Why start zc on the local computer first?

I purchased the Zen Cart book by Hoek.

Before getting it, I started to install my ZC on a host server and seem to be doing pretty well up to this point. However, I have not had to change any code up to this point; just have changed Admin.

However, the book says you should install ZC on your local machine first. The entire book seems to be in that mode. Then in the last chapter it says that now your should move your zc from your local computer to the server.

I am sure it is the correct way to do it but can someone tell me why.

Thanks

It's not so much "the correct" way as a very good way...

Two benefits are:
You can do your setup work in a safe place, out of public view, where screwups don't matter, and

Making template or other changes to files can be much faster and easier when everything is on a local machine.

The "out of public view" becomes very important when you are upgrading an operating shop with regular traffic.

I take a differing view of this as running with differing OS configurations can impact to an extent, what you will see when you transfer to a web server.

I prefer to develop on a web server - site can be placed on maintenance for most of the development and by entering your IP in the admin > config > maint area you can see the frontend. Site is not available for general viewing.

Get the site working acceptable as soon as possible even if not completely final as you will begin to be listed in Google and others and they will return often as you change and add product.