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WordPress Installation

This document provides a detailed guide for installing WordPress on your server. It covers cPanel automatic installation, manual installation, database configuration, HTTPS setup, file structure, and post-installation administration.

Installing WordPress via cPanel

cPanel provides an easy way to install WordPress using Softaculous or a similar installer.

Steps:

  1. Login to cPanel
    Navigate to https://yourdomain.com:2083 or https://yourdomain.com/cpanel and log in with your cPanel credentials.

  2. Locate WordPress Management or Installer
    In the Software section, click on WordPress (usually powered by Softaculous).

  3. Install WordPress

    • Click Install Now.
    • Choose Protocol:
      • https:// if your domain already has SSL configured.
      • http:// otherwise (SSL can be configured later).
    • Choose Domain: Select the domain or subdomain where WordPress will be installed.
    • Directory: Leave blank to install at the root (yourdomain.com) or specify a folder like blog ( yourdomain.com/blog).

  4. Site Settings

    • Site Name and Site Description: Enter your preferred values.
    • Admin Username & Password: Set credentials for logging into yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
    • Admin Email: Enter a valid email for notifications.

  5. Database Settings

    • cPanel usually auto-generates a database name and user. You can also customize it if needed.

  6. Advanced Options (Optional)

    • Auto-upgrade WordPress core, plugins, and themes.
    • Backup options.

  7. Install

    • Click Install.
    • Wait until the installation completes.
    • Access your site at https://yourdomain.com and admin at https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

Manual WordPress Installation

Sometimes you may want full control over your WordPress setup. This involves downloading WordPress, uploading files, and connecting a database.

Steps:

  1. Download WordPress

  2. Upload to Server

    • Login to cPanel → File Manager → navigate to your domain folder (public_html or yourdomain.com).
    • Upload the .zip file and extract it.
    • If necessary, move the contents of the wordpress folder to the desired location.

  3. Create a Database

    • In cPanel → MySQL Databases → create a new database.
    • Create a database user and assign it to the database with All Privileges.
    • Note the database name, username, and password for later.

  4. Configure wp-config.php

    • Rename wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php.
    • Edit the file: php define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name'); define('DB_USER', 'your_database_user'); define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password'); define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

  5. Run the Installation Script

    • Navigate to https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php.
    • Fill in Site Title, Admin Username, Password, and Email.
    • Click Install WordPress.

Drag-and-Drop Installers

  • Some hosting providers allow uploading .zip files via File Manager and using one-click extract + database setup.
  • This method requires you to connect the extracted WordPress folder to a database manually as described above.

HTTPS/Domain Considerations

  • Use SSL for HTTPS: Most cPanel setups provide AutoSSL.
  • Ensure https:// is selected during installation.
  • If WordPress is installed manually, update the Site URL in wp-admin → Settings → General.

Post-Installation Access

  • Admin dashboard: https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
  • Use the admin credentials created during setup.
  • From here you can:
    • Install themes and plugins
    • Configure site settings
    • Add users and manage content

File Structure Overview

When installed in cPanel, your files typically reside in public_html or yourdomain.com folder:

File/Folder Purpose
wp-admin/ WordPress admin panel backend
wp-includes/ Core WordPress files and libraries
wp-content/ User content: themes, plugins, uploads
wp-config.php Contains database connection and credentials
.htaccess URL rewriting, security, and server rules

Removing WordPress

If you need to remove WordPress:

  1. Delete Files

    • In cPanel → File Manager → delete WordPress files/folders (wp-admin, wp-content, wp-includes, and wp-config.php).

  2. Drop Database

    • In cPanel → MySQL Databases → drop the database created for WordPress.

  3. Remove Database User

    • Delete the user associated with the database to remove credentials.

Or you can just delete the entire folders and database from WordPress Management in cPanel if available.

Summary

  • Automatic (cPanel): Fast, minimal setup.
  • Manual: Full control over files, database, and folder structure.
  • HTTPS: Always recommended.
  • Admin: Manage the site from /wp-admin.
  • Removal: Delete files + database + users.

This guide covers all essential steps a developer needs to install and manage WordPress.