Announcing Duplicator WP-CLI Commands (And How They Speed Up Backups)
Looking for a smarter way to manage site backups? Explore Duplicator's new features, including customizable WP-CLI commands and permission settings!
Announcing Duplicator WP-CLI Commands (And How They Speed Up Backups)
Joella Dunn
Joella Dunn
John Turner
John Turner
Have you ever wished for a faster, more secure way to set up a WordPress site?
Welcome to the world of SSH installation.
SSH (Secure Shell) allows developers and system administrators to install WordPress directly from the command line. It’s like having a backstage pass to your server – quick, direct, and incredibly efficient.
This guide will walk you through every step of installing WordPress using SSH. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or an advanced user looking to level up your WordPress skills, you’ll find practical insights here.
We’ll cover everything from connecting to your server to configuring WordPress, all through secure, encrypted commands. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have the confidence to install WordPress like a pro!
Ready to dive in and unlock a faster WordPress installation method? Let’s get started.
Secure Shell (SSH) is a network protocol that lets you access and control a remote computer securely. Think of it like a secure tunnel between your local machine and a server.
Traditional internet connections are like sending postcards — anyone could potentially read them. SSH is more like a locked, encrypted message that only the intended recipient can open.
When you use SSH, all communication is encrypted. Your login credentials, commands, and data transfers will be protected from potential eavesdroppers. Hackers see nothing but scrambled, unreadable information.
SSH ensures your connection remains private. Every piece of data is transformed into a complex code that can only be decoded by authorized parties.
Developers rely on SSH for everything from server management to software deployments. It’s their Swiss Army knife of remote computing.
The beauty of SSH is its simplicity and security. With just a few keystrokes, you can securely control a server thousands of miles away.
Let’s clear up a common misconception: WordPress itself doesn’t directly “use” SSH.
WordPress is a content management system that runs on web servers. It doesn’t inherently interact with SSH as part of its core functionality. Instead, SSH becomes a tool for managing WordPress behind the scenes.
Think of SSH as a backstage pass for your WordPress site. It doesn’t perform on stage, but it gives you critical access to set up, configure, and maintain your site.
Where SSH really shines is in WordPress management tasks. Tools like WP-CLI, a command-line interface for WordPress, rely heavily on SSH connections.
With SSH, you can:
You can use SSH to perform these tasks more efficiently than through a web interface. It’s faster, more precise, and allows for script-based automation.
So while WordPress doesn’t use SSH directly, SSH becomes an invaluable tool for WordPress site management.
Speed is the first major advantage. SSH installations are lightning-fast compared to traditional web-based methods. You can set up an entire WordPress site in minutes, not hours.
Security comes next. SSH provides an encrypted connection, protecting your credentials and data during the entire installation process.
Automation becomes a game-changer with SSH. Developers can create scripts that install WordPress consistently across multiple servers. Imagine deploying identical WordPress sites with just a few keystrokes.
Control is unparalleled. SSH gives you direct access to your server’s command line. You’re not limited by graphical interfaces or hosting control panel restrictions. Every aspect of the installation is at your fingertips.
Troubleshooting becomes easier. When something goes wrong, SSH allows you to dig deep into server configurations, run diagnostics, and resolve issues quickly.
For advanced users and developers, SSH isn’t just an installation method — it’s a powerful management tool.
Installing WordPress via SSH might sound intimidating, but we’ll break it down into simple, manageable steps.
Before you can install WordPress, you’ll need to establish a secure connection to your server. This is where SSH comes into play.
First, you’ll need your server’s connection details:
To connect, open your terminal (on Mac/Linux) or use a tool like PuTTY (on Windows). The basic connection command looks like this:
ssh username@hostnameReplace username with your actual server username and hostname with your server’s address. For example:
ssh john@mywebsite.comIf this is your first time connecting, you might see a security prompt asking if you want to continue. Type “yes” to proceed.
You’ll then be prompted for your password. Enter it carefully — SSH is case-sensitive.
Pro tip: SSH keys are more secure than passwords. To generate an SSH key, use the command:
ssh-keygen -t rsaThis creates a public and private key pair, allowing passwordless login and enhanced security.
If you encounter connection issues, check these common problems:
WP-CLI is a command-line tool that lets you interact with WordPress without touching a web browser.
Most developers consider WP-CLI essential for efficient WordPress installations and management. Think of it as an easy, fast way to control your WordPress site directly from the terminal.
To see if your server already has WP-CLI, use this command:
wp cli versionIf WP-CLI is installed, it will tell you what version is running.
To install WP-CLI for the first time, you’ll use a simple download command. Here’s how:
curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/wp-cli/builds/gh-pages/phar/wp-cli.pharThis downloads the WP-CLI installation file. Next, make it executable:
chmod +x wp-cli.pharThen, move it to a location in your system path:
sudo mv wp-cli.phar /usr/local/bin/wpTo verify the installation, run:
wp --infoYou should see a screen displaying WP-CLI version information and system details.
Pro Tip: WP-CLI works on Linux and macOS. Windows users might need additional setup or use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
If you encounter any issues during installation, double-check your PHP version and system permissions. WP-CLI requires PHP 5.6 or later.
Now you’ll have no trouble installing WordPress using WP-CLI. You also won’t have to worry about file downloads or complicated extraction processes.
Use this WP-CLI command to download the latest WordPress version:
wp core download --path=/path/to/your/wordpress/installationReplace /path/to/your/wordpress/installation with the actual directory where you want WordPress installed. This could be something like /var/www/mysite or /home/username/public_html.
If you want a specific WordPress version, you can add a version parameter:
wp core download --version=6.3 --path=/path/to/your/wordpress/installationFor developers who prefer more control, you can also manually download WordPress using wget:
wget https://wordpress.org/latest.tar.gz
tar -xzvf latest.tar.gzA few quick tips:
Every WordPress site needs a database. This is where all your posts, pages, users, and settings will live.
First, you’ll need to create a MySQL database. Most hosting control panels offer this through phpMyAdmin, but we’ll focus on command-line methods.
Log into MySQL as the root user:
mysql -u root -pThen create a new database for WordPress:
CREATE DATABASE wordpress_db;Create a dedicated database user with a strong password:
CREATE USER 'wordpress_user'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your_strong_password';Grant this user full privileges on the new database:
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON wordpress_db.* TO 'wordpress_user'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;Now it’s time to link WordPress with your newly created database. WP-CLI makes this process straightforward.
Use this command to create your wp-config.php file:
wp config create --dbname=wordpress_db --dbuser=wordpress_user --dbpass=your_strong_password --dbhost=localhostReplace the placeholders with your actual database details:
If you prefer manual configuration, you can also edit the wp-config.php file directly. Each database credential plays a crucial role:
This is the final step in your SSH WordPress installation. You’re about to bring your site to life.
Use WP-CLI to install and configure WordPress with this command:
wp core install --url=yourdomain.com --title="Your Site Name" --admin_user=yourusername --admin_password=your_secure_password --admin_email=your@email.comReplace these placeholders with your specific details:
After running this command, WordPress is fully installed and ready to go. You can now log into your WordPress admin dashboard using the credentials you just created.
SSH WordPress installations aren’t always smooth sailing. Connection problems often stem from simple mistakes like incorrect login credentials, firewall restrictions, or outdated SSH configurations.
Always double-check your username, hostname, and ensure your IP isn’t blocked.
Permission errors can halt your installation in its tracks. The key is understanding file and directory permissions.
Use chmod commands to set the right access levels for WordPress files. Typically, chmod 644 for configuration files and chmod 755 for directories will resolve most permission-related headaches.
Compatibility issues with PHP versions or missing system dependencies can cause unexpected errors. A quick system check (verifying your PHP version and reinstalling WP-CLI) often resolves these technical hiccups.
Database connection problems are usually credential-related. Verify every detail: database username, password, hostname, and ensure the MySQL service is running. A single typo can prevent WordPress from accessing its database.
Enable SSH on WordPress by accessing your hosting account’s control panel and finding the SSH section. Activate SSH and copy the SSH credentials provided. Use an SSH client like PuTTY or Terminal to connect to your server using these credentials.
Download WordPress: Go to WordPress.org and download the latest version of WordPress. Extract the ZIP file to your computer.
Set Up FTP Access: Install an FTP client like FileZilla. Connect to your server using the FTP credentials provided by your hosting provider.
Upload WordPress Files: Navigate to the public_html (or equivalent) directory in your FTP client. Upload the extracted WordPress files into this directory.
Create a Database: Log in to your hosting control panel (like cPanel) and create a MySQL database. Note the database name, username, and password.
Run the WordPress Installer: Open your browser and go to your domain. The WordPress setup wizard will launch. Enter your database details when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Login and Configure: Once installed, log in to your WordPress dashboard and start customizing your site!
With these steps, you’ll have WordPress running on your FTP server in no time.
If you’re encountering SSH permission issues on your WordPress site, here’s how to resolve them:
1. Verify File Permissions
Use the ls -l command to check file and directory permissions. WordPress recommends:
Adjust permissions using this command:
bash
chmod 644 filename
chmod 755 directoryname
2. Check File Ownership
Ensure files and directories are owned by the correct user. For most setups, the web server user (e.g., www-data or apache) should own the WordPress files. Update ownership with:
bash
chown -R www-data:www-data /path/to/wordpress
3. Update SSH Keys
Make sure your public key is added to the ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file on the server.
Check that the private key on your local machine has the correct permissions:
bash
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/id_rsa
4. Check SSH Configuration
Ensure sshd_config on your server allows key-based authentication:
bash
nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Confirm PubkeyAuthentication yes is set and restart SSH:
bash
service ssh restart
5. Test the Connection
Use ssh -v user@server for a detailed log to debug any remaining issues.
If these steps don’t resolve the problem, consider reaching out to your hosting provider for further assistance.
No, SSH (Secure Shell) is far from obsolete. It remains a cornerstone of secure remote access, file transfers, and system administration. SSH is widely used by developers, sysadmins, and hosting providers for its encryption and versatility.
Here’s why SSH is still relevant:
While newer technologies like Zero Trust Networking and remote desktop solutions offer alternatives, SSH remains unmatched for its lightweight, reliable, and secure functionality. It’s a critical tool in modern infrastructure management.
Setting up WordPress on localhost is a great way to test and develop your site. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Install a Local Development Environment
Download and install a tool like XAMPP, WAMP, or LocalWP. These tools include PHP, MySQL, and Apache/Nginx needed to run WordPress.
2. Download WordPress
Go to wordpress.org and download the latest WordPress package. Extract the files to the directory for your local server.
3. Set Up a Database
Start your local server and open phpMyAdmin (usually at http://localhost/phpmyadmin).
Create a new database (e.g., wordpress_local).
4. Configure WordPress
Open your browser and go to http://localhost/your-folder-name.
Follow the installation wizard. Enter the database name, username (root by default), and leave the password field blank (or as configured in your local setup).
5. Complete Installation
Fill in the site details like title, username, and password, then click Install WordPress.
You can now access your local WordPress site at http://localhost/your-folder-name.
Installing WordPress via SSH offers unprecedented control and efficiency. While the process might seem technical, it becomes straightforward with practice.
After you get familiar with SSH, you can simplify website backups with Duplicator’s new WP-CLI commands!
For quick backups, use this command: wp duplicator build
Duplicator will automatically back up your entire website. If you open your site dashboard, the new backup will be on the Backups page.
Use this command to learn how flexible Duplicator’s WP-CLI commands are:
wp duplicator build -- help
You’ll learn how to customize backups, the location your backups are saved, and the archive engine for creating your backups. All of this from the WordPress command line interface!
Whether you’re a developer looking for precision or a site owner wanting reliability, combining SSH skills with Duplicator can transform your WordPress management experience.
While you’re here, I think you’ll like these extra WordPress guides:
Ready to simplify your management tasks? Upgrade to Duplicator Pro for WP-CLI commands, automatic backups, drag-and-drop migrations, and more!
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