Can I create my site 'offline'?

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.

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.

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

Thanks.

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

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

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:

Hi Kobra,

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

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

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:

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