Before installing WordPress, you should understand the software,
hardware, and server requirements needed to create a website.
Learning Objective:
Understand the basic requirements for running WordPress on your
computer and on a live web hosting server.
1. What Are WordPress Requirements?
WordPress requirements are the hardware, software, and server
components needed to install and run WordPress successfully.
There are two common ways to use WordPress:
Local installation: Practice WordPress on your own computer.
Online installation: Make your website accessible on the internet using web hosting.
2. Hardware Requirements
For learning WordPress, a modern computer or laptop is generally
sufficient. The exact requirements depend on your operating system
and the local server software you use.
Component
Recommendation for Beginners
Computer
A modern desktop or laptop
RAM
8 GB is a practical starting point for local development
Storage
Enough free space for your operating system, local server, WordPress files, and projects
Internet
Useful for downloading software, themes, and plugins
Browser
A modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge
Note:
These are practical beginner recommendations, not official
minimum WordPress hardware specifications.
3. Software Requirements
To practice WordPress locally, you need a suitable local server
environment. One common option for beginners is XAMPP.
Common Software
Operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Local server: XAMPP or another compatible environment.
Web server: Apache or Nginx, for example.
PHP: Runs WordPress server-side code.
Database: MySQL or MariaDB stores website content and settings.
Web browser: Opens and displays your WordPress website.
4. Official WordPress Server Requirements
For a new website, WordPress.org currently recommends a modern,
supported server environment. Its requirements page recommends
PHP 8.3 or greater, MySQL 8.0 or greater or MariaDB 10.11 or
greater, and HTTPS support.
Component
Recommended Requirement
Purpose
PHP
8.3 or greater
Executes WordPress code on the server.
Database
MySQL 8.0+ or MariaDB 10.11+
Stores posts, pages, users, settings, and other data.
HTTPS
Supported and enabled for the live website
Encrypts the connection between the browser and website.
XAMPP is a local development package that includes Apache,
MariaDB, PHP, and other tools. It helps you run and test a
WordPress website on your computer without publishing it online.
Main Components of XAMPP
Apache: Web server software.
MariaDB: Database server.
PHP: Server-side programming language.
phpMyAdmin: Browser-based tool for managing databases.
6. What Is a Database?
A database stores information in an organized form. WordPress
uses its database to save website content, account information,
settings, and other data.
For example, a WordPress database may contain information about:
Blog posts and pages.
User accounts and roles.
Website settings.
Categories and tags.
Plugin-specific information.
7. Requirements for an Online Website
To publish a self-hosted WordPress website on the internet,
you will generally need the following:
Online Website Checklist
Domain name: The address visitors use to access your website.
Web hosting: A server environment where your WordPress installation runs.
Database: A compatible database service.
PHP support: A supported PHP version.
HTTPS certificate: Enables secure connections.
Website files: WordPress core files, themes, and plugins.
Backup plan: Helps recover your website if something goes wrong.
8. Localhost vs Online Hosting
Feature
Localhost
Online Hosting
Location
Your computer
A hosting server
Internet access
Usually not required to view the local site on your computer
Required to access the public website over the internet
Domain
Usually accessed using a local address
Typically uses a registered domain
Hosting charges
No external hosting required
Depends on the hosting plan
Best use
Learning, development, and testing
Publishing a website for visitors
9. How to Check Your Requirements
Check that your computer has enough free storage and memory.
Choose a local server package if you want to practice locally.
Check the PHP and database versions included in your server package.
For online hosting, confirm that the provider supports the current WordPress recommendations.
Ensure HTTPS is available for your live website.
10. Practical Assignment
Practice Task
Write five requirements for running WordPress locally.
Explain the purpose of PHP in WordPress.
Explain why WordPress needs a database.
Write the difference between localhost and online hosting.
Visit the official WordPress requirements page and note the recommended PHP and database versions.
11. Lesson Summary
A computer and browser are useful for learning WordPress.
A local server environment lets you practice without publishing online.
WordPress uses PHP and a compatible database.
A live self-hosted website generally needs hosting and a domain.
HTTPS and regular updates help protect your website.
Always check the official requirements before installing WordPress.