How to Set Up WordPress Locally on macOS Using Local by Flywheel
While XAMPP is a popular tool for setting up local development environments, some macOS users encounter compatibility issues, such as:
- Apache or MySQL Failing to Start: Port conflicts or security restrictions can prevent XAMPP services from running.
- Permission Errors: macOS’s strict file and folder permissions may cause issues when accessing the htdocs directory.
- Complex Configuration: For beginners, configuring XAMPP to work smoothly with macOS can be frustrating.
If you’ve faced any of these challenges, don’t worry! Local by Flywheel offers a hassle-free, reliable alternative designed specifically for WordPress development. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Local to set up WordPress on your Mac.
What Is Local by Flywheel?
Local by Flywheel is a powerful, user-friendly tool for creating local WordPress development environments. Unlike XAMPP, Local is designed with WordPress in mind, offering pre-configured setups and advanced features to make the process as smooth as possible.
Key Features of Local:
- One-Click WordPress Setup: Automatically install and configure WordPress without manual intervention.
- Customizable Development Environments: Switch between PHP versions, choose Apache or Nginx, and configure MySQL easily.
- Live Links: Temporarily share your local site with clients or teammates via a unique URL.
- Beginner-Friendly: No need to configure servers or troubleshoot compatibility issues.
Step 1: Download and Install Local by Flywheel
- Visit the Local Website
Go to Local by Flywheel’s official website and download the macOS version. - Install Local
- Open the downloaded installer file.
- Drag the Local application into your Applications folder.
- Launch the app and follow the initial setup prompts.
Step 2: Create a New WordPress Site
- Open Local
Launch Local, and you’ll see a clean and intuitive dashboard. - Start a New Site
- Click the “+ Create a New Site” button.
- Enter a name for your site (e.g., “MyFirstSite”) and click Continue.
3. Choose Environment Settings
- Select Preferred for an out-of-the-box setup.
- Opt for Custom if you want to configure PHP versions, web servers, or databases manually.
- Click Continue after selecting your environment.
4. Set WordPress Details
- Provide a username, password, and email address for your WordPress admin account.
- Click Add Site to finalize the setup. Local will handle the rest!
Step 3: Access Your WordPress Site
Once the setup is complete:
- View Your Site: Click Open Site to access your local WordPress site in your browser.
- Admin Dashboard: Log in at /wp-admin (e.g., http://myfirstsite.local/wp-admin) using the credentials you created during setup.
Why Choose Local by Flywheel?
Advantages Over XAMPP:
- Simplified Setup: No need to configure servers or troubleshoot compatibility issues.
- Tailored for WordPress: Built with WordPress developers in mind, offering features like one-click installation and live links.
- macOS-Friendly: Avoid the common pitfalls of running XAMPP on macOS.
Step 4: Use Advanced Features
Local isn’t just for beginners — it includes powerful tools for advanced developers:
- Live Links: Share a live preview of your site with clients or collaborators.
- Database Management: Use built-in tools like Adminer to manage your database.
- Site Cloning and Exporting: Quickly duplicate or export sites for staging or deployment.
Conclusion
If XAMPP doesn’t work on your macOS system, Local by Flywheel is the perfect alternative for setting up a WordPress development environment. Its intuitive interface, pre-configured settings, and advanced features make it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced developers.
Say goodbye to configuration headaches and start building your WordPress sites locally with ease.