How to Install WordPress on Ubuntu?

22 minutes read

To install WordPress on Ubuntu, you can follow these steps:

  1. Update the system: Before starting the installation process, it is recommended to update the system to ensure all packages are up to date. Open the terminal and run the following command: sudo apt update Enter your password if prompted.
  2. Install LAMP stack: WordPress requires a LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack to run. You can install the LAMP stack by running the following command in the terminal: sudo apt install apache2 mysql-server php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql During the installation, you will be prompted to set a password for MySQL's root user. Make sure to remember the password you set.
  3. Configure MySQL: After the installation, you need to secure your MySQL installation by running the following command: sudo mysql_secure_installation You will be asked a series of questions; choose the options that best suit your needs.
  4. Configure Apache: Next, you need to configure Apache to allow .htaccess overrides. Open the Apache configuration file using the command: sudo nano /etc/apache2/apache2.conf Inside the file, find the section and change AllowOverride from None to All. Save and close the file by pressing Ctrl+X, then Y, and finally Enter.
  5. Restart Apache: Restart Apache to apply the changes made in the previous step: sudo systemctl restart apache2
  6. Download WordPress: Visit the official WordPress website (https://wordpress.org), and download the latest version of WordPress. Alternatively, you can use the following command to download it directly to the terminal: wget https://wordpress.org/latest.tar.gz
  7. Extract the WordPress files: After downloading WordPress, extract the files from the downloaded .tar.gz file using the following command: tar -zxvf latest.tar.gz
  8. Move the files: Move the extracted WordPress files to the Apache document root folder, which is typically /var/www/html/: sudo cp -R wordpress/* /var/www/html/
  9. Configure WordPress: Create a new MySQL database and user for your WordPress installation. You can do this by running the following commands in the terminal: sudo mysql CREATE DATABASE wordpress; GRANT ALL ON wordpress.* TO 'wordpressuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password'; FLUSH PRIVILEGES; EXIT;
  10. Configure WordPress: Rename the WordPress sample configuration file to wp-config.php using the following command: cd /var/www/html/ sudo mv wp-config-sample.php wp-config.php
  11. Open the wp-config.php file for editing: sudo nano wp-config.php
  12. Inside the file, locate the following section and provide the database name, username, and password you created earlier: // ** MySQL settings - You can get this info from your web host ** // /** The name of the database for WordPress */ define('DB_NAME', 'wordpress'); /** MySQL database username */ define('DB_USER', 'wordpressuser'); /** MySQL database password */ define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password');
  13. Save and close the file by pressing Ctrl+X, then Y, and finally Enter.
  14. Set the correct file and directory permissions for WordPress using the following commands: sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html/ sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/html/
  15. Access WordPress: Open a web browser and enter your server's IP address or domain name. You will be directed to the WordPress installation wizard, where you can provide the necessary details to complete the setup.


That's it! You have successfully installed WordPress on Ubuntu. From here, you can customize your website by choosing themes, installing plugins, and creating content.

Best WordPress Books of May 2024

1
WordPress: The Missing Manual: The Book That Should Have Been in the Box

Rating is 5 out of 5

WordPress: The Missing Manual: The Book That Should Have Been in the Box

2
WordPress All-in-One For Dummies

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

WordPress All-in-One For Dummies

3
Professional WordPress: Design and Development

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Professional WordPress: Design and Development

  • Wrox Press
4
WordPress Plugin Development Cookbook: Create powerful plugins to extend the world's most popular CMS, 2nd Edition

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

WordPress Plugin Development Cookbook: Create powerful plugins to extend the world's most popular CMS, 2nd Edition

5
Wordpress for Beginners: 3 Books in 1- A Comprehensive Beginners Guide+ Tips and Tricks+ Simple, Effective and Advanced Strategies to Build a Beautiful WordPress Website

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Wordpress for Beginners: 3 Books in 1- A Comprehensive Beginners Guide+ Tips and Tricks+ Simple, Effective and Advanced Strategies to Build a Beautiful WordPress Website

6
WordPress 5 Cookbook: Actionable solutions to common problems when building websites with WordPress

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

WordPress 5 Cookbook: Actionable solutions to common problems when building websites with WordPress

7
WordPress in easy steps

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

WordPress in easy steps

8
WordPress 5 Complete: Build beautiful and feature-rich websites from scratch, 7th Edition

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

WordPress 5 Complete: Build beautiful and feature-rich websites from scratch, 7th Edition

9
Building Web Apps with WordPress: WordPress as an Application Framework

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Building Web Apps with WordPress: WordPress as an Application Framework

10
1-Hour WordPress 2021: A visual step-by-step guide to building WordPress websites in one hour or less!

Rating is 4.1 out of 5

1-Hour WordPress 2021: A visual step-by-step guide to building WordPress websites in one hour or less!

11
Professional WordPress Plugin Development, 2nd Edition

Rating is 4 out of 5

Professional WordPress Plugin Development, 2nd Edition

12
WordPress For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Rating is 3.9 out of 5

WordPress For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

How do I create and configure the wp-config.php file on Ubuntu?

To create and configure the wp-config.php file on Ubuntu, you can follow these steps:

  1. Install LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) on your Ubuntu system. This will set up a web server and a database server. Open a terminal and run the following command to install Apache: sudo apt update sudo apt install apache2 Next, install MySQL: sudo apt install mysql-server sudo mysql_secure_installation Finally, install PHP: sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql
  2. Download and install WordPress by navigating to your web root directory: cd /var/www/html sudo wget https://wordpress.org/latest.tar.gz sudo tar -xzvf latest.tar.gz
  3. Rename the WordPress directory and provide proper permissions: sudo mv wordpress your_domain_name sudo chown -R www-data:www-data your_domain_name sudo chmod -R 755 your_domain_name
  4. Create a new MySQL database and user for WordPress: Log in to MySQL: sudo mysql -u root -p Create a new database: CREATE DATABASE your_database_name; Create a new user and grant privileges on the database: CREATE USER 'your_username'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your_password'; GRANT ALL ON your_database_name.* TO 'your_username'@'localhost'; FLUSH PRIVILEGES; EXIT;
  5. Rename the wp-config-sample.php file to wp-config.php: cd /var/www/html/your_domain_name sudo mv wp-config-sample.php wp-config.php
  6. Edit the wp-config.php file using a text editor like nano or vim: sudo nano wp-config.php
  7. Provide the necessary information in the wp-config.php file: Look for the following lines: 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 MySQL database you created earlier. Replace username_here with the MySQL user you created earlier. Replace password_here with the password for the MySQL user you created earlier.
  8. Save and exit the wp-config.php file.


That's it! You have now created and configured the wp-config.php file on Ubuntu. You can proceed with the WordPress installation by accessing your domain in a web browser and following the setup instructions.

What is phpMyAdmin and how can it help in managing WordPress databases on Ubuntu?

phpMyAdmin is a web-based tool written in PHP that allows users to manage MySQL databases. It provides an easy-to-use graphical interface for performing various database operations such as creating, deleting, and modifying databases, tables, and fields. Additionally, it enables users to import and export data, run SQL queries, manage user privileges, and more.


When it comes to managing WordPress databases on Ubuntu, phpMyAdmin can be extremely helpful. It allows users to:

  1. Backup and Restore: Users can easily create backups of their WordPress database using phpMyAdmin. In case of data loss or errors, these backups can be restored to bring the website back to a previous state.
  2. Database Maintenance: phpMyAdmin enables users to optimize, repair, and analyze their WordPress database. This helps in improving the overall performance and efficiency of the website.
  3. Managing Database Users: Users can create, modify, and delete database users and their privileges using phpMyAdmin. This ensures secure access to the WordPress database and allows different levels of access for different users.
  4. Execute SQL Queries: phpMyAdmin allows users to execute SQL queries directly on their WordPress database. This can be useful for making bulk updates, running complex queries, or troubleshooting issues within the database.


In summary, phpMyAdmin simplifies the management of WordPress databases on Ubuntu by providing a user-friendly interface for performing various database operations, backups, restores, maintenance, and executing SQL queries.

How do I install and set up phpMyAdmin on Ubuntu?

To install and set up phpMyAdmin on Ubuntu, you can follow these steps:

  1. Update and upgrade your system packages by opening a terminal and running the following commands:
1
2
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade


  1. Install phpMyAdmin by running the following command:
1
sudo apt install phpmyadmin


  1. During the installation process, you will be prompted to choose a web server. Use the spacebar to select "apache2", then press Enter to continue.
  2. Choose "Yes" when asked whether to configure the database for phpmyadmin with dbconfig-common.
  3. Set a password for the phpMyAdmin MySQL user by entering a password twice and pressing Enter.
  4. Restart the Apache web server to apply the changes by running the following command:
1
sudo service apache2 restart


  1. Open a web browser and enter http://localhost/phpmyadmin in the address bar.
  2. You should see the phpMyAdmin login page. Enter the MySQL username and password you set during the installation process, then click "Go".
  3. You should now be successfully logged into phpMyAdmin, and you can start managing your databases.


By following these steps, you will be able to install and set up phpMyAdmin on your Ubuntu system.

Best WordPress Hosting Providers in May 2024

1
Vultr

Rating is 5 out of 5

Vultr

  • Ultra-fast Intel Core
  • Low Price and High Quality
  • High Performance and Cheap Cloud Dedicated Servers
2
Digital Ocean

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Digital Ocean

  • Active Digital Community
  • Simple To Use
  • Starting as low as 5$ per month
3
AWS

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

AWS

4
Cloudways

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Cloudways

Why should I secure the wp-config.php file for improved WordPress security?

Securing the wp-config.php file is crucial for maintaining the security of your WordPress website. Here are a few reasons why you should do it:

  1. Database Credentials Protection: The wp-config.php file contains sensitive information like your database username and password. If this file is compromised, an attacker may gain unauthorized access to your website's database. By securing it, you can prevent unauthorized access and protect your website's data.
  2. Preventing Unauthorized File Modifications: The wp-config.php file is a prime target for hackers as it includes various essential configuration settings. If an attacker modifies this file, they can potentially gain control over your website. By securing it, you can detect any unauthorized modifications and prevent them from occurring.
  3. Blocking Direct Access: By securing the wp-config.php file, you can prevent direct access to it from web browsers. This adds an extra layer of security, as the file is only accessible to the server and authorized users.
  4. Protection Against Information Disclosure: The wp-config.php file may contain sensitive information other than database credentials, such as security keys and salts, which are used to enhance the security of your WordPress installation. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it can be used to compromise your website. Securing the file prevents such information disclosure.
  5. WordPress Core Updates: When updating your WordPress installation, the wp-config.php file may need to be overwritten with a new version. If the file is secured properly, these updates can be applied seamlessly without risking the security of your website.


In summary, securing the wp-config.php file is essential to safeguard your website's data, prevent unauthorized access, and maintain the overall security of your WordPress installation.

How do I install PHP on Ubuntu?

To install PHP on Ubuntu, follow these steps:

  1. Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for "Terminal" in the application launcher.
  2. Update the package lists for upgrades and new installations by running the following command: sudo apt update
  3. Install PHP and other necessary packages by running the following command: sudo apt install php
  4. The installation process will prompt you for confirmation. Press "Y" to proceed.
  5. Once the installation is complete, you can verify the installation by checking the PHP version: php -v You should see the PHP version and related information printed in the terminal.


That's it! PHP is now installed on your Ubuntu system. You can start using it for web development or any other PHP-related tasks.

What steps should I take to configure Apache web server for WordPress on Ubuntu?

To configure Apache web server for WordPress on Ubuntu, follow these steps:

  1. Update the system: Run the command sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade to ensure that all packages are up to date.
  2. Install Apache: Run the command sudo apt install apache2 to install Apache web server.
  3. Adjust the firewall: If you have a firewall enabled, run the commands below to allow HTTP and HTTPS traffic: sudo ufw allow 'Apache' sudo ufw allow 'Apache Full'
  4. Install MySQL: Run the command sudo apt install mysql-server to install MySQL database server. During the installation, you will be prompted to set a password for the MySQL root user.
  5. Secure the MySQL installation: Run the command sudo mysql_secure_installation to run the MySQL security script. This will prompt you to configure certain security settings, such as removing anonymous users, disallowing remote root login, and removing the test database.
  6. Install PHP: Run the command sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql to install PHP and the required modules for WordPress.
  7. Configure Apache to use PHP: Run the following command to open the PHP configuration file in a text editor: sudo nano /etc/php/7.4/apache2/php.ini Search for the ;cgi.fix_pathinfo line and remove the semicolon at the beginning. Save and exit the file.
  8. Restart Apache: Run the command sudo systemctl restart apache2 to restart the Apache service.
  9. Configure the virtual host: Create a new virtual host configuration file for your WordPress site using the command: sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/your-domain.com.conf Replace your-domain.com with your actual domain name. Paste the following configuration into the file: ServerAdmin webmaster@your-domain.com DocumentRoot /var/www/your-domain.com/public_html ServerName your-domain.com ServerAlias www.your-domain.com Options Indexes FollowSymLinks AllowOverride All Require all granted ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/error.log CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/access.log combined Save and exit the file.
  10. Enable the virtual host: Run the command sudo a2ensite your-domain.com.conf to enable the virtual host configuration.
  11. Disable the default virtual host: Run the command sudo a2dissite 000-default.conf to disable the default virtual host.
  12. Reload Apache: Run the command sudo systemctl reload apache2 to reload the Apache service.
  13. Install WordPress: Download the latest version of WordPress by running the command wget https://wordpress.org/latest.tar.gz in the /tmp directory. Extract the downloaded file using the command tar -xzvf latest.tar.gz. Move the extracted WordPress directory to your document root by running sudo mv wordpress/ /var/www/your-domain.com/public_html.
  14. Set the correct permissions: Run the following commands to set the correct ownership and permissions for the WordPress files:
1
2
3
sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/your-domain.com/public_html
sudo find /var/www/your-domain.com/public_html/ -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;
sudo find /var/www/your-domain.com/public_html/ -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;


  1. Create the WordPress database: Run the following command to access the MySQL shell:
1
sudo mysql -u root -p


Enter your MySQL root password when prompted. Inside the MySQL shell, create a new database and user for WordPress:

1
2
3
4
5
CREATE DATABASE your_wp_database;
CREATE USER 'your_wp_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your_wp_password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON your_wp_database.* TO 'your_wp_user'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;


  1. Configure WordPress: Open your web browser and access your domain name (e.g., http://your-domain.com). You will see the WordPress installation wizard. Select your language and provide the database details you created in the previous step. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  2. Complete the installation: After the installation is complete, you will be prompted to provide a site title, username, password, and email address for your WordPress site. Fill in the required information and click on the "Install WordPress" button.


Your WordPress site is now configured and ready to use. Access your site using your domain name and login to the WordPress admin dashboard to start customizing and managing your website.

How do I set up the WordPress database connection in the wp-config.php file on Ubuntu?

To set up the WordPress database connection in the wp-config.php file on Ubuntu, follow these steps:

  1. Connect to your Ubuntu server via SSH.
  2. Navigate to the WordPress root directory. Usually, it is located in /var/www/html/ or similar.
  3. Locate the wp-config.php file. If it doesn't exist, make a copy of the wp-config-sample.php file and rename it to wp-config.php.
  4. Open wp-config.php using a text editor such as nano or vim.
  5. Locate the following lines in the file:
1
2
3
4
define('DB_NAME', 'database_name_here');
define('DB_USER', 'username_here');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password_here');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');


Replace the placeholders 'database_name_here', 'username_here', 'password_here', and 'localhost' with your actual database details.

  • DB_NAME: Replace it with the name of your WordPress database.
  • DB_USER: Replace it with the username of your MySQL database.
  • DB_PASSWORD: Replace it with the password for the MySQL user.
  • DB_HOST: By default, 'localhost' should be fine. If you're using a different MySQL server, replace it with the server's hostname or IP address.
  1. Save the changes and close the file.


Your WordPress database connection is now configured in the wp-config.php file on Ubuntu.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Pocket

Related Posts:

To set up and customize a headless WordPress backend for a mobile app, you can follow the steps below:Install and set up WordPress: First, you need to install WordPress on a server or use a web hosting service that supports WordPress. You can download the Word...
To install WordPress on Windows 10, follow these steps:Download WordPress: Visit the official WordPress website and download the latest version of WordPress. It should be a compressed zip file. Extract WordPress: After the download is complete, extract the con...
Do you know that WordPress.com and WordPress.org are literally two very completely different platforms? Typically newcomers confuse WordPress.com and WordPress.org, which leads them to decide on the improper running a blog platform for his or her wants. Even ...
To install WordPress on a Mac, follow these steps:Download WordPress: Go to the official WordPress website and download the latest version of WordPress. Extract WordPress files: Once the download is complete, locate the downloaded file (usually a .zip file) an...
Vue.js is a progressive JavaScript framework used for building user interfaces. It can be integrated with WordPress to enhance and customize the front-end of WordPress websites. Here, we'll discuss how to use Vue.js with WordPress.Set up WordPress: Install...
To install WordPress via FTP, follow these steps:Download the latest version of WordPress from the official WordPress website (www.wordpress.org).Extract the downloaded WordPress package to your local computer using an extracting tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip.Conn...