Should WordPress be Installed in Root Directory (A Beginner’s Guide)
The decision to install WordPress in the root directory largely depends on your individual preferences as well as on the specific conditions of your server. Here, we will discuss what the root directory is, its relevance, and how to install WordPress on the root directory. We also included a section on the common issues you might encounter as you install WordPress on the root directory along with their solutions. In the following sections, you will find the step-by-step installation guide, but should you encounter any issues, we highly recommend partnering with a WordPress development Sydney-based company or reaching out to your hosting provider for further assistance. Let’s dive in!
What Is A WordPress Root Directory?
A WordPress root directory is an essential folder that contains all of the folders and files that your website needs for it to function properly. It serves as your website’s home base or foundation and without it, your website is going to be in a state of disarray which would make it impossible for browsers to locate and load your web pages correctly.
Why Is The Root Directory Important?
The root directory stores everything concerning your site, and that includes images, scripts, stylesheets, HTML documents, and so much more. When your site has a visitor, the web browser needs to know the exact location of the files necessary to load your page properly. If the essential elements are organized, the process becomes easier and more seamless so your site is displayed correctly.
Should WordPress Be Installed In The Root Directory?
The answer depends on your needs and circumstances but there are some deciding factors that can help you decide on this matter. First, check if you have sufficient storage in your server so that you can install WordPress in the root directory. If you lack the space or if you are part of a shared hosting account, then WordPress is best installed in a subdirectory.
Next, decide on whether or not you will use a custom domain name with your site. If you do not wish to use a custom domain name, then you can install WordPress in the root directory.
Then, you may utilize a custom domain name to host it.
The key takeaway is that unless your site is a secondary part of an existing website, then you should definitely install WordPress on the root directory.
The WordPress File System
Before we dive into the nitty gritty of installing WordPress, it helps to gain an understanding of its file system first. WordPress uses a straightforward file system in which when you install WordPress, it automatically creates a set of files and directories on your server. When you learn how to navigate these files, you’ll be able to manage your site more effectively because you now know where to go when you need to troubleshoot specific issues. In simpler terms, when something goes wrong – you’ll know exactly where to look!
- wp-admin: This folder contains all the folders and files for your WordPress dashboard. There are 7 subfolders within this folder, namely css, images, includes, JS, maint, network, and user. This folder is also responsible for loading the plugin pages, determining if a user is an admin or not, scheduling trash cleanup, and loading other essential files.
- wp-content: This folder contains the media uploads, themes, and plugins. This essentially houses all of the personal touches of your website.
- wp-includes: This folder contains all of the important files to make your site run properly, from database operations to core functionalities.
WordPress Installation Process
Before you install WordPress, check to see if your hosting environment actually meets WordPress standards which often includes PHP support and MySQL database. Don’t worry because the majority of hosting providers are well-equipped to handle WordPress. Additionally, secure a domain name that points to your hosting account.
Installing the root directory is the most sensible option for a single website. A subdirectory only works if you need to run multiple sites from a single domain. Here are the steps to installing WordPress in the root directory:
- Download WordPress by heading over to WordPress.org and getting its latest version. The file you download will be a .zip file.
- After the download is complete, extract the zip file to reveal a folder named “WordPress.” This folder contains all of the core files that you need to launch the CMS.
- Use an FTP client to connect to your hosting account. Input your FTP login details.
- Next, navigate to the root directory. You can identify this folder by locating the one named “public_html.” There may be some variations to the folder name so be sure to check in with your hosting provider.
- Take all of the extracted files from the WordPress zip file and upload them to your root directory.
- Create a MySQL database. Most hosting providers offer access to database creation tools which you can access through the hosting control panel.
- Then, run the WordPress installation script by opening a new browser window and following the prompts from the WordPress installation script. At this point, you should install WordPress. As you wrap up the installation process, you will need to provide information such as the title of your site, username, password, and email address.
And with that, you’re done installing WordPress in the root directory! It is not as difficult as it seems and by simply paying attention to the details, you’re all set to create a great WordPress site. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you’ll need to reinstall WordPress, simply follow the steps we listed above.
How To Access WordPress Root Directory And Files
There are three main methods you can use to access your WordPress root directory and files. Knowing this comes in handy when you need to go into the files and troubleshoot specific issues.
1. cPanel Dashboard
Accessing the WordPress root directory and files through the cPanel dashboard is the easiest and most common method. This is essentially the control panel that allows you to manage your web hosting files and this is usually provided by your hosting company. To access this, log in to your cPanel then locate “File Manager.” From there, you should be able to access all the files located in the pinlic_html” folder.
2. FTP Client
Another method is through a file transfer protocol (FTP) server. This allows you to transfer your files online. Simply input your login credentials into the FTP client and locate the folder named “public_html.”
3. Admin Dashboard
This method is best if you need to access your plugins and theme files specifically. Before you try this method, ensure that your website is completely backed up.
Go to wp-admin, click on “Appearance,” then “Editor.” From there, you should be able to make the necessary changes such as modifying the function.php or style.css files. When you are satisfied with the changes, click the “Update File” button to save them.
Solutions To Common WordPress Installation Issues
WordPress management usually comes with its own set of directory issues, but fret not! We’ve outlined the most common WordPress root directory installation issues as well as their solutions.
1. Database Connection Error
This notification indicates an issue related to the wp-config.php file. To check this, open up the file and make sure that the correct database login information, database name, username, password, and host are all correct. If the information seems to be correct, then the next possible reason might be a corrupted database which you can check by going to yourdomain.com/wp-admin. If the notification on the page indicates that the database needs repair, you may use the built-in database repair feature and add this: “define(‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’, true);” to your wp-config.php file. Then, head to yourdomain.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php and follow the directions for repairing your database. After you are done, remember to remove the line from the wp-config.php file. If these solutions fail, contact your hosting provider for further assistance.
2. Unable To Create Directory
This error occurs when WordPress is unable to create new folders or upload media within the wp-content file, and this is because of incorrect directory permissions. The solution is to change the permissions for the wp-content/uploads directory.
3. .htaccess File Errors
This issue may be the root cause of 404 errors or permalink issues. To reset the permalinks, go to “Settings” located in the WordPress dashboard, click on “Permalinks” and click “Save Changes” even if you did not make any modifications. This essentially forces WordPress to create a new .htcacess file.
4. “Stylesheet Is Missing”
This error occurs when WordPress is unable to locate the style.css file in your directory due to the incorrect installation of your theme. As a result, your theme will malfunction. To troubleshoot this issue, upload the correct .zip file for your theme to reupload the correct style.cc file. Make sure to follow the correct installation procedure which you can locate in the theme’s documentation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to install WordPress on the root directory is a matter of personal choice. It is generally recommended to do so if you have ample space in your server and if your site is not a secondary section of a different website. If you encounter any issues with the installation process, do not hesitate to reach out to a WordPress website developer for further assistance.
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