OpenCart is a content management system aimed at creating an online store. It is convenient, easy to operate and learn. Moreover, the system has powerful tools. How installation of OpenCart on various types of servers is going on will be discussed in this article.
Some useful information about the OpenCart online store management system
OpenCart allows you to quickly deploy a full online store. After installing OpenCart, just change the design template and configure the receipt of orders a little. Of the special advantages of this system, the following can be distinguished:
- open source code that guarantees transparency in security;
- good documentation and a large online community;
- multilingualism;
- the presence of built-in modules that can be supplemented;
- organization of tax calculation.
The system is undemanding to resources. It is enough to have on the server only a web server, a database and installed PHP. If everything is out of the box on the remote hosting, then to use the site on the local machine you will have to install everything manually. Or use ready-made products, for example, Denver.
Installing Denver on a computer
Denver (DNVR) is a gentlemanly web developer kit. This is a set of programs for deploying a web server on a local machine. It contains the Apache web server, PHP, MySQL and many other modules for working with sites locally.
Denver developers have tried to simplify the installation process as much as possible. It is enough to download the installer and run it. After installation, several shortcuts will appear on the desktop - starting, stopping and restarting the server.
A successful notification will inform you of a successful installation, on the page with which you can familiarize yourself with the current server configuration.
Integrating OpenCart into Denver and Configuring It
Now you need to download OpenCart from the official site. It is advisable to use the latest version.
Now you need to prepare Denver for installation of OpenCart. To do this, you must first create a folder for the files of the future site. The path looks something like this:
drive letter / home / website_name / www
This is where you need to copy files from the downloaded archive from OpenCart. Now you need to restart the server using the shortcut on the desktop. Then again, go to the localhost address and find the item “Establishing new databases ...” from the “Utilities” section.
The database settings menu opens, in which you need to fill in the required fields. Everything is simple here: all data is entered and a new database and user are created.
At this stage of the OpenCart installation, you can already go directly to the system. To do this, again you need to go to localhost and find "List of registered sites." Here you select the desired one and go to the "OpenCart Installation Wizard".
At the first step, the system will offer to read the license agreement. There is also a Continue button. Clicking on it will go to the next item. This is where the MySQL database configuration takes place. Here you need to enter the information that was entered at the initial stage of setup.
The last step is congratulations on your successful installation. It also contains a notification stating that for security reasons, you must delete the installation folder. You can do this manually by following the path to the site’s files.
Now the installation of the system can be considered completed.
Installing OpenCart Modules in a Simple Way
This process should be highlighted separately, since the correct installation of the module in OpenCart can be difficult for an unprepared user. The most common type of VQMod installation in OpenCart. Usually this type is indicated in the description of the module. If not, then you should look at the files inside the downloaded archive, and if there is a vqmod folder, then this is the case.
The VQMod installation technology should not relate to existing files, so the user may be alerted to the notification that they are being replaced.
Now in more detail. After downloading the archive, you need to unzip it. It has a folder with the main files. It should contain directories like admin, catalog, system and others.
The installation itself takes place by elementary copying the contents of the folder to the server. If Denver is used, then there is physical access, and you can do it manually. If the site is already hosting, you will have to connect to it via FTP.
After the copy is complete, go to the OpenCart admin panel. Here, the main menu is of interest, in which it is necessary to select "Modules" from the "Additions" section. A freshly copied module should appear in the list.
There is an install link opposite it, that is, an installation. Clicking on it activates this module. Depending on its type, a redirect to the settings page may occur. Now it remains to see how the module works live by going to the finished site.
Installation using OCMod
OCMod technology appeared in version 2.0. It is designed to simplify the introduction of modules into the system a little. Now you can install the module directly from the admin panel. Installation instructions are contained in the install.xml file of the installed module. It is his need to specify it as a download.
In this simple way, you can install modules like OCMod.
OpenCart and real hosting on a remote server
The placement of any website on the Internet is connected with the purchase of a hosting. This is the allocated space on the physical hard disk of the remote server. Depending on the configuration and type, it can cost differently. The cheapest is in the range of 1500-2000 rubles. in year. The following is a description of installing OpenCart on a hosting.
As in the case of Denver, you must first download the archive with the system. It is assumed that the user already has a purchased hosting and all its settings.
The archive is unpacked and uploaded via FTP to a remote server. Now you need to create and configure a future database. This can be done from the hosting control panel. Here, just as in Denver, the database name, username and password are indicated. If everything is in order, then after going to the registered Internet address, a window should appear with the first step of installing OpenCart.
A step-by-step installation is performed exactly as on the Denver. At each stage, data is filled in or statistics are displayed. As a result, a window with a notification about successful installation should appear.
Change templates and customize them
To install the template in OpenCart, you need, as in previous cases, download the archive with the design files. It is unpacked and copied to a remote or local server. In fact, this is the whole installation.
The user only needs to activate it and configure a little. To do this, go to the admin panel of the site. Now you need to go to the "System" section, the "Settings" item. Here you will need the “Shop” tab and its contents, or rather the settings for the current template. In the drop-down menu you need to select the installed one and save the changes.
In this simple way, the template is installed on OpenCart.
Conclusion
OpenCart is a fairly easy to maintain and install system. For its first online store and the development of site administration skills, it is perfect. At the same time, the system develops and acquires new functions and capabilities. Now with the help of it you can very quickly create your own online store in just one day.
The presence of a large number of ready-made modules and templates gives considerable scope for imagination, allowing you to realize all your creative potential.
A large Russian-speaking community will always come to the aid of a novice OpenCart user. A huge number of instructions and manuals will be able to step-by-step conduct on all points of installation, configuration and updates.