WordPress development tools available.
First off, MAMP is available only for Windows and macOS. There are multiple versions to choose from for each operating system, depending on which version of PHP you want to set up. Plus, you also get access to a lot of additional software, including Python, Perl, phpMyAdmin, and more.
The main downside of using MAMP is that it’s not fully free software. Its free version limits you to a single local website. The premium version of MAMP gives you access to a lot of advanced development features, like cloud backups, support for multiple versions of PHP, mobile testing apps for your sites, and a built-in text editor.
Vagrant
Vagrant is a tool that enables you to run multiple virtual machines on your computer and use them as environments for your projects. This is particularly useful if you need drastically different environments for WordPress projects. Vagrant solves this issue by helping you create local virtual machines where you can set up any development environments you want.
Vagrant is incredibly lightweight, and you interact with it via the command line. Typically, virtualization software requires powerful hardware to run multiple machines. Vagrant removes a lot of the overhead for virtual machines and enables you to power them up or down as necessary.
Furthermore, Vagrant puts the configuration under source control by putting settings in a text file. So if you accidentally break a part of your website, you can revert the changes and reload the VM using Vagrant. Additionally, Vagrant lets you try various operating systems or distributions. Thus, you can quickly test or add support to new platforms.
Laragon
Laragon is a project from users who were frustrated with environments like XAMPP and WampServer, due to their perceived lack of user-friendliness. With Laragon, you get a tool that combines command line use with a management dashboard for the development stack. Laragon provides perhaps the easiest installation for Apache web servers, MySQL, PHP, and Perl on Windows devices. Furthermore, unlike older tools, you can activate PHP extensions with one click. Laragon is free to download and use and allows you to share your work with teammates or clients.
Laravel Valet
Laravel Valet is a unique local WordPress development environment for Mac minimalists. It configures your Mac to run Nginx in the background when you power on your computer. By using DnsMasq, Valet then proxies all requests to sites installed on your computer. The result is a super-fast development environment that rivals Laragon’s speed while using very little RAM power. While Valet doesn’t have all the features or power of other environments like XAMPP or Vagrant, it’s easier to use, faster, and best for machines with limited RAM storage.
What we like: Laravel Valet is an excellent choice if you want a macOS-exclusive development environment. Valet lets you publicly share your websites via local tunnels and works on low-storage machines without fuss.
Instant WP
Instant WP is a powerful tool designed to help you quickly set up a local WordPress environment. It is particularly useful for those who want to view WordPress website on local server without any hassle. This software is portable, meaning you can carry it on a USB stick and run it on any Windows computer without installation.
Key Features
- Portability: Run it from a USB stick.
- Ease of Use: No installation required.
- Pre-configured: Comes with a pre-configured WordPress setup.
- Local WP: Facilitates easy local WordPress development.
How to Use Instant WP
- Download the Instant WP software from the official website.
- Extract the downloaded file to a USB stick or your local drive.
- Run the InstantWP.exe file to start the application.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your local WordPress environment.
Benefits of Using Instant WP
- Quick Setup: Get your local WordPress environment up and running in minutes.
- No Installation: Perfect for those who need a portable solution.
- Pre-configured Environment: Saves time on initial setup.
Conclusion
Instant WP is an excellent choice for anyone looking to view WordPress website on local server quickly and efficiently. Its portability and ease of use make it a standout option among local WordPress development tools.
DevKinsta
DevKinsta is a powerful tool for local WordPress development that utilizes Docker to construct separate virtual environments for every website. With just a few clicks, you can set up a new WordPress website and begin playing around straight away. Best of all, DevKinsta is completely free!
Key Features
- One-click WordPress site creation with multisite and WP-CLI support.
- A modern stack powered by Nginx, MySQL, and the latest versions of PHP.
- MyKinsta integration – import Kinsta-hosted sites, and push changes to Kinsta.
- Database management with Adminer.
- SMTP server and email capture tool for inspecting outgoing emails.
Availability
DevKinsta is available as a free download for macOS, Windows, and Linux (Ubuntu).
Site Creation Methods
DevKinsta has three methods for creating local WordPress sites:
- New WordPress Site: Specify a site name, WordPress admin username, and WordPress admin password, then click “Create Site”.
- Import from Kinsta: Import an existing site hosted on Kinsta.
- Custom Site: Set up a custom site with your own configurations.
Using Docker, DevKinsta creates a fast and secure local WordPress environment that offers impressive performance, improves security, and allows for easier updates and bug fixes. If you’ve never worked on a WordPress site locally, it’s a good idea to try out DevKinsta. It’s effortless to use, and few tools, except Local, are as user-friendly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, running WordPress locally is an essential practice for developers and enthusiasts who want to test new features, experiment with development projects, or build a site before going live. There are numerous tools available, such as WAMP, XAMPP, MAMP, and specialized solutions like DesktopServer and Local by Flywheel, each offering unique features and benefits. By choosing the right local development environment, you can streamline your workflow and ensure a smooth development process. Whether you are on Windows, Mac, or Linux, there is a suitable option for you. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the best software for running WordPress locally.
Key Takeaways
- Local By Flywheel is specifically designed and optimized for WordPress, making it a great choice for beginners.
- WampServer, XAMPP, and MAMP are versatile tools that can handle a variety of web development tasks beyond WordPress.
- Vagrant and Laravel Valet provide advanced options for developers looking for more control and customization.
- DevKinsta offers a streamlined process for installing WordPress locally on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Duplicator is a useful tool for migrating and backing up WordPress sites, which can also be used to set up a local environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Local By Flywheel?
Local By Flywheel is a powerful local WordPress development tool that allows you to create and manage local WordPress sites with ease. It offers features like one-click WordPress installation, SSL support, and local site management.
How do I install WordPress locally using WampServer?
To install WordPress locally using WampServer, first download and install WampServer. Once installed, create a new database via phpMyAdmin, download WordPress, and place it in the ‘www’ directory. Run the WordPress installation script by navigating to ‘localhost/yourwordpressfolder’ in your web browser.
What is XAMPP and how is it used for WordPress development?
XAMPP is a free and open-source cross-platform web server solution stack package developed by Apache Friends. It consists of Apache HTTP Server, MariaDB, and interpreters for scripts written in PHP and Perl. It is used for WordPress development by setting up a local server environment on your computer.
Can I use MAMP for local WordPress development on Windows?
Yes, MAMP can be used for local WordPress development on both Windows and macOS. It provides a local server environment that includes Apache, MySQL, and PHP, which are necessary to run WordPress locally.
What is Vagrant and how does it help in WordPress development?
Vagrant is an open-source software product for building and maintaining portable virtual software development environments. It helps in WordPress development by providing a consistent environment across different development machines, making it easier to manage dependencies and configurations.
How does Laragon simplify local WordPress development?
Laragon is a portable, isolated, fast, and powerful universal development environment for PHP, Node.js, Python, Java, Go, and Ruby. It simplifies local WordPress development by providing an easy-to-use interface, quick installation, and management of multiple WordPress sites.
What is Laravel Valet and its role in WordPress development?
Laravel Valet is a development environment for macOS minimalists. It is designed for Laravel but can be used for WordPress development as well. Valet runs on macOS and configures your Mac to always run Nginx in the background when your machine starts. It makes it easy to serve your WordPress sites quickly.
What are the benefits of using DevKinsta for local WordPress development?
DevKinsta is a free local development suite for WordPress sites. It offers features like one-click WordPress site creation, built-in email testing, and database management. It is designed to simplify the local development process and is integrated with Kinsta’s hosting services for easy deployment.
