Amazon Linux 2 Guide: Installing WordPress

Setup WordPress on Amazon Linux 2

Introduction

Overview of WordPress and Amazon Linux 2

WordPress, the ubiquitous content management system, empowers you to create dynamic websites with ease. Its popularity stems from its user-friendly interface, extensive plugin library, and vast community support. Amazon Linux 2, a robust operating system tailored for cloud computing, provides a stable and secure foundation for WordPress. By leveraging the synergy between these two powerhouses, you can establish a robust and scalable web presence.

Benefits of using WordPress on Amazon Linux 2

WordPress and Amazon Linux 2 form a formidable alliance, offering a plethora of advantages:

• Enhanced Security: Amazon Linux 2’s hardened security features safeguard your website from potential threats, ensuring the integrity of your data.
• Cost-Effective: Amazon Linux 2 is free to use, reducing the financial burden associated with website hosting.
• Scalability: WordPress’s modular architecture, coupled with Amazon Linux 2’s cloud-native design, enables you to effortlessly scale your website as your needs evolve.
• Reliability: Amazon Linux 2’s robust infrastructure ensures uninterrupted website uptime, minimizing downtime and maximizing user satisfaction.

© Photographer George Morina

Prerequisites

2. Setting Up an Amazon EC2 Instance

Before you can install WordPress on Amazon Linux 2, you’ll need to set up an Amazon EC2 instance. An EC2 instance is a virtual server that runs in the Amazon cloud. Here’s how to create an EC2 instance:

1. Log in to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Management Console.
2. Click on the “EC2” service.
3. Click on the “Instances” tab.
4. Click on the “Launch Instance” button.
5. Select an Amazon Machine Image (AMI). An AMI is a template that contains the operating system and software that will be installed on your instance. For WordPress, you’ll need to select an AMI that includes Amazon Linux 2.
6. Choose an instance type. The instance type determines the amount of CPU, memory, and storage that will be allocated to your instance. For WordPress, you can choose a small instance type, such as t2.micro.
7. Configure your instance’s network settings. You’ll need to specify a subnet and a security group. A subnet is a range of IP addresses that are available to your instance. A security group is a set of rules that control which traffic can enter and leave your instance.
8. Click on the “Launch Instance” button.

Once your instance has been launched, you can connect to it using a Secure Shell (SSH) client. SSH is a protocol that allows you to securely connect to a remote computer. To connect to your instance, you’ll need to use the following command:

ssh ec2-user@<your-instance-public-ip>

Replace <your-instance-public-ip> with the public IP address of your instance.

Installing a Web Server

3. Configuring the Web Server

Once you’ve chosen and installed a web server, you need to configure it to work with WordPress. Here’s a quick guide for Apache:

1. Open the Apache configuration file (/etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf) in a text editor.
2. Find the line that says “DirectoryIndex index.html” and change it to “DirectoryIndex index.php index.html”. This tells Apache to look for index.php first when loading a directory.
3. Find the line that says “Options Indexes FollowSymLinks” and add “MultiViews” to the end of the line. This enables Apache’s multiview feature, which allows it to serve the correct file even if it has multiple extensions (e.g., index.php or index.html).
4. Save the file and restart Apache with sudo systemctl restart httpd.

Now, your web server is ready to serve WordPress! 🤘

4. Installing a Web Server 🌐

4. Choosing and Installing a Web Server

When it comes to WordPress, you’ll need a web server to host your website. It’s like the foundation of your online home, serving up your pages to the world. Two popular options are Apache and Nginx, both known for their reliability and efficiency.

Apache has been around for a while and is widely used, making it a familiar choice for many. Nginx, on the other hand, is a newer player but has gained popularity due to its lightning-fast performance.

The choice between the two depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for a stable and time-tested option, Apache is a solid pick. If speed and performance are your top priorities, Nginx might be the better fit.

Installation Steps:

1. Apache: sudo yum install httpd
2. Nginx: sudo yum install nginx

Once installed, don’t forget to start and enable the web server for it to work its magic:

1. Apache: sudo systemctl start httpd and sudo systemctl enable httpd
2. Nginx: sudo systemctl start nginx and sudo systemctl enable nginx

And there you have it! Your web server is up and running, ready to host your WordPress website.

FIVE: Installing MySQL Database 💻

Installing a robust database is the backbone of any WordPress site. Enter MySQL, the go-to choice for storing your precious content and user data. To get MySQL up and running, follow these steps:

1. Install MySQL using the command: sudo yum install mysql
2. Start the MySQL service: sudo systemctl start mysqld
3. Secure MySQL by running the mysql_secure_installation script

Now, let’s create a database specifically for your WordPress site:

1. Log in to MySQL: mysql -u root -p (enter your password when prompted)
2. Create a database: CREATE DATABASE wordpress;
3. Create a user for WordPress: CREATE USER 'wordpressuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
4. Grant privileges to the user: GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON wordpress.* TO 'wordpressuser'@'localhost';
5. Flush privileges: FLUSH PRIVILEGES;

And voila! Your MySQL database is ready to power your WordPress site.

6. Installing PHP 💻

6.1 The Magic of PHP

PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a scripting language that serves as the backbone of WordPress. It’s like the glue that holds your website together, making it dynamic and interactive. Installing PHP is crucial, so let’s dive right in!

6.2 Step-by-Step Installation

1. Update Your System: Run this command: sudo yum update

2. Install PHP: Enter this command: sudo yum install php

3. Enable Necessary Extensions: Type this command: sudo yum install php-mysqlnd php-xml php-gd

4. Restart Apache: Finally, run this command: sudo systemctl restart httpd

And voila! You’ve successfully installed PHP. It’s like giving your website the power to talk to the database and display beautiful content.

7. Downloading WordPress

Ready to Roll with WordPress

Now that the stage is set, it’s time to grab the star of the show: WordPress. Head over to the official WordPress website and hit the “Download WordPress” button. You’ll snag the latest and greatest version, ready to be unleashed on your Amazon Linux 2 server. It’s like inviting a celebrity chef to cook up a feast in your kitchen – excitement levels are soaring! 🍽️

Configuring WordPress 📝

Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter – configuring WordPress! 🧐

Once you’ve downloaded WordPress, you’ll need to set up the configuration file (wp-config.php). This file contains essential settings for your WordPress site, like database connection details and security keys. Don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward! Just follow the instructions in the file and fill in the necessary information. 🤓

Next up, you’ll create an administrative user. This is the user you’ll use to log in and manage your WordPress site. Choose a strong username and password to keep your site secure. 🛡️

And voila! You’re all set to test drive your WordPress site. Simply access the website’s URL in your browser, and you should see the familiar WordPress dashboard. Congratulations, you’ve successfully installed WordPress on Amazon Linux 2! 🎉

9. Testing WordPress 🔧

Once you’ve configured WordPress, it’s time to see if it’s working! Type in the URL of your website in your browser. You should be greeted by the familiar WordPress login page. Enter the username and password you set up earlier and hit “Log In.”

If you see the WordPress dashboard, congratulations! You’ve successfully installed WordPress on Amazon Linux 2. 🎉 You’re now ready to start building your website and sharing your content with the world.

Conclusion

10. Additional Tips and Resources

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed WordPress on Amazon Linux 2. Now, let’s explore some additional tips and resources to enhance your WordPress experience:

• Security: Keep your WordPress installation secure by regularly updating it, using strong passwords, and implementing security plugins.
• Performance: Optimize your WordPress site for speed by using caching plugins, optimizing images, and minimizing unnecessary plugins.
• Customization: Personalize your WordPress website with themes and plugins to match your brand and style.
• Support: Join the WordPress community forums or hire a WordPress developer for assistance with troubleshooting or customization.

Remember, WordPress is a powerful tool that offers endless possibilities. With the right knowledge and resources, you can create a stunning and functional website that meets your needs.

David Damstra

Business Leader and Business Developer, Project Manager and Full Stack Developer & Designer Creative Director, Brand Guardian, Minister of Company Culture Co-Author of Professional WordPress. Currently in Third Edition. Seasoned web developer using practical technology to rapidly create standards compliant dynamic websites. Experienced with web development, software development and systems and network management and consulting.