Installing WordPress on localhost is a great way to test, develop, or build a website without affecting a live server. Here’s a step-by-step guide to install WordPress locally:

Step 1: Install a Local Server Environment

You need software to create a local server on your computer. Common options include:

1. XAMPP (Windows, macOS, Linux)
2. MAMP (macOS, Windows)
3. Local by Flywheel (macOS, Windows, Linux)
4. WAMP (Windows)

Example: Using XAMPP

• Download XAMPP from the official website.
• Install XAMPP and start the Apache and MySQL modules in the XAMPP control panel.

Step 2: Download WordPress

• Visit the WordPress.org website and download the latest version of WordPress.
• Extract the downloaded ZIP file to the htdocs directory of XAMPP (C:\xampp\htdocs on Windows or /Applications/XAMPP/htdocs on macOS).

Step 3: Create a Database for WordPress

1. Open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost/phpmyadmin.
2. Click on Databases at the top.
3. Enter a database name (e.g., wordpress) and click Create.

Step 4: Configure WordPress

1. Navigate to http://localhost/wordpress (replace wordpress with the folder name you used in htdocs).
2. You’ll see the WordPress setup wizard. Click Let’s Go!.
3. Enter the database details:
   • Database Name: The name you created (e.g., wordpress).
   • Username: root (default for XAMPP).
   • Password: Leave blank (default for XAMPP).
   • Database Host: localhost.
   • Table Prefix: wp_ (default, or change it for security).
4. Click Submit and then Run the Installation.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

1. Fill in the required details:
   • Site Title: Your site’s name.
   • Username: Choose a username (e.g., admin).
   • Password: Create a strong password.
   • Email Address: Enter your email.
2. Click Install WordPress.

Step 6: Log in to WordPress

• Go to http://localhost/wordpress/wp-admin.
• Enter your username and password to log in to your WordPress dashboard.