If you’re developing a website meant for a Linux server and you’re currently using Windows for coding, you have a couple of options. You can either set up a beta version of the site directly with your web host or create a local test server at your home or office.
One practical solution is to utilize the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to run a local Linux web server. This approach allows you to write your code in Windows while executing it on the same platform you intend to use for production, eliminating the need for a separate computer or remote server.
First, install Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2) by opening PowerShell and entering:
wsl --install --no-distributionNext, you will need a Linux distribution. AlmaLinux 9 is recommended since many web hosts use CentOS or AlmaLinux. You can find and install AlmaLinux 9 from the Microsoft Store.
Once installed, launch the AlmaLinux environment. The first time you do this, you’ll be prompted to create a username and password.
To ensure your Linux instance is up to date, run the following command in AlmaLinux:
sudo dnf updateYou will also need to set a password for the root user:
sudo passwd rootSubsequently, install a control panel application for your web server. Instead of cPanel, which requires a license, you can opt for the free Virtualmin and its companion Webmin. Install them using:
sudo sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://software.virtualmin.com/gpl/scripts/virtualmin-install.sh)" -- --bundle LAMPIf prompted for a fully qualified domain name, you can enter something simple, like host.example.com, for the installation process to proceed.
After installation, you’ll receive an IP address with :10000 appended to it. Copy this address and paste it into a new browser tab. You may encounter a privacy error; just proceed and continue.
Log into Webmin using the root username and the password you set. Follow the Post-Installation Wizard, accepting default settings until you reach the MariaDB password screen—here, you might want to set a memorable password.
Check "Skip check for resolvability" on the nameserver page to avoid issues accessing Webmin using the IP address.
In Webmin, click on "Add new virtual server." Create your server but use a simplified domain name without a top-level domain (e.g., mysite). Assign it an admin password and create the server.
Navigate to Virtualmin -> Manage Web Apps to install essential applications like phpMyAdmin for database management and WordPress if you’re developing a WordPress site.
You can now view your site by going to http://YOUR_IP_ADDRESS or manage your database at http://YOUR_IP_ADDRESS/phpmyadmin.
For easier access to your local site, edit the C:WindowsSystem32driversetchosts file, associating a simple name (like mysite) with your IP address.
Finally, locate the public_html directory, which represents the root of your website. Grant yourself access by executing:
sudo chmod -R 777 /home/mysiteYou can now manage your website files directly and make sure to keep an AlmaLinux terminal open to run the web server.
With these steps, you can smoothly develop and test your Linux-based site right from your Windows environment, ensuring compatibility with your eventual hosting setup.
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