Testing a new template on a live site

Hi folks,

I searched for an answer to this question but came up empty. I built a Zen Cart website for a client of mine a couple of years ago. He chose at the time to go with a free template that we found, but now we want to expand the site and create a custom template. I'm perfectly capable of doing this, but is there a way to test this template as I build it without overwriting what the visitor sees, since the site will still be live while I'm working on it? I know to test it, I obviously would have to switch the template in the admin section, but this would be a global change as far as I know. I'd rather no one saw the new template until it's perfect.

Is installing a duplicate cart on a testing server the best option, or is there a better way?

Thanks for any help!
-Chris

cmcdowellweb:

Is installing a duplicate cart on a testing server the best option

Not only the best, but is the only way. Most developers would use their own computer as their testing server. I'd suggest you consider the same.

Cheers
Rod