How to Install Codeigniter on a Local Server in 2025?

CodeIgniter continues to be a popular PHP framework due to its speed, simplicity, and powerful features. In 2025, setting up CodeIgniter on a local server is an efficient way to test and develop your applications before going live. This guide walks you through the installation process step-by-step.

Prerequisites

Before you proceed with the installation, ensure that your local server environment meets the following requirements:

PHP Version: PHP 8.0 or later
Database: MySQL (or compatible)
Server: Apache or Nginx
Composer: Installed globally
CodeIgniter Version: Latest stable version

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Setting Up Your Local Server

If you haven't already set up a local server, you can use packages like XAMPP, WAMP, or MAMP. These come with Apache, MySQL, and PHP pre-installed.

Download and Install:
- Go to the respective website of your preferred local server package.
- Follow the installation instructions provided on their site.
- Start the Apache and MySQL services.

Step 2: Download CodeIgniter

Visit the CodeIgniter official download page and download the latest version.

Alternatively, you can use Composer to create a new project:

composer create-project codeigniter4/appstarter my-project

Step 3: Configuring Your Environment

Once downloaded and extracted, navigate to the project directory.

Rename the .env.example file to .env:
```
mv env.example .env
```
Set the Base URL:
- Open the .env file and set the app.baseURL to http://localhost/my-project/.

Step 4: Database Configuration

Open app/Config/Database.php and configure your database settings:

public $default = [
    'DSN'      => '',
    'hostname' => 'localhost',
    'username' => 'root',
    'password' => '',
    'database' => 'your_database_name',
    'DBDriver' => 'MySQLi',
    'DBPrefix' => '',
    'pConnect' => false,
    'DBDebug'  => (ENVIRONMENT !== 'production'),
    'cacheOn'  => false,
    'cacheDir' => '',
    'charset'  => 'utf8',
    'DBCollat' => 'utf8_general_ci',
    'swapPre'  => '',
];

Step 5: Running CodeIgniter

Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost/my-project/. If everything is set up correctly, you'll see the CodeIgniter welcome screen.

Further Configuration

Redirect Protocols

To secure your application by redirecting HTTP to HTTPS in CodeIgniter, you can read this guide.

URL Management

For customization of CodeIgniter URLs using .htaccess, follow this tutorial.

URL Redirection

Learn how to redirect pages within CodeIgniter by visiting this page.

DateTime Formatting

Understand how to set DateTime formats in CodeIgniter forms by reviewing this article.

Managing Arrays

To learn how you can create new arrays from multiple arrays in CodeIgniter, check this resource.

By following these steps, you should have a fully functional CodeIgniter setup on your local server. This setup will enable you to develop efficient web applications with quick testing capabilities. Happy coding!