Install WordPress on Ubuntu Server: Local VMware Development Setup

This guide provides a streamlined method to install WordPress on Ubuntu Server using a local VMware environment. By using the ez_wp_setup automation script, you can deploy a fully functional development environment with zero latency and snapshot recovery capabilities.

1. Prerequisites and Downloads

To begin the quick WordPress installation, download the following industry-standard components:

• Hypervisor: VMware Workstation Player (Free)

• Operating System: Ubuntu Server 25.10

• Automation Script: ez_wp_setup for Ubuntu

2. VMware Virtual Machine Configuration

Proper resource allocation ensures stability during the Ubuntu WordPress setup:

1. Open VMware and select Create a New Virtual Machine.

2. ISO Image: Select the Ubuntu Server 25.10 file.

3. Hardware Specs: * RAM: 2GB (Minimum recommended for MySQL/MariaDB).

• CPU: 2 Cores for optimal PHP processing.

• Storage: 20GB Virtual Disk.

4. Network Settings: * Bridged: Assigns a dedicated local IP (Best for external device testing).

• NAT: Shares the host IP (Best for unstable network environments).

3. Ubuntu Server OS Installation

Install a minimal version of Ubuntu to keep the WordPress server lightweight:

• Disk Setup: Use the entire disk with LVM.

• SSH Server: Ensure Install OpenSSH Server is selected during the software selection phase.

If the service is missing post-installation, run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install openssh-server -y
sudo systemctl enable --now ssh

4. SSH Connection and Remote Management

Connecting via SSH allows for efficient command execution and script deployment.

1. Navigate to the VMware menu: VM -> SSH -> Configure or Connect.

or do it manually

2. Retrieve the server IP address (on VM terminal):
   ip a

3. Establish the connection from your host terminal:
   ssh username@YOUR_VM_IP
   
   

5. Automated WordPress & MySQL Deployment

The fastest way to install WordPress on Ubuntu is using the ez_wp_setup automation. This script handles the stack configuration automatically.

Execute the following command to install the database and prepare the environment:

curl -sSL [https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Evgenii-Zinner/ez_wp_setup/master/install_fresh_mysql.sh](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Evgenii-Zinner/ez_wp_setup/master/install_fresh_mysql.sh) -o setup.sh && chmod +x setup.sh && sudo ./setup.sh

Key Advantages for Developers

• Fast Deployment: Complete the WordPress Ubuntu installation in under 10 minutes.

• Snapshot Recovery: Use VMware snapshots to roll back failed configurations instantly.

• Local Sandboxing: Test themes and plugins without affecting live DNS or hosting environments.