Completing the web-based installation processfor Drupal 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11

Home » Drupal Fundamentals » Completing the web-based installation process
Last updated :  
8.x , 9.x , 10.x , 11.x

Introduction

After configuring your settings.php for a secure and efficient database connection, your Drupal site is ready to be brought to life! The web-based installation process will walk you through finalizing your site setup, choosing configurations, setting up administrative accounts, and more. This lesson will guide you through each step to ensure your Drupal site is perfectly configured and ready for use.

Prerequisites

Before beginning the web-based installation process, ensure that you have:

  • Completed the settings.php configuration with verified database credentials.
  • Proper server setup with access to a web browser for accessing your site.

Accessing the Drupal Installation Script

To initiate the web-based installation process:

  1. Open a web browser and navigate to the URL of your Drupal site. For local installations, this can be http://localhost/drupal.
  2. You should see the Drupal installation welcome screen, confirming your setup is ready for the installation process.

Steps in the Web-Based Installation Process

1. Choose Language

Drupal supports multiple languages, offering localization support:

  • Select your preferred language from the available options.
  • If your desired language is not listed, you have the option to install additional language packs post-installation.

2. Verify Requirements

Drupal will conduct a system requirements check:

  • All server configurations and PHP settings will be verified for compatibility. Any issues will be highlighted, requiring resolution before proceeding.

3. Set Up Database

Input your database information:

  1. Enter the database name, username, and password configured in your settings.php.
  2. Ensure that your database connection details match those in your server configuration.

4. Configure Site

Enrich your site with basic configurations:

  • Site Name: This will appear in the browser title and site header.
  • Site Email Address: Used for notifications and administrative purposes.

5. Set Up Administrator Account

Create the primary administrative user:

  1. Enter a unique username and a strong password that meets security best practices.
  2. Provide an administrative email to receive site notifications and password reset links.

6. Configure Region-Specific Settings

Specify regional preferences:

  • Default Country: Set the country your site will primarily serve.
  • Time Zone: Choose the time zone for operations. This affects timestamp data displayed on your site's content.

Finalizing the Installation

Once you have passed through each section and provided the necessary details, click "Save and continue" to complete the installation. This process may take a few minutes as Drupal installs the required components and sets up your site infrastructure.

Confirming Installation Success

To ensure a successful installation:

  • Access your site's homepage to verify that it loads correctly.
  • Log in with your administrative account to access the Drupal dashboard. This dashboard is your command center for all site management tasks, from updating content to managing users.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues during the installation:

  • Check your settings.php file for any typographical errors or incorrect credentials.
  • Ensure all server requirements and PHP extensions are installed and properly configured.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the Drupal web-based installation process, equipping you with a live, functioning site. This foundational knowledge empowers you to now delve into more advanced Drupal features and customizations.

Next Lesson Preview: Using DDEV or Lando for Local Drupal Sites

In our next lesson, we will explore how to utilize development tools like DDEV or Lando for setting up local Drupal environments. These tools significantly streamline the development process, enabling you to work more efficiently and effectively in test environments. Stay tuned for an in-depth exploration!