When it comes to setting up a WordPress website on your local machine, the process can be both exciting and daunting. One crucial step in this process is configuring the setup-config.php file, which is responsible for connecting your WordPress installation to the database. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to set up WP Admin on localhost using the setup-config.php file. So, let's get started!

Understanding Localhost and WordPress

Learn the role of PHP Language in localhost and WordPress. Before diving into the setup process, let's clarify a few terms. Localhost refers to your personal computer or a local server where you can run a website or web application. It provides a testing environment before deploying your website to a live server. WordPress, on the other hand, is a popular content management system that allows you to create and manage websites easily.

Setting Up WP Admin on Localhost

Step 1: Installing XAMPP or WAMP

To get started, you need to set up a local server environment on your machine. Two popular options for Windows users are XAMPP and WAMP. These tools provide the necessary server software like Apache, MySQL, and PHP to run WordPress locally. Download and install either XAMPP or WAMP based on your preference.

Step 2: Creating a Database

After installing the local server, you need to create a database for your WordPress installation. Open your preferred web browser and enter "localhost/phpmyadmin" in the address bar. By doing so, the phpMyAdmin interface will open. Create a new database by entering a name and selecting the "utf8_general_ci" collation. Remember the database name for the next step.

Step 3: Configuring setup-config.php

Navigate to the folder where you installed XAMPP or WAMP, typically located in the "htdocs" folder. Locate the WordPress installation folder and open it. Locate and rename the file "wp-config-sample.php" to "wp-config.php" Right-click on the file and open it in a text editor.

In the wp-config.php file, find the following lines of code:

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define('DB_NAME', 'database_name_here');
define('DB_USER', 'username_here');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password_here');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');
Replace 'database_name_here' with the name of the database you created in Step 2. Set 'username_here' and 'password_here' as the default values 'root' and '' (empty string), respectively. Leave 'localhost' as the database host unless you have specified a different one during the server setup.

Save the changes made to wp-config.php.

Step 4: Running the Installation

In the address box of your web browser, type "localhost/your-wordpress-folder" at this point. This will start the WordPress installation process. Select your preferred language and click on the "Continue" button. Enter the username, password, and email address for your WordPress admin account on the following screen. To continue, click the "Install WordPress" button.

Once the installation is complete, you will see a success message along with a login button. Click on the "Log In" button to access your WP Admin dashboard.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully set up WP Admin on localhost using the setup-config.php file. This guide has provided a step-by-step walkthrough, from installing XAMPP or WAMP to configuring the setup-config.php file and running the WordPress installation. By setting up a local testing environment, you can experiment with WordPress, develop themes or plugins, and ensure everything works smoothly before deploying your website to a live server.

Remember, setting up WP Admin on localhost is just the beginning of your WordPress journey.