Development

Are you looking to simplify your WordPress website? Perhaps you’re finding your dynamic website too slow, or maybe you’ve realized there’s a lot of the back end you don’t need. To resolve those issues, you can generate a static version of your website. This can help boost its performance and security. Although we wouldn’t recommend static sites for every use case, they can be a great option for small websites that don’t need updating often.  In this post, we’ll start by discussing the differences between static and dynamic websites. Then we’ll show you three ways to build a static WordPress […]

Serving your website over a secure connection is important for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and data protection. That’s why it’s a good idea to configure your site to use HTTP/2. However, figuring out how to go about it can be tricky. The good news is that you can complete the process in a few simple steps. You’ll need to check whether your server currently supports the latest HTTP protocol, then run a few commands to enable it (assuming your service provider hasn’t already done so). In this post, we’ll explain what HTTP/2 is and its benefits. Then, we’ll discuss how […]

If you aim to build plugins for WordPress, making use of Git workflows can be extremely beneficial, especially to foster collaboration. However, figuring out how to set everything up is a challenge when you’re new to the process. Perhaps you’ve never seen Git before and don’t know how it works? Or maybe you’re unsure as to how it use it with Local?  Today, we’ll go over all of that. This post will discuss what Git is and how it works, then show you how to use it in Local. You will learn how to install Git, create a Git repository […]

In a recent article for The WP Minute, I shared my newfound appreciation of WordPress as an open source project and my commitment to giving back. I believe that WordPress is for everyone – from the most technical to the least. It is, after all, intended to democratize publishing. In this article I’d like to break down why no-code or low-code contributions to WordPress are vital to the project, ideas for tracking & celebrating those types of contributions, and how anyone can get started contributing to WordPress. Why no code contributions to WordPress matter As mentioned above, the WordPress community […]

Conducting site backups on a regular basis, whether local or in the cloud, can be a time-consuming task. So much so, that many site owners will forego it altogether, which can lead to significant data loss and even lost revenue. And then, all that concern over time lost performing backups seems like small potatoes compared to the time and money lost when your data vanishes into thin air.  Luckily, making use of a straightforward backup tool can save you time and effort, and ensure the safety of your data with minimal fuss.  The Cloud Backups add-on for Local (aka Local […]

Although you may use WordPress for absolutely everything, there may be occasions where you break away from the CMS for one reason or another. And if Local is your tool of choice for offline development, you might think you have to switch to a different one because you can’t use it without WordPress. Thankfully, that’s not the case.  Today, we’ll show you how to set up and use Local to without WordPress. We’ll discuss what other types of sites you can build with Local, how to access the files and database you need to do it, how to save this […]

One of the great features of Local is its ability to import and export websites. This is, of course, useful to move a local site to a live server and vice versa or to move a local installation to another computer. If you do this with any other server (local or live), it usually involves copying the entire WordPress file system, exporting and importing the database, and changing the MySQL credentials inside wp-config.php so WordPress can connect to the database. You also have to replace the mentions of the old site URL inside the database. Working with Local makes this […]

Local WordPress environments are perfect for developing new projects, testing updates, and debugging sites. Depending on which type of local environment you use, you might even get access to debugging tools that your web host doesn’t provide. However, you may not know how to use them effectively if you’re just getting started. Free options like Local offer useful resources that can enable you to troubleshoot your WordPress website. It gives you access to tools for testing outbound email functionality, live reloading, and even a link checker. In this article, we’ll explain why you may want to use a local environment […]

Creating a unique WordPress-based website can be a time-consuming process. If you are a web developer with dozens of clients, you’ll repeatedly be undertaking the same tasks. As a freelancer, this precious time could be better used elsewhere. One solution to this problem is Local, formerly known as Local by Flywheel. This is a tool that streamlines your offline WordPress development workflows. While plenty of other solutions do this, Local is particularly easy to use, and offers many time-saving features. Best of all, it’s completely free. In this post, we’ll explain what Local is and discuss its advantages for freelance […]

This is the concluding article in a series I’ve been writing on accessible web experiences. In the first article, “Why Do We Develop Accessible Web Experiences?” I discussed the “why” of accessible digital design. In “Building a Better Blueprint,” I covered creating personas, user journeys, sitemaps, and wireframes consistent with universal design principles. In “ARIA: 5 Best Practices for Screen Readers and Other Assistive Devices,” I shared techniques for making web experiences accessible for screen readers and other assistive devices. In “How to Talk to Your Clients About Why Website Accessibility Matters,” I offered some advice on how to discuss […]