When I start to build a site, I typically use a CMS. That means that I have to run a program called XAMPP so that I can run PHP and Mysql on my Windows XP computer. Probably nothing new to you advanced users out there. The process typically works very well and I can build a site on my local machine and then move it to my server when I’m ready. Over the years I’ve come up with a few tips and tricks that can make your life a lot easier. We’ll be using WordPress as an example.

1. When you download WordPress you get a file called “wp-config-sample.php” and are told to rename it to “wp-config.php”. What I do is have one file called “wp-config.php” that contains my local database settings and one called “wp-configON.php” which contains my online database settings. So after you upload your files to your server, simply rename “wp-configON.php” to “wp-config.php”. Don’t upload the “wp-config.php” to your server because it has your local settings. Doing this will allow you to continue working on your local website while still making it easy to locate and change settings to the ON version of the file. This is a very simple tip but it can save you a lot of time, energy, and headaches.
2. If you have to change a core file, make a copy of it and add some text so you remember that it was changed. Example: In the last post we had to modify the “wp-comments-template.php” file which is a core WordPress file. If you forget that you modified that file and update WP, you will overwrite it, then you’ll have to try and remember what modifications you made. Instead, simply copy the file and give it a name such as “wp-comments-templateBACKUP.php”. Now if you forget about your changes and overwrite your original file, you’ll always have a backup available, it shouldn’t be overwritten when you upgrade.

Well these are all the tips I have for now. Hopefully they save you a headache or two and allow you to focus more on your website and less worrying about important files.