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Install WordPress on Amazon Linux 2: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Are you ready to launch your own website but feeling overwhelmed by the technical details? Installing WordPress on Amazon Linux 2 can seem daunting, but it’s a powerful way to create a flexible and scalable site.

This guide is essential for anyone looking to combine the robust capabilities of WordPress with the reliability of Amazon Web Services. We’ll walk you through every step of the installation process, offering tips and insights to make it as smooth as possible.

By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to set up your website confidently. Let’s get started on your web journey!

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How to Install WordPress on Amazon Linux 2

Installing WordPress on an Amazon Linux 2 instance can seem daunting at first, but with a clear step-by-step approach, you’ll have your WordPress site up and running in no time. In this guide, we will walk through the entire process, from setting up your server to launching your WordPress site. Let’s dive in!

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

  • An AWS account.
  • Basic knowledge of using the command line.
  • SSH access to your Amazon Linux 2 instance.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Launch an Amazon EC2 Instance

  1. Log in to your AWS Management Console.
  2. Navigate to the EC2 Dashboard.
  3. Click on “Launch Instance.”
  4. Choose the Amazon Linux 2 AMI.
  5. Select an instance type. The t2.micro is a good starting point for small websites.
  6. Configure instance details. You can keep the default settings for a basic setup.
  7. Add storage. The default settings usually suffice, but you can adjust based on your needs.
  8. Configure security group settings.
  9. Allow HTTP (port 80), HTTPS (port 443), and SSH (port 22) traffic.
  10. Review and launch the instance. Make sure you have a key pair for SSH access.

2. Connect to Your Instance

  1. Open your terminal.
  2. Use the SSH command to connect:

bash
ssh -i "your-key-pair.pem" ec2-user@your-instance-public-dns

  1. Replace "your-key-pair.pem" with the path to your key file and your-instance-public-dns with your instance’s public DNS.

3. Update Your System

Once logged in, it’s crucial to update your system packages:

sudo yum update -y

This ensures you have the latest security patches and updates.

4. Install Apache Web Server

To host your WordPress site, you need a web server:

sudo yum install httpd -y

After installation, start the Apache server:

sudo systemctl start httpd

To ensure it starts on boot:

sudo systemctl enable httpd

5. Install PHP

WordPress is built on PHP, so you need to install it. Amazon Linux 2 supports PHP 7.2, but you can install PHP 8.1 if needed. Here’s how to install PHP 7.2:

sudo amazon-linux-extras install php7.2 -y

For PHP 8.1, use:

sudo amazon-linux-extras install php8.1 -y

After installation, restart Apache:

sudo systemctl restart httpd

6. Install MySQL (MariaDB)

WordPress requires a database to store its data. Install MariaDB:

sudo yum install mariadb-server -y

Start the MariaDB service:

sudo systemctl start mariadb

Enable it to start on boot:

sudo systemctl enable mariadb

Next, secure your installation:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

Follow the prompts to set a root password and secure your database server.

7. Create a Database for WordPress

Now, log into the MariaDB shell:

sudo mysql -u root -p

Once in, create a database and user for WordPress:

CREATE DATABASE wordpress;
CREATE USER 'wordpressuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON wordpress.* TO 'wordpressuser'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;

Replace 'password' with a strong password.

8. Install WordPress

  1. Navigate to the web root directory:

bash
cd /var/www/html

  1. Download the latest version of WordPress:

bash
sudo wget https://wordpress.org/latest.tar.gz

  1. Extract the downloaded file:

bash
sudo tar -xzf latest.tar.gz

  1. Move the WordPress files:

bash
sudo mv wordpress/* ./

  1. Remove the tar file and empty directory:

bash
sudo rm -rf latest.tar.gz wordpress

  1. Set permissions:

bash
sudo chown -R apache:apache /var/www/html/*

9. Configure WordPress

  1. Create the wp-config.php file:

bash
sudo cp wp-config-sample.php wp-config.php

  1. Edit the wp-config.php file:

bash
sudo nano wp-config.php

Update the database details:

php
define('DB_NAME', 'wordpress');
define('DB_USER', 'wordpressuser');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password');

Make sure to replace 'password' with the password you set earlier.

  1. Save and exit the editor. (In nano, press CTRL + X, then Y, and hit Enter.)

10. Complete the Installation via Web Interface

  1. Open your web browser and navigate to your EC2 instance’s public DNS or IP address.
  2. You should see the WordPress installation page. Follow the prompts to set up your site:
  3. Choose your language.
  4. Enter your site title, username, password, and email.
  5. Click “Install WordPress.”

Benefits of Using Amazon Linux 2

  • Cost-Effective: With the t2.micro instance, you can host small websites at minimal cost.
  • Performance: Amazon Linux 2 is optimized for AWS services, providing better performance and security.
  • Flexibility: You can easily scale your instance as your website grows.

Challenges You Might Face

  • Configuration Complexity: Setting up a LAMP stack can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with Linux.
  • Security: Ensure your instance is secured and that you regularly update packages.

Practical Tips for a Successful Installation

  • Backup Regularly: Use tools like mysqldump for databases and tar for files.
  • Use SSH Keys: Always connect to your instance using SSH keys for better security.
  • Monitor Performance: Consider using CloudWatch to monitor your instance’s performance.

Cost Tips

  • Free Tier: If you’re eligible for the AWS Free Tier, the t2.micro instance is free for the first 12 months.
  • Optimize Resources: Scale down your instance when traffic is low to save costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I secure my WordPress installation?
To secure your WordPress site, use strong passwords, keep your plugins and themes updated, and consider using security plugins like Wordfence.

Can I install plugins and themes on WordPress?
Yes, once your WordPress installation is complete, you can install themes and plugins from the WordPress admin dashboard.

What should I do if I encounter a database connection error?
Check your wp-config.php file for correct database credentials and ensure the MariaDB service is running.

How can I migrate my WordPress site to another server?
You can use plugins like Duplicator or perform a manual migration by exporting your database and copying your files.

Is it necessary to have a static IP for my WordPress site?
While not necessary, having a static IP can be beneficial for consistent access and DNS configuration.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress on Amazon Linux 2 may seem challenging, but by following these detailed steps, you can successfully launch your website. Remember to keep your system updated and secure to provide the best experience for your visitors. Enjoy building your WordPress site!

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