This is the final post of this series that will detail the final steps of my experience switching from Apache to Nginx webserver. If you don’t already know, I’ve switched to Nginx webserver from Apache to host my WordPress blog. There were no particular reasons why I switched. Apache works great with WordPress and didn’t have any issues it.
So maybe my reason for switching was just to try something new because of all the good things I’ve read about Nginx. Now, if you don’t have any good reason for switching to Nginx webserver to run your blog, please don’t do it.
Before I started the process of switching to Nginx, I backed-up my web content and database files. Part One detailed the steps carefully. In Part One of this series, I created a backup of my WordPress content and its MySQL database. I then copy the data to an external Amazon Cloud Server because I wanted to completely rebuild the server.
In Part Two, I rebuilt the primary server, installed Nginx, PHP and MySQL database server, and then restored the web content and database file. You can read it here. In this this post (Part Three), I am going to detail the steps to verify and make sure WordPress will run on Nginx and PHP.
So, starting from where we left off in Part Two, we’re going to test if PHP is installed and ready. To do that, create a test file in the document root with the content below.
sudo vi /var/www/wordpress/test.php
Next, enter the content below into the file and save it.
<?php
phpinfo();
?>
Next, open a web browser and browse there to test PHP. If you see the page below, then PHP is working.
yourdomain.com/test.php
You’ll also notice Nginx is functioning if you see the page below when you type localhost in your browser.
If these two services are functioning, all you have to do is extract WordPress content in the root directory. Our root directory is at this location: /var/www/wordpress
Next, open WordPress’ wp-config.php file and make sure the database name, user and password match what you created. When you’re don’t, open your browser and type localhost and WordPress will display its content.
That’s it! You’ve completely switched to Nginx webserver.Enjoy~!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of switching from Apache to Nginx for hosting Wordpress?
Switching to Nginx can potentially improve website performance, scalability, and load times due to its efficient architecture and handling of concurrent connections.
How can I back up my Wordpress content and database files before switching to Nginx?
To back up your Wordpress content and database files, you can use plugins like UpdraftPlus or manually export your database through phpMyAdmin and copy your files to a secure location.
What steps are involved in installing Nginx, PHP, and MySQL for hosting Wordpress?
The process involves installing Nginx web server, PHP, and MySQL database server on your server, configuring them to work together, and then restoring your Wordpress content and database files.
How can I test if PHP is properly installed and working on my Nginx server?
You can create a test PHP file in your document root with phpinfo() function, access it via a web browser, and if you see the PHP info page, then PHP is installed and working correctly.
What is the significance of testing Wordpress functionality on Nginx and PHP after migration?
Testing ensures that your Wordpress site is running smoothly on the new Nginx server with PHP, helping to identify any compatibility issues or errors that may need to be addressed.
How can I verify that Nginx is functioning properly after migrating my Wordpress site?
You can check if Nginx is working by accessing your domain in a web browser and confirming that the server responds correctly without any errors or issues.
What should I consider before deciding to switch from Apache to Nginx for hosting Wordpress?
Before making the switch, consider factors like your current server setup, technical expertise, compatibility with existing plugins, and the potential benefits Nginx offers for your specific website needs.
Are there any specific reasons to switch to Nginx from Apache for hosting Wordpress?
While Apache is a popular choice for hosting Wordpress, some may consider switching to Nginx for its performance optimizations, better handling of high traffic, and potential for improved website speed.
