Photo by Buro Millennial
WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) used by bloggers, businesses, and other online creators. One of the key features of WordPress is the ability to customize the appearance of your website with themes. Installing a WordPress theme in localhost can be a bit tricky, but with this guide, you will be able to do it with ease.
What is a localhost?
A localhost is a web server that is installed on your computer, allowing you to test your website before publishing it to the internet. The most commonly used local server for WordPress is XAMPP, which includes Apache, MySQL, PHP, and Perl.
Step 1: Install XAMPP on your computer
Before installing a WordPress theme in localhost, you need to install XAMPP on your computer. XAMPP is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and can be downloaded from the Apache Friends website. Once you have downloaded and installed XAMPP, start the Apache and MySQL servers.
Step 2: Install WordPress on your computer
To install WordPress on your computer, download the latest version of WordPress from the WordPress website. Extract the downloaded file and copy it to the htdocs folder in the XAMPP installation directory (for example, C:\xampp\htdocs\wordpress). Rename the folder to whatever you want to call your website.
Step 3: Access the WordPress installation wizard
To access the WordPress installation wizard, open your web browser and type http://localhost/your-website-name/wp-admin/install.php in the address bar. Replace “your-website-name” with the name you chose for your website in Step 2. You should see the WordPress installation wizard.
Step 4: Choose a language and create a database
Select your preferred language for WordPress and click on the “Continue” button. On the next page, you need to create a database for WordPress. Click on the “Let’s go!” button and enter the database name, username, and password. Leave the database host and table prefix fields as they are and click on the “Submit” button.
Step 5: Configure WordPress
On the next page, you need to configure WordPress. Enter your website title, username, and password. Make sure to choose a strong password and remember it. You can also choose whether to allow search engines to index your website or not. Click on the “Install WordPress” button.
Step 6: Log in to your WordPress dashboard
Once WordPress is installed, you can log in to your WordPress dashboard by typing http://localhost/your-website-name/wp-admin/ in your web browser. Replace “your-website-name” with the name you chose for your website in Step 2. Enter your username and password and click on the “Log in” button.
Step 7: Install a WordPress theme
To install a WordPress theme, go to “Appearance” > “Themes” in your WordPress dashboard. Click on the “Add New” button and browse the available themes. You can use the search box to find a theme or use the filters to narrow down the results. Once you find a theme you like, hover over it and click on the “Install” button. Wait for WordPress to install the theme.
Step 8: Activate the WordPress theme
Once the theme is installed, you need to activate it. Hover over the installed theme and click on the “Activate” button. WordPress will apply the theme to your website.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed a WordPress theme in localhost.
In conclusion, installing a WordPress theme in localhost requires a bit of technical knowledge, but with this guide, you should be able to do it easily. Remember to choose a reliable local server like XAMPP and follow the installation wizard step by step. With the right theme, you can make your website look professional and attractive to your audience, which can help attract more visitors and increase engagement on your website. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different themes until you find one that suits your brand and style.
