How to install WordPress with custom settings on Plesk?
Introduction
Plesk will automatically assign the database name and username when you install an instance of WordPress using the WordPress Toolkit. However, you might need to define the custom settings that allow you to have more precise control over the environment. This tutorial describes how to deploy WordPress with your own preferred database configuration in two different ways.
Knowing Custom Installation Settings
Custom installation allows overriding the default database credentials. This can be used to keep your database names in order or to satisfy certain security policies. Plesk provides two ways to access the custom installation options of WordPress. The two paths will install WordPress using your manual settings.
Alternative 1: The WordPress Toolkit
The WordPress Toolkit is the main interface for all your WordPress sites, which is provided by Plesk. This toolkit allows you to install a custom installation.
Steps via WordPress Toolkit
- Go to Domains – You must first go to the Domains section in your Plesk interface. This shows a list of all your hosted domains.
- Choose Your Domain – Click the domain you want to install WordPress on (e.g., example.com) to open that domain’s main dashboard.
- Open WordPress Toolkit – Click the WordPress tab or option. This opens the WordPress Toolkit view for the selected domain.
- Installation Custom Installation – Click on Install, then select Install (Custom) from the options. Enter the database name and username that you want.
Alternative 2: The Application Catalog
Plesk Application Catalog will allow the deployment of numerous popular applications, including WordPress. It also offers the custom installation option.
Steps through Application Catalog
- Click on the Domains section to access your specific domain settings.
- Click the domain name to enter the control panel for this domain.
- Find the Applications menu and click on it. This page displays all the available applications you can install.
- Find WordPress in the Featured applications list – this is the application you need to install.
- Click on the drop-down next to the general Install button. From the menu that appears, select Install (Custom).
- You can now define all your custom installation preferences.
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Conclusion
Now you know how to install WordPress with custom settings in Plesk: either through the WordPress Toolkit or Application Catalog. They both allow you to control your database credentials. This customization of settings enhances security and order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why to use a custom database name?
A custom database name helps in easily identifying the database when you manage many installations. It is a best practice of improved organization and management of server resources.
Does a custom installation take longer than a standard one?
No. A custom install will only require a fast additional step of typing your desired database name and username, and then the installation process will begin.
Can I change the database name after WordPress is installed?
It is technically possible, but very complicated. It involves manual configuration file changes and is not recommended for general users.
What happens if I forget the custom database username?
You can usually find it recorded within your WordPress configuration file, which is called wp-config.php. You can access this file through the Plesk File Manager.
Does using custom settings affect website performance?
No. The process of defining a custom database name and a username has no effect on the performance or speed of your running WordPress site. It only changes the credentials used to access the database.
