How to Set Up a Local WordPress Site: XAMPP vs Docker Compared

XAMPP

Last Updated: March 21, 2025

Looking to build WordPress websites without affecting live servers? A local WordPress development environment lets you create, test, and experiment with WordPress safely on your computer. This comprehensive guide compares the two most popular tools for local WordPress development: XAMPP and Docker.

Why You Need a Local WordPress Development Environment

Setting up WordPress locally on your computer provides several key advantages:

Faster development – No waiting for uploads or downloads
Risk-free experimentation – Make changes without affecting live sites
Cost savings – No hosting fees during development
Enhanced security – Test without exposing work-in-progress
Offline capabilities – Work anywhere, even without internet

XAMPP: The Traditional Approach to Local WordPress Development

What is XAMPP?

XAMPP stands for Cross-Platform (X), Apache (A), MariaDB (M), PHP (P), and Perl (P). It provides a comprehensive web server technology stack for creating a complete local development environment.

Key Features of XAMPP

Easy installation process with straightforward setup
Cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux
Bitnami integration for streamlined WordPress setup
Lightweight requirements with database and email management tools

Advantages of XAMPP

Versatility: Supports various web development stacks beyond WordPress
Extensive documentation: Benefits from comprehensive documentation and community support
Customization options: Allows developers to create custom configurations
Cost-effective: Completely free and open-source

Limitations of XAMPP

Manual configuration: Requires more hands-on setup than WordPress-specific solutions
Less intuitive interface: Lacks user-friendly controls for beginners
No WordPress-specific functionality: Missing features tailored for WordPress development

Docker: The Modern Approach to Local WordPress Development

What is Docker?

Docker uses containerization technology to create isolated environments for WordPress development, offering a more modular and consistent approach to local development.

Key Features of Docker

Containerization: Uses lightweight containers for isolated environments
Pre-built WordPress containers: Ready-to-use WordPress development images
Resource efficiency: Designed to be resource-efficient with minimal system impact
Cross-platform support: Available for Windows, Linux, and macOS

Setting Up WordPress with Docker: Step-by-Step

Download and Install Docker Desktop on your system

Create a WordPress Environment using Docker Compose

Configure Services in a docker-compose.yml file to define WordPress, database, and other services

Launch the Container by running docker compose up -d

Access Your Local Site through your browser using the configured port (typically 8080)

Advantages of Docker

Isolation: Each project runs in its own container, preventing conflicts
Consistency: Ensures the same environment across different machines
Scalability: Easily add services like Xdebug or phpMyAdmin as needed
Modern workflow: Integrates well with current development practices and CI/CD pipelines

Limitations of Docker

Learning curve: Requires familiarity with command-line operations and Docker concepts
Resource intensive: Docker Desktop can consume significant system resources
Complexity: Setting up advanced configurations may require deeper technical knowledge

XAMPP vs Docker: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	XAMPP	Docker
Ease of Setup	Straightforward installation but manual WordPress configuration	More initial setup but automated WordPress deployment
Performance	Good performance but less isolated	Better isolation and consistent performance across environments
Flexibility	Supports various web technologies	Highly modular with ability to add/remove services as needed
Resource Usage	Lightweight standalone application	Can be resource-intensive depending on configuration
WordPress-Specific Features	Limited WordPress-specific functionality	Can be configured with WordPress-specific tools and plugins
Learning Curve	Easier for traditional web developers	Steeper for those unfamiliar with containerization
Community Preference	Traditional choice, still widely used	Growing preference among modern developers (as of 2025)

Real Developer Experiences

LocalWP User

“I am using LocalWP by Flywheel, it is pretty good, nice UI too.”

Docker Enthusiast

“Node (within the docker container) to build theme assets, composer to manage WordPress core + plugins and other dependencies. I built something similar to Roots’ Bedrock for project boilerplate, custom starter theme and in-house mu-plugin within it.”

LocalWP Critique

“Local by Flywheel was great, but it was quite slow on my system and recent features haven’t really been targeted at advanced/experienced users.”

Best Practices for Local WordPress Development

Regardless of which tool you choose, following these best practices will enhance your local WordPress development workflow:

Version Control

Use Git to track changes to your WordPress projects

Database Management

Regularly back up your local databases

Environment Parity

Match your local environment with your production server

Plugin Management

Use composer or similar tools to manage WordPress plugins

Security Testing

Test security vulnerabilities locally before deployment

Performance Optimization

Test site performance locally before pushing to production

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners: XAMPP or Docker?

XAMPP is generally easier for beginners with less technical experience, as it has a more straightforward installation process and doesn’t require command-line knowledge. Docker offers more power and flexibility but comes with a steeper learning curve. If you’re just starting, XAMPP might be the better choice, but investing time in learning Docker will pay off in the long run.

How do I move a site from a local environment to a live server?

The process involves exporting your database, copying your WordPress files, and configuring the new environment. Some local WordPress development tools have partnerships with specific hosting platforms, allowing you to push local sites directly to a live server if you have an account with those web hosts. Otherwise, you’ll need to manually migrate the site’s files and database, ensuring all addresses are updated correctly.

Can I run multiple WordPress sites locally using these tools?

Yes, both XAMPP and Docker allow you to run multiple WordPress sites locally. With XAMPP, you’ll need to set up virtual hosts for each site. Docker makes this process easier through containerization, where each WordPress installation runs in its own isolated container. This prevents conflicts between different sites and allows for more efficient resource management.

What are the alternatives to XAMPP and Docker for local WordPress development?

Several alternatives exist including Local by Flywheel (now LocalWP), MAMP, WampServer, LAMP (for Linux users), Vagrant, and Laragon (Windows only). Each offers different features and levels of WordPress integration. LocalWP is specifically designed for WordPress with an intuitive interface, while options like Vagrant offer more flexibility for advanced users. Cloud-based alternatives like InstaWP are also emerging as options that don’t require local installation.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Local WordPress Development Environment

The choice between XAMPP and Docker for your local WordPress development ultimately depends on your specific needs:

Choose XAMPP if: You’re new to web development, prefer a simpler setup process, or need a lightweight solution for older computers.
Choose Docker if: You value project isolation, work on multiple sites simultaneously, need consistent environments across teams, or want to stay aligned with modern development practices.

Regardless of which tool you choose, establishing a local WordPress development environment will significantly improve your workflow efficiency, allowing you to build and test WordPress sites faster and with greater confidence.

Check us out for more at Softwarestudylab.com