Taking Your Temporary Test Site Live with StackCP

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Updated on August 15, 2024

Reading Time: 2 min

StackCP Temporary URL #

Transitioning your temporary test site to a live environment is a crucial step in website development. Whether you are developing on StackCP and hosting elsewhere, or you are setting up a WordPress site within StackCP, the process involves specific steps to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s how you can go live with your site depending on your setup.

For Sites Developed at StackCP (Hosted Elsewhere) #

If you’ve been using StackCP’s temporary URL to develop your site but plan to host it elsewhere, you have two main options to go live:

1. Update Nameserver Records #

  • Point your domain to StackCP’s nameservers:
    • ns1.stackdns.com
    • ns2.stackdns.com
    • ns3.stackdns.com
    • ns4.stackdns.com

This method directs all traffic for your domain to StackCP’s hosting services, where your site is currently developed.

2. Update A Record #

  • Point your domain to the specific A Record in StackCP:
    • Navigate to Manage DNS within StackCP and update your domain’s A record to point to the IP address provided.

For WordPress Sites Hosted on StackCP #

If you’re developing a WordPress site on StackCP using a temporary URL, follow these steps to update your site’s URL:

Update WordPress URL Settings #

  • Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
  • Navigate to Settings > General.
  • Update the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) to your actual domain name.
  • This change prompts WordPress to use your domain instead of the temporary URL.

Update Database URLs #

  • Access phpMyAdmin from within StackCP.
  • Select your WordPress database.
  • Locate the wp_options table and browse its contents.
  • Find the siteurl and home options. Edit these entries to reflect your new domain name.

Additional Recommendations #

  • Backup Your Database: Before making changes, ensure you have a backup of your database saved off-site. This protects your data in case you need to revert any changes.
  • Review WordPress Documentation: For comprehensive guidance, review the Changing the Site URL article on WordPress.org.

Conclusion #

Taking your temporary or staging site live involves updating domain DNS settings or WordPress URL settings, depending on where and how your site is hosted. By carefully following these steps, you can ensure a seamless transition from development to live, making your site accessible to your audience under its permanent domain.