This post marks the start of a new original series – The CodeX Files. Released around once a month, the posts will provide WordPress-related tips delivered in a personalized manner. By “personalized” I actually mean non-scientific with frequent mentions of non WP-related stuff such as video games, movies and TV shows. As the title suggests, focus of this particular entry is getting started with our favorite CMS. Much like everything else in life, learning WordPress requires motivation. Before you jump on the WordPress bandwagon ask yourself, “How bad do I want this?” If you’re prepared to dedicate your hard-to-come-by free time to WordPress, then sir/madam, welcome to the club. The next logical step would be to purchase a hosting package + domain and get started with installing WordPress. However, you don’t need to do that if you’re just looking to learn. There are applications for all major operating systems that allow you to setup a local server on which you can experiment with WordPress and all things web-related. Tom Ewer wrote an amazing article on using XAMPP with Windows (my personal choice). The article covers everything from installing XAMPP to installing actual WordPress. Once you get WordPress up and running my advice is to focus on the back-end, not themes (yet). To familiarize yourself with the Dashboard I recommend watching this short WP101 video. A nice way to keep it interesting is to start writing your own blog. Try writing and publishing a few posts using the stock Twenty Twelve theme or download a free theme from the themes directory. These simple tasks will teach you how to publish posts, use the text editor and how to install new themes. While writing try forcing yourself to use the “Text” editor. Doing so will increase your HTML skills and provide much more control over what is actually shown on the page. With the blog completed you’ll probably need a new challenge. Most people (myself included) work and perform best when they have a clear objective; something to focus on. Instead of researching and reading up on all things WordPress-related, start a project. Find a friend or a family member in need of a simple website, check the classifieds for non-profits looking for web developers or just come up with something you want to create for yourself. Bottom line, come up with a real-life goal. Goals makes it easier to complete the... Read more »
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