Can I install locally before putting it on my server?

[DownUnderScraps]

I have not been here before so not sure on this.
I was told I can install zen cart on my computer to work on it before uploading to sever A2, but I dont know how to do this.
Can you please help

[swguy]

You'll need to start by installing WAMP. http://ampps.com/wamp

[torvista]

Yes you can and should have your shop on a local machine to do your development work on, then upload the changes when you are convinced all is 100% working.
Search for "setup a local webserver", to find info relevant to your local machine. This is nothing to do with Zen Cart specifically.
When you have it set up, you install Zen Cart as if it were on your hosting.
I recommend you try and do what I outline here to make life easier in the future:
https://www.zen-cart.com/showthread....07#post1343307

[carlwhat]

creating an ideal work environment requires much time and energy, outside of the zen-cart stuff.

my work environment which makes roll-outs of bug fixes, upgrades very easy:

• on local machine install git, virtualBox and vagrant
• use scotchbox as a base box for vagrant (https://box.scotch.io/)
• get that box configured
• install ZC using shared folders for virtualBox. now you can edit ZC files on your local machine as opposed to your virtual machine.
• set up an account for code repository using github or bitbucket or something similar
• push git commits from local machine up to repository
• pull git commits to live webserver
• don't forget to use .gitignore for both configure.php files; as well as any potential image files, etc.

this work environment requires energy, but for me, it makes development and pushing of new features to live sites very easy. it also provides a very clear audit trail with git of what one did.

good luck!

[DownUnderScraps]

Thank you all for the relies, much appreciated