How to Host WordPress Website from Localhost to Server

Hello Dev! If you’re reading this article, it means you’re probably interested in hosting your WordPress website from localhost to a live server. Congratulations! You’re on the right track to launching your website for the world to see. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hosting your WordPress website from localhost to a server, step by step. Let’s dive in!

What is Localhost and Why Do You Need to Move to a Live Server?

Before we begin with the steps, let’s first define what localhost is and why you need to move your website to a live server. Localhost, also known as your computer’s localhost, is a local server environment where you can work on a website or web application before it’s launched to the public. However, localhost can only be accessed by you and not by anyone else on the internet.

If you want to make your website accessible to the world, you need to move it to a live server that’s connected to the internet. By hosting your website on a live server, you can make it accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a web browser. This will allow you to reach a wider audience and increase your website’s visibility.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Host Your WordPress Website from Localhost to Server

Step 1: Export Your Local WordPress Database

The first step in hosting your WordPress website from localhost to a server is to export your local WordPress database. To do this, follow the steps below:

Steps
Instructions
Step 1
Open phpMyAdmin from your localhost
Step 2
Select your WordPress database from the left sidebar
Step 3
Click on the Export tab at the top of the page
Step 4
Select Quick Export and then click on the Go button
Step 5
Save the sql file to your computer

Make sure to remember the location where you saved the sql file. You will need it later when importing your local database to the live server.

Step 2: Upload Your WordPress Files to the Live Server

The second step is to upload your WordPress files to the live server. To do this, follow the steps below:

Steps
Instructions
Step 1
Log in to your web hosting account
Step 2
Open your file manager
Step 3
Navigate to the public_html folder
Step 4
Upload your WordPress files to the public_html folder

Make sure to upload all the files and folders from your WordPress directory to the public_html folder on your live server.

Step 3: Create a New Database on the Live Server

The third step is to create a new database on the live server. To do this, follow the steps below:

Steps
Instructions
Step 1
Log in to your cPanel account
Step 2
Click on the MySQL Databases icon
Step 3
Enter a name for your new database and click on the Create Database button
Step 4
Create a new user and password for your database and click on the Create User button
Step 5
Add the new user to the database and give it all privileges by clicking on the Add User to Database button

Remember to take note of the database name, username, and password that you created. You will need them later when connecting your WordPress website to the database.

Step 4: Import Your Local WordPress Database to the Live Server

The fourth step is to import your local WordPress database to the live server. To do this, follow the steps below:

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Steps
Instructions
Step 1
Log in to your cPanel account
Step 2
Click on the phpMyAdmin icon
Step 3
Select the database you created in Step 3 from the left sidebar
Step 4
Click on the Import tab at the top of the page
Step 5
Click on the Choose File button and select the sql file you exported in Step 1
Step 6
Click on the Go button to import the database

Wait for the import process to complete. Once it’s done, you should see all your WordPress data in the live database.

Step 5: Update Your WordPress Configuration File

The fifth and final step is to update your WordPress configuration file. To do this, follow the steps below:

Steps
Instructions
Step 1
Log in to your cPanel account
Step 2
Navigate to the public_html folder
Step 3
Find the wp-config.php file and click on the Edit button
Step 4
Update the following lines with the information you collected in Step 3:
define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘database_name_here’);
define(‘DB_USER’, ‘username_here’);
define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘password_here’);

Save the changes to the wp-config.php file and you’re done! Your WordPress website should now be live and accessible to the world.

FAQs

Q1. Can I Host My WordPress Website for Free?

A1. Yes, you can host your WordPress website for free on platforms like WordPress.com, however, you will not have complete control over your website and you will have limited resources. To have full control over your website, it’s recommended to host it on a paid hosting service.

Q2. Is it Possible to Host a WordPress Website Without a Domain Name?

A2. Yes, it’s possible to host a WordPress website without a domain name, but it’s not recommended. Without a domain name, your website will have a long and complicated URL that’s not easy to remember. It’s recommended to purchase a domain name to make your website more accessible and easier to remember.

Q3. Do I Need to Install WordPress Again on the Live Server?

A3. No, you do not need to install WordPress again on the live server. You only need to upload your WordPress files to the public_html folder and import your local database to the live server.

Q4. Can I Host Multiple WordPress Websites on the Same Server?

A4. Yes, you can host multiple WordPress websites on the same server, but it’s recommended to have a separate database for each website. This will ensure that each website has its own set of data and resources.

Q5. What is the Best Hosting Service for WordPress Websites?

A5. The best hosting service for WordPress websites depends on your specific needs and budget. Some popular hosting services for WordPress websites include Bluehost, SiteGround, and WP Engine. It’s recommended to do your research and read reviews before choosing a hosting service.