Ah deploying a WordPress site developed locally.
It’s a rite of passage for any developer and like most things in life there are multiple ways to achieve that perfect launch.
I’ve been working with WordPress for years and while I’ve seen my fair share of methods there’s one that’s truly risen to the top – Local Connect.
But let’s not jump ahead.
I’ll take you through the whole journey from the tried-and-true SFTP method to the latest and greatest options including migration plugins and Local Connect itself.
SFTP: The Traditional Route
Let’s start with the fundamentals the good ol’ SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol). It’s like the trusty hammer in a toolbox.
You might not use it for every job but it’s always there when you need it.
SFTP allows you to transfer files securely between your local machine and a remote server.
Think of it like sending a package; you need the right address and a secure way to deliver it.
In this case your local machine is the sender the remote server is the recipient and SFTP is the secure delivery service.
The Process: Files and Databases
Now when we talk about deploying a WordPress site we’re essentially moving two things: the site files and the database.
Your WordPress site files are all those folders and files that make up the structure of your website.
These files are usually housed in a directory like /var/www/html/ on a server.
Your database stores all the content: posts pages comments users and so on.
Transferring Files with SFTP Clients
For the file transfer you can use a dedicated SFTP client like FileZilla or Cyberduck.
These handy tools create a connection between your computer and the server allowing you to browse and transfer files.
They’re like your digital movers for the files making sure everything gets to the right place safely.
To transfer your files using SFTP you’ll need to know the server address (hostname) username password and port number.
Your web host will provide you with these details.
Once you have the connection established you can navigate to the local directory containing your site’s files and drag and drop them to the appropriate directory on the server.
Handling the Database: A Different Story
The database part is a bit more involved.
Your database isn’t just a bunch of files.
It’s a structured collection of information and you need a database management tool to interact with it.
Think of it as a sophisticated filing system.
For transferring your database you’ll need access to a database management tool usually phpMyAdmin provided by your web host.
Once you’re in phpMyAdmin you’ll find a way to import the database file you’ve exported from your local environment.
It’s like filling the filing cabinet with the data from your local system.
The SFTP Conundrum: Pros and Cons
The SFTP method while straightforward has its limitations.
Pros:
- Direct Control: You have full control over what you’re transferring. You can selectively move individual files or folders which is helpful if you’re working with large websites or need to exclude certain files.
- Flexibility: It’s not tied to any specific plugin or service so it works with any web host or server environment.
- Cost-effective: No need for expensive plugins or paid migrations.
Cons:
- Manual Process: It’s a bit laborious requiring manual file transfers and database import which can be time-consuming.
- Error-Prone: Manual handling can lead to errors especially if you’re dealing with large datasets or complex configurations.
- Not Ideal for Frequent Updates: It’s not the best solution if you need to deploy changes frequently as you’ll have to repeat the process each time.
Migration Plugins: Simplifying the Deployment
If you’re looking for a more streamlined approach migration plugins are a good alternative to SFTP.
These handy tools automate much of the process making it easier and faster to move your site from your local environment to a live server.
Popular Migration Plugins: A Guide
There are several great migration plugins out there.
All-in-One WP Migration WP Migrate DB and Duplicator are among the most popular.
They each have their unique features but they generally work in a similar way.
Using All-in-One WP Migration for Deployment
Let’s take All-in-One WP Migration as an example.
It’s a user-friendly plugin designed to make backup and migration tasks a breeze.
- Exporting from Local: Install and activate All-in-One WP Migration on your local WordPress site. You can then export your site’s files and database to a file. The plugin gives you the option to exclude certain files or folders if needed.
- Importing to the Live Server: Install and activate All-in-One WP Migration on your live WordPress site. Then upload the exported file you created from your local site and import it. The plugin will handle the file transfer and database import for you.
Migration Plugins: A Balancing Act
Migration plugins offer a handy way to simplify the deployment process.
Pros:
- User-friendly: Easy to use even for beginners.
- Automated Process: Less manual work reducing the risk of errors.
- Faster Deployment: Can be significantly faster than using SFTP.
Cons:
- Limited Functionality (free versions): Free versions often have file size limits or require paid extensions for advanced features.
- Plugin Dependency: Requires installing and managing an additional plugin on both the local and live sites.
- Potential Compatibility Issues: Ensure the plugin is compatible with your web host and WordPress version.
Local Connect: The Ultimate Deployment Solution
Now here comes the magic of Local Connect the solution that truly changed my workflow.
It’s designed for seamless deployment to popular managed WordPress hosting providers like WP Engine and Flywheel.
Connecting Your Sites: Building a Bridge
Local Connect acts as a bridge between your local environment and your chosen host.
It’s like a dedicated expressway for your website allowing for fast and effortless deployment.
To get started you’ll need to connect your local site to your WP Engine or Flywheel account.
Local Connect makes this process easy and secure.
Pushing to the Live Environment: One-Click Deployment
Once connected you can click the “PUSH” button to deploy your local site to the live server.
It’s as simple as that!
Local Connect: Streamlining the Workflow
Here’s why Local Connect is my preferred method.
Pros:
- Simplicity: It’s the most automated and user-friendly way to deploy a site.
- Speed: Deployment is incredibly fast saving time and effort.
- Security: The connection is secure ensuring the safety of your site data.
- Convenience: No need to worry about file transfer or database imports.
Cons:
- Limited Hosting Support: Currently it only works with WP Engine and Flywheel.
- Plugin Dependency: Requires the Local application installed on your computer.
Choosing the Right Deployment Method: Finding Your Fit
So which deployment method is right for you?
- If you prefer complete control and flexibility SFTP is a solid choice.
- If you want to automate the process and make things easier migration plugins are a good option.
- If you’re using WP Engine or Flywheel and value simplicity Local Connect is the way to go.
Remember there’s no single “best” method.
The ideal approach depends on your individual needs and preferences as well as the specifics of your project.
Beyond Deployment: Continuous Integration and Delivery
Once you’ve got the basics down you can dive deeper into continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) practices.
CI/CD automates the process of building testing and deploying your website making it faster and more efficient to push updates and new features.
With CI/CD you can set up a workflow where code changes automatically trigger tests and deployments.
This approach ensures that your site is always stable secure and up-to-date.
There are several tools available to help you implement CI/CD such as GitHub Actions CircleCI and Jenkins.
Conclusion: Mastering WordPress Deployment
Deploying your WordPress site effectively is crucial for a smooth launch and ongoing development.
Start by understanding the fundamental concepts: transferring files and databases.
Then choose the deployment method that best suits your project and needs.
Whether you go with SFTP a migration plugin or Local Connect there’s a solution to simplify and speed up your deployment process.
And don’t forget you can always level up your workflow by exploring CI/CD practices.
By embracing automation and continuous integration you’ll unlock a whole new level of efficiency and productivity in your WordPress development journey.