What’s more, your chosen solution may not be WordPress-specific. For instance, setup can be complicated without a guide. On the whole, local servers are easier to install and access, but there are downsides. This involves setting up both the server software and WordPress directly on your computer, as you would with any other software. Both the software you’ll need and WordPress are installed within, and you configure it in order to access it from a browser. This involves creating a compartmentalized ‘computer within a computer’. Choose a Suitable Server Solutionįirst off, you’re going to need a dedicated server, and there are two choices available – virtual or local: However, let’s start with one of the hardest choices – picking a server solution. Along the way, we’ll also offer our opinion on some of the best tools for your needs. How to Set Up Your WordPress Development Environment (In 5 Steps)Īs we alluded to earlier, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to development environments – not even for WordPress.īy the time time you’re finished navigating these steps, you’ll have set up your own WordPress development environment. With that in mind, let’s walk through the process of setting up a full-featured WordPress development environment.

Depending on which tools you use, deploying a local WordPress site might only take minutes.It enables you to work on your projects even when you don’t have access to the internet.

Relying on a local testing environment is usually faster (and cheaper!) than connecting to a remote server.This will enable you to test if any themes or plugins you created show compatibility errors, for example. You can configure your testing environment to your liking.It enables you to test your changes locally and spot any problems, without any risk.It’s almost always a good idea to try out any major features in a testing environment before deploying them, for the following reasons: However, your choices will depend on your unique needs (and your tastes!). In a nutshell, a WordPress development environment is a collection of tools that enable you to safely test your projects before they go live. An example of a simple WordPress development environment.

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