WordPress has introduced Studio by WordPress, a new local development tool designed to simplify the process of developing and updating websites right on your desktop or laptop. This tool is not only beneficial for publishers but also for those looking to learn how to use WordPress. Here’s a deep dive into Studio and other platforms that facilitate desktop-based WordPress development.
Local Development Environments
Local Environments function as virtual hosting spaces on your desktop, allowing you to set up a WordPress site. They are perfect for experimenting with new themes and plugins without affecting a live site or risking accidental indexing by Google. They also provide a safe space for testing plugin updates to identify any conflicts before making changes on a live website.
Studio is now a part of the lineup of popular local development environments tailored for WordPress. While advanced platforms offer greater flexibility and options, they may present a steeper learning curve for non-developers.
Desktop WordPress Development Environments
Several local environments are specifically geared towards WordPress development. These dedicated environments simplify the process of getting started with WordPress, making them ideal for users who need to focus solely on WordPress sites.
Studio by WordPress.com
Studio is an open-source project that allows developers and publishers to set up a WordPress site on their desktop for designing, testing, or learning purposes.
As per the WordPress announcement:
“Say goodbye to manual tool configuration, slow site setup, and clunky local development workflows, and say hello to Studio by WordPress.com, our new, free, open-source local WordPress development environment.
Once you have a local site running, you can access WP Admin, the Site Editor, global styles, and patterns, all with just one click—and without needing to remember and enter a username or password.”
The objective of Studio is to provide a simple and fast way to create WordPress sites on the desktop. It’s currently available for Mac, with a Windows version on the way.
Other Popular WordPress Local Development Environments
DevKinsta
DevKinsta, created by Kinsta, is another specialized development environment for quickly designing and testing WordPress sites on the desktop. It’s a popular choice among developers and offers a focused toolset for creating WordPress sites. DevKinsta is especially beneficial for those serious about WordPress development or eager to learn the latest Gutenberg Blocks environment.
Local WP
Local WP, developed by WP Engine, is tailored for WordPress users and offers a range of useful features for developing and testing websites.
Useful Features of Local WP:
- Image Optimizer: Optimize images on your desktop.
- Upload Backups: Upload backups to Dropbox and Google Drive.
- Link Checker: Scan for broken links offline without impacting live site performance.
- Import & Export Sites: Import and export WordPress site files to test new plugins or themes locally before implementing changes on live sites.
Advanced Local Development Environments
Several advanced local development environments aren’t WordPress-specific but are still useful for WordPress site design and testing.
DDEV with Docker
An open-source application that simplifies the use of Docker containers for setting up content management systems, eliminating the need to navigate Docker’s learning curve.
Laragon
A free local development environment praised for its ease of use and intuitive design. It’s an alternative to tools like XXAMPP and WAMP, though not specific to WordPress.
Mamp
Popular among advanced coders, Mamp is available for both Mac and Windows. David McCan, a WordPress trainer, notes its ease of setup and comprehensive features, including the capability to clone sites and test new plugins and beta versions of WordPress.
WAMP and XAMPP
WAMP is a Windows-only development environment, favored by developers and WordPress theme/plugin creators. XAMPP is a PHP development platform compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows desktops.
So Many Local Development Platforms
Studio by WordPress.com presents an exciting new option for local WordPress development, but it’s worth exploring other solutions to find the best fit for your needs.
Consider reading more about Studio by WordPress to understand its full potential.
Featured Image by Shutterstock/Wpadington.
