What is Local, and how do I get WordPress running on my computer?

Before you upload anything to a host, you need a WordPress to tinker with. The easiest option is Local (by WP Engine/Flywheel): a free desktop app that spins up a complete WordPress —server, PHP and database— on your own computer, with absolutely nothing to configure.

Where to get it: at localwp.com. There are versions for Mac, Windows and Linux.

Why it works so well for headless: it creates the site with a .local domain and its REST API ready instantly. This very project was built this way.

Things you’re going to like:

• One click to create a WordPress (you pick the PHP and MySQL version).
• Direct «Open site» and «WP Admin» buttons, no URLs to remember.
• Mailpit built in: it captures the emails WordPress sends, so you can test forms and emails without actually sending anything (exactly what we use here for the contact form).
• Direct access to the database and the logs.
• Live Links: share your local site with a temporary URL to show a client without deploying anything.
• Local SSL, changing the domain, cloning or exporting whole sites.

In short: it’s the ideal starting point to build your headless WordPress calmly before taking it to production.