When we were unsure about how to manage a WordPress website and desired to gain the necessary skills, we found ourselves in need of hosting and a domain. However, XAMPP has come to our rescue. Thanks to XAMPP, we can now build a WordPress website without the need to buy hosting and domain, and it simplifies the learning process. Additionally, we can fully personalize our websites by choosing various themes and even design our own. Before launching our website, we will ensure that the theme we've chosen or created is responsive across different devices like PCs, laptops, and smartphones. Furthermore, we can add various plugins required for our website and master their functionalities.
Difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com:
We have two different WordPress platforms.
- WordPress.org
- WordPress.com
WordPress.org:
To ensure your website is accessible on the web using WordPress.org, you must secure hosting services from an external provider and also purchase a domain. Nonetheless, by taking charge of the website, we can also earn money.
WordPress.com:
Running a website on WordPress.com is completely free, removing the necessity to pay for hosting or domain registration. However, it does not bring in revenue directly from the website. It provides options for both subscription-based and advertisement-supported plans.
Comparison between Blogger and WordPress:
Blogger is a platform provided by Google for creating a website at no cost, though daily maintenance allows for potential earnings. The earnings are revenue-sharing with Google for the website's domain and hosting services. On WordPress, the initial costs involve purchasing a domain and hosting. Once these are set up, the website is displayed on Google. All earnings remain in our possession, unlike Blogger, where Google receives a commission from our earnings for both the domain and hosting services.
What is XAMPP and its purpose?
It offers a free cloud server for hosting and working on a WordPress website. This setup is exclusive to us and not available to the public. If you're unfamiliar with WordPress, creating a website with this setup is a solution.
How to obtain and set up XAMPP:
To get the software, conduct a Google search for "Download XAMPP" and select the first result except for the ads, or copy and paste the URL to visit it directly. Begin the download. Once it's finished, you'll need to navigate to the location on your device where the XAMPP was installed. Locate the installer and right-click to select 'Open.' This process will initiate. Then, select 'Install.' This step will install the software in the directory where your Windows operating system is installed.
How to create a WordPress website using XAMMP in 2024 | Lecture-1
How to get WordPress:
Start any browser on your device and search "Download WordPress." You'll discover several options. For the installation of WordPress, choose the option from WordPress.org rather than WordPress.com. After selecting the download, right-click on the WordPress file and then select 'Extract here.' For this to work, you need to have Winrar installed on your PC/laptop.
Now you have to copy the extracted file of WordPress and you have to open the XAMPP folder. In it, you will find a folder with the name of htdoc, open this folder and paste the extracted file of WordPress in it, which you copied.
Instructions for setting up a WordPress website with XAMPP:
Follow these steps to get your WordPress site up and running.
- First, activate XAMPP and initiate Apache and MySQL.
- Next, launch Google Chrome and type in localhost/phpmyadmin/ to start browsing, or if you're using XAMPP, select the admin option for MySQL and navigate to localhost/phpmyadmin/
- In the sidebar menu, click on the option to set up your website's foundation
- After selecting Start, enter the name you've chosen for your site in the Textbox, then paste it into the XAMPP Htdocs folder for the Database.
- Hit the Create button to begin.
- After the database is created, open a new tab in Chrome and search for localhost/<your site's folder name from the XAMPP Htdocs>.
- The WordPress setup wizard will appear on your device's screen.
- Choose a language, then click Next and Go.
- Replace the Database name with the folder's name from the XAMPP Htdocs in the Textbox, leave the root and password section blank, and click Submit. After that, hit Run Setup.
- Now, in the site name field, enter the folder name from the XAMPP Htdocs, and in the Name and Password field, type in root.
- In the last step, click on Log in. Enter the root name and password. Once logged in, you should be able to enjoy your WordPress website.
Key FAQs about setting up WordPress:
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a widely-used, free, and accessible platform for building websites, blogs, and e-commerce sites. It provides numerous options for customization, such as themes, plugins, and an easy-to-use interface, making it suitable for individuals with varying technical abilities.
What do I need to begin using WordPress?
To start using WordPress, you'll require a web server such as Apache or Nginx, along with MySQL or MariaDB. It's advisable to ensure your host's support for WordPress before proceeding with the setup.
Is it possible to try WordPress on my computer before launching it online?
Absolutely, it's feasible to attempt WordPress on your personal computer for a trial run through tools like XAMPP, WampServer, or MAMP. These tools establish a local server setup on your computer, permitting you to develop and test your WordPress site prior to its public launch.
Does WordPress cost money to use?
Yes, while WordPress itself is available for free as it's an open-source software, expenses may be incurred for hosting, premium themes, plugins, and additional functionalities to enhance the visual appeal and operational capabilities of your WordPress site.
Can I move my current website to WordPress?
It's indeed possible to migrate a website that is already in place to WordPress. There are plugins and services available to facilitate this migration, although modifications may be necessary, especially for more intricate websites.