If you are interested in creating your own website, WordPress is one of the most popular and accessible platforms on the market. In this article, we will explore how you can download free WordPress and start your adventure in the creation of web pages.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that allows users to easily create and manage websites. Originally designed for blogs, WordPress has evolved and is now used to create everything from portfolios to online stores.
WordPress main features
- Ease of use: You don't need to be a programming expert to use WordPress.
- Customization: With thousands of themes and plugins, you can customize your site to your liking.
- SEO friendly: WordPress is designed to help your site rank well in search engines.
- Active community: There is a large community offering support, plugins and free themes.
How to download WordPress for free
Downloading WordPress is a simple process. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Visit the official WordPress site
Access the official WordPress website at wordpress.org. Here you will find the option to download the latest version of WordPress for free.
Step 2: Download the ZIP file
Once on the main page, look for the download button. Click on it and it will download a ZIP file containing all the files needed to install WordPress.
Step 3: Unzip the file
After downloading, locate the ZIP file on your computer and unzip it. This will give you a folder with all the WordPress files.
Prerequisites to install WordPress
Before starting the installation, make sure that your web server meets the necessary requirements for hosting WordPress. Here are the main requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| PHP: | Version 7.  Download our web maintenance guide
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| MySQL: | Version 5.7 or higher, or MariaDB version 10.3 or higher. |
| HTTPS: | HTTPS support for increased security. |
Installing WordPress
Once you have downloaded WordPress and verified the requirements, it is time to proceed with the installation.
Step 1: Upload files to the server
Use an FTP client, such as FileZilla, to upload the unzipped WordPress files to your server. Make sure the files are uploaded to the correct folder, which is usually the root of the domain.
Step 2: Create a database
You will need to create a database to store your site information. This can be done through your hosting provider's control panel, usually in the database section.
Step 3: Configure the wp-config.php file
Locate the file wp-config-sample.php folder in the WordPress folder and rename it to wp-config.php. Open this file and add the information from the database you created earlier:
define('DB_NAME', 'database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost'); // Generally localhost
Finalizing the installation
After you have configured everything, access your site through your browser by typing the URL of your domain. You should be greeted by the WordPress installation screen.
Initial configuration
The installation wizard will guide you through several steps, such as selecting the language and setting up the site name, admin user and password. Be sure to choose a strong password to protect your site.
Access to the administration panel
Once the installation is complete, you will be able to access the WordPress administration panel adding /wp-admin to your site's URL. From here, you can customize your site, add content and much more.
Conclusion
Downloading and installing WordPress is an accessible and straightforward process that allows you to create a website quickly and efficiently. With a wide range of features and an active community, WordPress is an excellent choice for anyone looking to have an online presence.
