Learn how to utilize WordPress as a full content management system and create a fully editable site in this tutorial. The tutorial covers specifics such as setting up a database, installing WordPress and creating a wp-config.php file.
Key Insights
- The tutorial outlines using WordPress as a full-fledged Content Management System (CMS) to create a dynamic site with pages and a blog.
- It details the steps to set up a new database using phpMyAdmin, whether you're using a Mac or Windows system.
- The tutorial provides instructions for installing WordPress, highlighting the importance of always downloading the latest version from wordpress.org for personal projects.
- It also guides the reader through creating a wp-config.php file, a crucial step in setting up a new WordPress site.
- The process of entering database information and running the install is covered in depth, including specific user names, passwords, and database hosts for both Mac and Windows systems.
- Finally, the tutorial provides instructions for logging in to the newly created WordPress site and navigating to its dashboard.
This exercise is excerpted from Noble Desktop’s past WordPress training materials and is compatible with WordPress updates through 2020. To learn current skills in WordPress, check out our WordPress Bootcamp and coding bootcamps in NYC and live online.
Local WordPress Setup
-
Start MAMP/XAMPP & Open phpMyAdmin
Mac: localhost:8888 → Tools → phpMyAdmin. Windows: localhost.
-
Create a Database
Databases tab → enter database name (mrp) → Create.
-
Copy WordPress to htdocs
Place the WordPress folder in MAMP htdocs (Mac) or xampp htdocs (Windows).
-
Create wp-config.php
Visit localhost/mrp in your browser to run the WordPress installer.
Topics Covered in This WordPress Tutorial:
Creating a Database, Installing WordPress.org Files
Exercise Preview
Exercise Overview
In addition to a blogging platform, WordPress can also be used as a full-fledged Content Management System (CMS) to create a fully editable site. We’re going to start a new site that will be entirely dynamic, with pages and a blog. In this exercise, we will set up the new database so we can get started.
- To set up a database, start your server and open phpMyAdmin, as shown below:
Mac
- Open MAMP (Hard Drive > Applications > MAMP > MAMP.app).
- The servers should start automatically. If not, click Start Servers.
- If the MAMP start page does not open automatically, click the Open WebStart page button.
- On the start page, in the nav menu, go to Tools > phpMyAdmin.
- Click the Databases tab at the top.
- In the Create database field, enter: mrp
- Click the Create button.
Windows
- If XAMPP is not already running, navigate to C:
/xampp, then double–click xampp-control.exe and start the Apache and MySQL services. - Open your browser and go to localhost
- On the start page, in the Tools section, click phpMyAdmin.
- Click the Databases tab at the top.
- In the Create database field, enter: mrp
- Click the Create button.
Installing WordPress
We have already downloaded WordPress for you. When working on your own projects, it is always best to download the latest version from WordPress.org. However, for this class, it saves us some time to have already downloaded it for you.
Navigate to the Desktop, go into the Class Files folder, then the WordPress.org Class folder.
Select the WordPress-4.1 folder and hit Cmd–C (Mac) or CTRL–C (Windows).
- Go to the htdocs folder:
- Mac: Hard Drive > Applications > MAMP > htdocs
- Windows: C: > xampp > htdocs
Hit Cmd–V (Mac) or CTRL–V (Windows) to paste the WordPress-4.1 folder.
Rename the new pasted folder mrp
Creating a Wp-config.php File
- Open your favorite browser and go to:
- Mac: localhost:8888/mrp
- Windows: localhost/mrp
English (United States) should be selected, so click Continue.
Click the Let’s go! button at the bottom of the page.
-
Enter the following database information:
MacWindowsDatabase Name: mrp User Name: root Password: root Database Host: localhost Table Prefix: wp_ Database Name: mrp User Name: root Password: (leave blank for local install) Database Host: localhost Table Prefix: wp_ NOTE: Remember that the username and password come from MAMP or XAMPP locally, or from the hosting account remotely.
Click Submit.
Click Run the install.
For Site Title, enter: Monteith Restoration & Performance
For Username, enter: mrpAdmin
For Password, enter and re-enter: student
For Your Email, enter an email address that can be accessed for the remainder of the class. Make sure to double-check the address before submitting the form.
Uncheck Allow search engines to index this site.
Click the Install WordPress button.
Click the Log In button.
For Username, enter: mrpAdmin
For Password, enter: student
-
Click Log in.
You’ll be taken to the Dashboard of Monteith Restoration & Performance.
