If you’re looking to develop a website intended for a Linux server while working on a Windows machine, using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) can provide a seamless development experience. Here’s how you can set up a local development environment to host a Linux-powered site within Windows.
Setting Up Your Development Environment
Step 1: Install WSL 2
Begin by launching PowerShell and installing WSL 2. Use the following command:
wsl --install --no-distributionThis command installs the subsystem without a default Linux distribution.
Step 2: Install AlmaLinux 9
Next, for your Linux distribution, install AlmaLinux 9 from the Microsoft Store. This choice is beneficial as it mirrors the environment most web hosts use.
Step 3: Configure AlmaLinux
Find the AlmaLinux shortcut in Windows Search and launch it. The first time you open it, you’ll be prompted to set a username and password. Following that, update your system with:
sudo dnf updateThen set the root user password:
sudo passwd rootStep 4: Install Web Control Panel
Instead of using the paid cPanel, install Virtualmin and Webmin as a free alternative with the following command:
sudo sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://software.virtualmin.com/gpl/scripts/virtualmin-install.sh)" -- --bundle LAMPDuring installation, you might be prompted for a fully-qualified domain name; you can use a placeholder like host.example.com.
Step 5: Access Your Control Panel
After installation, copy the IP address followed by :10000, and paste it into your browser. You’ll likely encounter a “Your connection is not private” error; proceed past this alert.
Log in using root as the username and the password you assigned earlier. Follow the Post-Installation Wizard, making sure to choose or set a memorable password for MariaDB when prompted.
Step 6: Configure Virtual Server
In Webmin, select “Add new virtual server” and create a server with a domain name (like mysite) without top-level domains. This sets up your local file structure.
Step 7: Install Essential Applications
Using Virtualmin, navigate to “Manage Web Apps” and install any necessary applications, such as phpMyAdmin or WordPress if applicable.
Final Steps
Now, you can access your site via the format http://YOUR_IP_ADDRESS and manage your databases through http://YOUR_IP_ADDRESS/phpmyadmin. To simplify access, add an entry to your C:WindowsSystem32driversetchosts file linking your chosen site name to your local IP.
Lastly, grant permission to the public_html directory, where your website’s root files will reside:
sudo chmod -R 777 /home/mysiteYou can now add files to your website using File Explorer and view changes live in your browser. Just remember to keep an AlmaLinux WSL terminal open to maintain the webserver’s operation.
This approach allows for an efficient development process, simulating your production environment directly on your Windows machine, ensuring compatibility and ease of access throughout your development stages.
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