Working with a local development environment makes a lot of things easier. We have written about this before, using XAMPP. In this post, we want to present you with an alternative: Local, formerly known as Local by Flywheel.
Like other solutions, the program enables you to run WordPress on your computer instead of a server. It’s also free and very easy to use, making it more beginner friendly than more technical solutions.
If you are looking for another way to work with WordPress locally, this tool might be the right thing for you. Let’s find out together, shall we?
Why Use a Local Development Environment?
We already cover the benefits of installing WordPress locally in our other post. Therefore, here is only the short version
- Independence of an Internet connection, such as when traveling
- Ability to test site changes like site updates or plugin and theme changes safely
- A place to test themes and plugins you are developing before releasing them
- Increased loading speed and less development time
- No need to pay for hosting or a domain until your site is ready
- Sounds good so far? Then let’s go over how Local can help you with all of the above.
Local Features
In addition to the benefits mentioned, Local comes with a number of standout features that can seriously enhance your workflow:
- Automatic WordPress installation
- Ability to save site configurations for re-use
- Site import/export
- Remote access to local sites for clients and other stakeholders
- Local SSL/HTTPS access
- SSH and WP-CLI, log files for everything going on on your site
- Automatic site deployment (for Flywheel and WP Engine customers)
- Multisite support
How to Use Local to Create a Local WordPress Website
Alright, it’s time to go over how you can use Local yourself.
1. Download and Install
2. Create a New Local Site
3. Set up Your Environment
4. Set up the User
5. Finish and Your Check Site
Run Your Local Sites on SSL/HTTPS
As mentioned, Local allows you to use your local sites with SSL. This is important, for example, if you are working on an online shop and want to test drive your payment systems. It’s also a good idea if your final site is going to run on HTTPS so that you make sure there are no surprises when you go live.
For that reason, all sites you create are also available as HTTPS versions by default. Simply change the URL in your browser to https:// in the front and you access it.
If you run into a security warning like below, go to the SSL tab in Local for that site and click the Trust button. When you now restart your browser and access the site, the security warning should not appear.
Eastlink Cloud Pvt. Ltd.
Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone:166001-95985
Mail:info@eastlinkcloud.com
