Platform Fundamentals
Joomla is a robust CMS that sits between WordPress and Drupal. It requires a local server stack to run.
Prerequisites
- XAMPP (Beginners) or Docker (Pros)
- Web Browser
- Internet Connection
Installation (XAMPP Method)
The easiest way for beginners on Windows/Mac.
1. Download Tools
Download XAMPP from apachefriends.org and install it. This provides Apache (Server) and MySQL (Database).
Download Joomla ZIP from downloads.joomla.org.
2. Create Database
Start Apache and MySQL in XAMPP Control Panel.
Open your browser and type http://localhost/phpmyadmin.
Click Databases tab (top left).
In 'Create database' field, type joomla_db.
Click Create.
Note: Your DB Host is localhost, User is root, Password is empty (default for XAMPP).
3. Setup Files
Go to your XAMPP folder (C:\xampp\htdocs on Win or /Applications/XAMPP/htdocs on Mac).
Create a new folder named myjoomla.
Extract the Joomla ZIP contents inside this folder.
4. Run Installer
Open browser: http://localhost/myjoomla.
Select Language and Name your site.
Database Configuration: Host=localhost, User=root, Password=(leave blank), Database Name=joomla_db.
Follow the wizard to completion.
Crucial: Click 'Remove Installation Folder' button at the end.
Verification Checklist
- Visit Admin URL