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Install WordPress on Ubuntu: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Are you ready to launch your own website but don’t know where to start? Installing WordPress on Ubuntu can seem daunting, but it’s a crucial step towards creating a professional online presence. With WordPress powering over 40% of the web, mastering this platform opens doors to endless possibilities, whether for a personal blog, a business site, or an online store.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire installation process step by step. You’ll learn everything from preparing your Ubuntu system to configuring your WordPress settings. Plus, we’ll share helpful tips and insights to ensure your setup goes smoothly. Let’s dive in and get your website up and running!

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How to Install WordPress on Ubuntu: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing WordPress on an Ubuntu server is a fantastic way to create a website or blog. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you have everything you need to get started.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the installation, ensure you have:

  • A server running Ubuntu (22.04 LTS or 24.04 LTS recommended).
  • A terminal or SSH access to your server.
  • Basic knowledge of command line usage.
  • A LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, PHP) installed on your server.

Why Use WordPress?


How to install WordPress on Ubuntu (+ a LAMP stack) - Liquid Web - install wordpress ubuntu

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) for several reasons:

  • User-Friendly: Easy to use for beginners and offers a plethora of themes and plugins.
  • Flexible: Suitable for blogs, portfolios, e-commerce, and more.
  • Community Support: A vast community means plenty of resources and support.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing any software, ensure your package list is up to date. Run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This command updates the package list and installs any available updates.

Step 2: Install Required Packages

You need to install the necessary packages for WordPress. Use the following command:

sudo apt install apache2 mysql-server php php-mysql libapache2-mod-php php-cli php-curl php-xml php-mbstring

This command installs Apache, MySQL, and PHP along with required PHP extensions.

Step 3: Configure MySQL

Next, you need to secure your MySQL installation. Run:

sudo mysql_secure_installation

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

Step 4: Create a MySQL Database and User

Now, you will create a database and a user for WordPress. Access the MySQL shell:

sudo mysql -u root -p

Inside the MySQL shell, run the following commands:

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

Replace 'password' with a strong password of your choice.

Step 5: Download WordPress

Navigate to the web directory and download the latest WordPress package:

cd /var/www/html
sudo wget https://wordpress.org/latest.tar.gz

Extract the downloaded file:

sudo tar -xvzf latest.tar.gz

Step 6: Configure WordPress

Next, you need to configure WordPress to connect to your database. Rename the sample configuration file:

cd wordpress
sudo cp wp-config-sample.php wp-config.php

Edit the configuration file:

sudo nano wp-config.php

Update the following lines with your database details:

define('DB_NAME', 'wordpress');
define('DB_USER', 'wpuser');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password');

Step 7: Set Permissions

Set the correct permissions for the WordPress directory:

sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html/wordpress
sudo chmod -R 755 /var/www/html/wordpress

Step 8: Configure Apache

Create a new virtual host file for your WordPress site:

sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/wordpress.conf

Add the following configuration:


    ServerAdmin [email protected]
    DocumentRoot /var/www/html/wordpress
    ServerName example.com
    ServerAlias www.example.com
    ErrorLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/error.log
    CustomLog ${APACHE_LOG_DIR}/access.log combined

Replace example.com with your actual domain name.

Enable the new configuration and rewrite module:

sudo a2ensite wordpress
sudo a2enmod rewrite

Restart Apache to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 9: Complete the Installation via Web Browser

Open your web browser and go to your server’s IP address or domain name. You should see the WordPress installation page.

  1. Choose your language and click “Continue.”
  2. Fill in the site title, username, password, and email.
  3. Click “Install WordPress.”

Once the installation is complete, log in using the credentials you set up.

Benefits of Installing WordPress on Ubuntu

  • Performance: Ubuntu is known for its stability and performance, making it an excellent choice for hosting.
  • Open Source: Both WordPress and Ubuntu are open-source, allowing for customization and flexibility.
  • Security: Regular updates help keep your installation secure.

Challenges You Might Face

  • Technical Skills Required: Some familiarity with Linux and command-line operations is beneficial.
  • Configuration Issues: Misconfigurations can lead to downtime or security vulnerabilities.
  • Maintenance: Regular updates and backups are necessary to ensure your site runs smoothly.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Regular Backups: Use plugins or manual methods to back up your WordPress site regularly.
  • Security Plugins: Install security plugins like Wordfence to protect your site.
  • Performance Optimization: Consider caching plugins to improve load times.

Cost Considerations

  • Hosting Costs: If you choose a cloud provider, consider monthly hosting fees.
  • Domain Registration: Budget for your domain name registration.
  • SSL Certificates: Consider using Let’s Encrypt for free SSL certificates to secure your site.

Conclusion

Installing WordPress on an Ubuntu server is a rewarding project that gives you complete control over your website. With the right steps, you can create a powerful platform for your online presence. Remember to follow best practices for security and maintenance to keep your site running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a LAMP stack?
A LAMP stack consists of Linux, Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, and PHP. It’s a popular framework for hosting web applications.

Can I install WordPress without a LAMP stack?
While it’s possible to use other stacks (like LEMP or MEAN), a LAMP stack is the most common for WordPress installations.

How do I secure my WordPress site?
Implement security plugins, use strong passwords, keep your WordPress and plugins updated, and use SSL certificates.

What if I encounter an error during installation?
Check the Apache and MySQL logs for error messages. Ensure all commands were run correctly and review configurations.

Can I migrate my existing WordPress site to Ubuntu?
Yes, you can migrate your WordPress site to an Ubuntu server by exporting your database and files, then importing them to your new server.

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