Setting up WordPress on a local machine allows you to test and develop in a private environment before going live. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

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Prerequisites​

1. Download XAMPP or MAMP:
   • For Windows/Linux: Use XAMPP.
   • For Mac: Use MAMP.
2. Download WordPress:
   Go to wordpress.org and download the latest version.

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Step 1: Install XAMPP or MAMP​

1. Run the installer and follow the prompts to install.
2. Start the Apache and MySQL services from the XAMPP/MAMP control panel.

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Step 2: Create a Local Database​

1. Open a browser and go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin.
2. Click on Databases.
3. Enter a database name (e.g., wordpress_db) and click Create.

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Step 3: Setup WordPress Files​

1. Unzip the WordPress download.
2. Move the WordPress folder to:
   • For XAMPP: C:/xampp/htdocs/wordpress
   • For MAMP: /Applications/MAMP/htdocs/wordpress

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Step 4: Configure WordPress​

1. Open http://localhost/wordpress in your browser.
2. Select your language and proceed.
3. Fill out the database details:
   • Database Name: The name you created (e.g., wordpress_db)
   • Username: root
   • Password: (Leave blank for XAMPP, use root for MAMP)
   • Database Host: localhost
4. Click Submit and then Run the installation.

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Step 5: Complete the Installation​

1. Enter your Site Title, Username, Password, and Email.
2. Click Install WordPress.

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Step 6: Access Your Local Site​

To view your site, open http://localhost/wordpress in a browser. For admin access, go to http://localhost/wordpress/wp-admin.

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Troubleshooting Tips​

• If XAMPP/MAMP doesn’t start, make sure no other programs are using port 80 (Apache) or port 3306 (MySQL).
• If you encounter a blank screen, try renaming the wp-config-sample.php file to wp-config.php and manually enter your database details.

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