What is a Localhost & Installing WordPress on Localhost?
A localhost is a server on the same machine or network as the user. It provides an environment for applications to run and be tested before they are deployed to a remote production environment.
Localhost can also provide web page hosting services such as serving web pages, running scripts, storing information in databases, and sharing files.
Developers can use localhosts to test their applications and websites locally before making them available to the public.
Additionally, some software vendors offer free versions of their products that run on localhosts which can be used by people unfamiliar with programming or website development.
In general, having access to a localhost allows users more flexibility in developing their applications quickly and efficiently without relying on an external server.
How to Install WordPress on Localhost
Installing WordPress on localhost is relatively straightforward.
- First, you must install a web server such as Apache or XAMPP. Once the web server has been installed, you can download and install WordPress from its official website.
- You can then configure your installation by entering the necessary database information and setting up an administrator account for WordPress.
- After that, you are ready to go! With your localhost running, you can now develop and test applications locally in an isolated environment.
- Finally, once your applications have been tested and verified on the local host, they can be made available to the public through a hosting provider or directly via the internet.
What are The System Requirements to Run a Localhost (PC & MacOS)
The system requirements to run a localhost depend on your web server. For example, Apache requires at least 64 MB of RAM and 2 GB of disk space, while XAMPP requires at least 32 MB of RAM and 1 GB of disk space.
In addition to these hardware requirements, some web servers require specific software components such as PHP and MySQL. If this is the case, ensure that your system meets all the necessary specifications before installing WordPress locally.
On both PC and MacOS systems, ensuring an active internet connection when running a localhost to access WordPress updates and other features available through its official website is important.
It’s also best practice to keep your localhost secure by configuring firewall settings and changing default passwords.