How to Move a Joomla Site From Localhost to Live Server

Developing and testing your website in a local environment before its public debut is a commendable approach. It not only prevents potential errors but also significantly streamlines the developmental phase. If you're unsure about setting up a local test site, you might want to check out our tutorial on how to install Joomla on localhost.

Assuming you have a Joomla site perfectly set up on your localhost, the next thrilling step awaits - making it live. While the process might seem daunting at first, with the right steps, it's simpler than it appears.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every stage of migrating a Joomla website from a local setup to a live server. So, let’s dive right in!

Securing a Trustworthy Web Hosting

Before any migration, there's a crucial initial step. Have you got yourself a web hosting provider yet? If not, that’s your starting line.

Choosing a web hosting provider isn't something you should rush into. It's vital to carry out a thorough analysis to ensure you settle for a reliable web host. Remember, a sluggish server or frequent downtime can deter potential visitors and negatively impact your online venture. While there are numerous hosting options tailored to specific regions, our top picks for global reliability are DigitalOcean, SiteGround, and HostGator.

Besides hosting, a domain name is also indispensable. It acts as your online address, helping visitors find and remember your site. Once you've nailed down a catchy domain and trustworthy hosting, the bulk of the setup process is behind you. Next up, the actual migration!

Choosing Your Joomla Migration Path

Generally, there are two recommended approaches to transplanting your Joomla website from localhost to a live server:

1. Manual Migration
2. Utilizing a backup extension, such as Akeeba Backup

Both methods have their pros and cons. We'll delve into the details of each to help you select the one that aligns with your comfort level.

Method 1: Manually Migrate Joomla Site to a Live Server

Though the manual method demands a tad more attention than its counterpart, it's an invaluable skill for any Joomla user. Once mastered, it can also be applied to transfer sites between servers. Let’s dissect this method step by step to ensure a seamless migration:

Step 1: Relocate Your Root Files

Your migration journey commences with transferring the root files of your localhost Joomla site to the live server. Here's a systematic way to achieve this:

1. Navigate to your local server's root directory, typically labeled as htdocs, or its equivalent based on the web server solution you’re using.
2. Locate the folder containing all the Joomla installation files of your site.
3. Archive these files into a ZIP format.
   

   

4. Using an FTP client, connect to your web hosting account and access the server's root directory, commonly named www or public_html.
5. Select the appropriate directory, upload the ZIP archive, and subsequently, extract it, releasing your local installation files onto the server.

Step 2: Transition the MySQL Database Content

Post file transfer, the next action item is your Joomla site's database migration. Given that Joomla extensions and most configurations reside within the database, utmost caution is paramount during this phase.

1. Export the Local Database:
   

   

   • Access http://localhost/phpMyAdmin on your local server.
   • Select your site's database and navigate to the Export tab, opting for the Custom export method.
   • Initiate the export process, which will download a .sql file to your machine.
2. Import Database to the Live Server:
   

   

   • If your hosting utilizes cPanel, launch the MySQL Database Wizard to generate a fresh database. Alternatively, for VPS users, establish a new database through the command line. Most hosting dashboards also offer an inbuilt database manager.
   • Once the new database is ready, select it and search for the import function.
   • Use this function to upload and integrate the earlier downloaded .sql file.
   • Upon successful import, your Joomla database is now part of the live server.

Step 3: Tweaking the Joomla configuration.php File

Last but not least, some modifications in the Joomla configuration.php file are necessary to mirror the new server details.

1. Go to the Joomla directory on your live server and pinpoint the configuration.php file.
2. Update or verify the following segments:
   • public $host = 'localhost'; - Typically remains unchanged.
   • public $user = 'root'; - Modify to your live server's database username.
   • public $password = ' '; - Insert the new database password here.
   • public $db = 'joomla_database'; - Alter to reflect your live server's database name.
   • Also, locate and adjust the paths for logs and tmp directories, aligning them with your live server's respective paths.
     

     public $log_path = 'C:\\MAMP\\htdocs\\joomla\\administrator/logs';
     public $tmp_path = 'C:\\MAMP\\htdocs\\joomla/tmp';

3. Save the changes, and with that, you're almost set to welcome visitors to your Joomla site on its new live server home!

Step 4: Troubleshooting Broken Images and Defective Links

Upon migration, if you encounter images that aren't displaying or links that lead to nowhere, remain calm. Such issues are typical when moving a website between servers due to path discrepancies. The solution usually involves adjusting the URLs and paths of these resources to ensure they point to the new server location. Checking the consistency of your URLs and ensuring relative paths can mitigate such issues in the future.

Bravo! Your Joomla site has now been seamlessly transferred to the live server.

Method 2: Harnessing the Power of Akeeba Backup for Joomla Site Migration

Akeeba Backup stands as a robust alternative for migrating your Joomla site. It offers a comprehensive solution that encapsulates both the backup and restoration processes. By deploying this tool, you can meticulously create a backup of your website's database and files. Subsequently, Akeeba Kickstart will assist in restoring the site to a different server. Let's explore this process in detail:

Step 1: Procuring and Installing Akeeba Backup

Begin your migration journey by downloading the most recent version of Akeeba Backup. Once you've secured the .zip file, proceed to your Joomla admin dashboard. Within the dashboard, navigate through Extensions > Manage > Install. Here, under the 'Upload Package File' tab, introduce the previously downloaded file. This action will integrate Akeeba Backup into your Joomla ecosystem, setting the stage for the next steps.

Step 2: Conducting a Comprehensive Backup

With Akeeba Backup now a part of your toolkit:

1. Access the Joomla dashboard and navigate to Components followed by Akeeba Backup.
2. Commence the backup procedure by clicking on "Backup Now". The duration is contingent on the data volume and intricacy of your site; expect anywhere from a swift minute to a longer span.
3. Upon its conclusion, gravitate towards "Manage Backups". Here, select the "Download" option to acquire the backup locally.

This action results in a .jpa file, an archive containing your site's data, saved to your local storage.

Step 3: Securing Akeeba Kickstart

At this juncture, it's pivotal to download Akeeba Kickstart. Though the downloaded package contains multiple files, your focal point should be the kickstart.php file, which will play a cardinal role in the restoration process.

Step 4: Shifting Files to the Destination Server

Armed with your hosting interface or an adept FTP client, pinpoint the desired web directory. Now, transport the .jpa file (sourced from step 2) and the kickstart.php file to this directory. This step ensures all necessary data and scripts are in place for the subsequent migration stages.

Step 5: Curating a Database on Your Host

In this pivotal step, harness the prowess of your hosting control panel or the designated database management system. Your objective is to establish a fresh database. This new database will act as a receptacle for the myriad data contained within the .jpa file.

Step 6: Launch the Kickstart Installer

You're on the home stretch! Open a browser and type in your domain followed by /kickstart.php (like example.com/kickstart.php).

Proceed with:

1. Choosing your .jpa archive from Step 2.
2. Selecting the extraction method and hitting "Start".
3. Upon successful unpacking, you'll be prompted to execute the installation process.

During the installation:

1. A server compatibility check will be performed. Address any discrepancies flagged.
   
2. Replace the pre-filled database information with the new details you configured in Step 5.
   
3. Proceed through the installation. Upon completion, make sure to delete the installation directory to ensure security.

After these steps, you should have full access to your site, both on the frontend and backend.

In Conclusion

Having traversed the migration journey, your site is primed to captivate your audience. Should uncertainties arise or should you yearn for avant-garde design components, peruse cool features in SP Page Builder, a plethora of templates, and bespoke extensions. These tools, steeped in modern design paradigms, empower you to craft a web presence that resonates, even in the absence of coding proficiency. In the face of challenges, steadfastness and patience reign supreme. For queries, feedback, or guidance, our channels remain ever-open. Here's to your digital success!

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