💻 Choose Your Local Server

Before installing WordPress, you need a local server environment to process PHP and MySQL.

• ✅ LocalWP: The easiest, most modern tool specifically for WordPress.
• ✅ XAMPP/WAMP: Classic stack for general PHP development.
• ✅ DevKinsta: Great for high-performance local staging.

🛠️ The Installation Process

Set up your site database and core files on your machine.

• ✅ Create a new site in your local tool.
• ✅ Set your Admin Username and Password.
• ✅ Access your dashboard via localhost/wp-admin.

📦 Hosting & Domain Setup

Get your online home ready for the migration.

• ✅ Purchase a hosting plan (e.g., Hostinger).
• ✅ Register or point your Domain Name.
• ✅ Create a fresh MySQL database in your hosting panel.

🚀 Migration Methods

Move your files from your computer to the live server.

Option A: The Plugin Way (Recommended)

• ✅ Use All-in-One WP Migration or Duplicator.
• ✅ Export from local, import to live. It handles URL changes automatically!

Option B: The Manual Way

• ✅ Upload files via FTP (FileZilla).
• ✅ Import DB via phpMyAdmin and update wp-config.php.

Pro Tip: Search & Replace

If you migrate manually, use the ‘Better Search Replace’ plugin to quickly update all instances of http://localhost to your live https://yourdomain.com.