What Is XAMPP and Why Use It?
XAMPP is a free software package that turns your computer into a local web server. The letters in its name stand for Apache (web server), MySQL/MariaDB (database), PHP and Perl. Because it bundles the components WordPress needs to run into a single package, it lets you experiment with WordPress on your own computer without going online and without paying for hosting.
A local installation is ideal especially for those who want to try out themes and plugins, finish a site's design before going live, or learn WordPress. None of the mistakes you make affect your live site.
Step 1: Download and Install XAMPP
Download the XAMPP version suitable for your operating system from apachefriends.org. Run the setup wizard; in the component selection, at least Apache, MySQL and phpMyAdmin should be checked. It is recommended to install it in the default directory (usually C:\xampp on Windows).
Step 2: Start Apache and MySQL
When the installation finishes, open the XAMPP Control Panel. Click the Start buttons next to the Apache and MySQL rows. Both should turn green and begin running. If you type the following address into your browser and see the XAMPP welcome page, your server is ready:
http://localhostStep 3: Create a Database
WordPress needs a database to store its data.
- In your browser, go to http://localhost/phpmyadmin.
- Click the Databases tab at the top left.
- Type a name in the database name field (for example wordpress_deneme) and click the Create button.
Locally, the username is usually root and the password is empty. We will enter these during installation.
Step 4: Place the WordPress Files
Download WordPress from wordpress.org and unzip the file. Copy the resulting wordpress folder into the C:\xampp\htdocs directory. If you wish, you can rename the folder to match your project (for example htdocs/yoursite). Your site address is determined by this folder name: http://localhost/yoursite.
Step 5: Run the Setup Wizard
In your browser, go to http://localhost/yoursite. The WordPress installation screen opens:
- Choose a language.
- Enter the database details: database name wordpress_deneme, username root, password empty, host localhost.
- Click the "Run" button.
- Enter the site title, an administrator username and password, and your email address.
- When you click "Install WordPress", the installation is complete.
You can now log in to the admin panel at http://localhost/yoursite/wp-admin and start developing your site.
Things to Watch Out for When Working Locally
Keep a few points in mind when developing locally. Every time the computer restarts you need to Start Apache and MySQL again from XAMPP. Your local site is only visible on your own computer; for others to access it you must move it to a live server. Also, because the local site is offline, email sending and some payment/external service integrations may not work.
The Advantages of Local Development
Working locally has many concrete advantages over a live server, and knowing them makes it clear why you should prefer this method. Above all, you gain speed; since the files are on your own computer, changes appear instantly without waiting for an internet connection. You are at ease in terms of security; because your local site is offline, the experiments you make affect no one and do not put your live site at risk. The cost is zero; you can try out themes, plugins and designs as much as you want without paying for hosting. Finally, it is ideal for learning; you can explore all of WordPress's features without the fear of making mistakes.
PHP Version and Memory Settings
The PHP version that comes with XAMPP may sometimes not be recent enough for the current WordPress or for some plugins. To see which PHP version you are using, you can go to http://localhost/dashboard/phpinfo.php in your browser. In addition, when you install large themes or many plugins, you may get an "out of memory" error. To solve this, you can open XAMPP's php\php.ini file and increase the relevant values:
memory_limit = 256M
upload_max_filesize = 64M
post_max_size = 64MDon't forget to restart Apache after making the change.
Alternative Tools Instead of Local XAMPP
Although XAMPP is the best-known solution, there are also more practical alternatives focused solely on WordPress development. LocalWP (formerly Local by Flywheel) is a user-friendly tool that installs WordPress with a single click and makes it easy to switch between SSL and different PHP versions. Laragon offers a fast and lightweight package for Windows users. WampServer is similar to XAMPP but focused only on Windows. If you are only going to install WordPress, a dedicated tool like LocalWP makes your job noticeably easier; if you are going to work with multiple technologies, XAMPP is a more general solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can others see my local WordPress site?
No. A site you set up with XAMPP runs only on your own computer, on localhost. For others to be able to access it, you need to move the site to a live hosting server.
Why is the root user's password empty locally?
By default XAMPP installs MySQL's root user without a password, because the local environment is offline and intended only for development. In the setup wizard the username is root and the password field is left empty.
Do I have to restart XAMPP every time I start up?
Yes. Every time you restart your computer you need to Start Apache and MySQL again from the XAMPP Control Panel. If you wish, you can also install these services as Windows services.
Conclusion
XAMPP is the most common way to try out WordPress on your own computer for free and safely. After starting Apache and MySQL and creating a database, all you need is to put the files in the htdocs directory and run the setup wizard. Once you have worked comfortably locally and finished the design, it's time to move the site to a live server.