Can I create my site 'offline'?

[atjhza]

Hi there everyone.

I've downloaded the latest release of Zen and was wondering if I can create my site offline or do I need to have it running with my ISP?

Sorry if this is a bit basic!

Thanks.

[kobra]

Yes you can develop locally... Depending on the platform (PC or MAC) that you have and the OS that you run, there are available methods to run a WAMP service for a WIN environment that allows for the required services to run ZenCart Locally.

EasyPHP is one.

[atjhza]

Thanks for that. I've downloaded EasyPHP but am not sure what the next step should be. Can anyone help an idiot out............?

Thanks.

[superprg]

First step would be to make sure that php works.
On Windows machine
After installing EasyPHP, go to
C:\Program Files\Apache Group\Apache2\htdocs (checkout the paths, it might be different for you)
and place a file named phpinfo.php there with this code
<?
phpinfo();
?>

Try calling this via
http://localhost/phpinfo.php
If this works php works for you

[kobra]

Do you have a Windows machine?

Did you install easyphp?

Got to know where you are at to be able to guide your nexr step:

[atjhza]

Hi Kobra,

I'm running XP and have downloaded easyPHP but am lost how to proceed? An idiots guide would be really useful!

[JohnsonY]

Go try a more easy one Appserv this software will setup a local php server just keep press next and choice the path.

[kobra]

In any of them, it assumes that you have a basic knowledge of running a web site. You will have to use phpmyadmin to create a DataBase for ZenCart, you will have to load a copy of zencart to the easyphp/www/ directory and perform the Zencart install and provide the DB name etc, etc. When complete you have a local server that you can address through your browser. and you can "more" interactively customize your installation.

[bakdoor]

In any of them, it assumes that you have a basic knowledge of running a web site. You will have to use phpmyadmin to create a DataBase for ZenCart, you will have to load a copy of zencart to the easyphp/www/ directory and perform the Zencart install and provide the DB name etc, etc. When complete you have a local server that you can address through your browser. and you can "more" interactively customize your installation.

Kobra, I am already using EasyPHP to do developing work locally for my oscommerce store. I am considering a change to Zen. If I install Zen locally, will I have problems with it conflicting with the already installed osc store/db? The change to Zen would probably be a huge undertaking as my current store has over 5k of items, so I need to gather as much info as possible to make an educated decision on whether to proceed with Zen, or stick with osc.
Thanks for your time.
Tom