How to Migrate WordPress Site Using Docker Compose and Duplicator Plugin?

Migrating a WordPress site can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. But don’t worry! With the Duplicator plugin and Docker Compose, you can make this process much simpler.

In this post we will guide you through each step in a very comprehensive way, making it easy even for beginners.

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Why Use Docker Compose and Duplicator Plugin for WordPress Migration?

Migrating WordPress means moving your website from one server to another. It often involves moving files, databases, and settings, which can be tricky.

The Duplicator plugin helps by creating a backup of your entire site, making it easy to move everything at once.

Docker Compose, on the other hand, helps you manage all the parts of your WordPress site, like the website files and the database, in containers.

Combining these tools makes the migration process much faster and less prone to errors.

Read: WordPress Migration: How to Do it Manually Or With Plugins?

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Getting Started with Docker Compose

Like we have already mentioned earlier, the Docker Compose tool helps you organize and run multiple containers together.

For WordPress, you’ll usually need at least two containers: one for WordPress and one for the database (MySQL).

Step 1: Set Up Your Docker Compose File

The Docker Compose file (docker-compose.yml) is a simple text file that lists all the containers you need and how they should connect to each other. Here’s a basic example for WordPress and MySQL:

version: '3.1'

services:
wordpress:
image: wordpress
ports:
- "8000:80"
environment:
WORDPRESS_DB_HOST: db
WORDPRESS_DB_USER: exampleuser
WORDPRESS_DB_PASSWORD: examplepass
WORDPRESS_DB_NAME: exampledb
db:
image: mysql:5.7
environment:
MYSQL_DATABASE: exampledb
MYSQL_USER: exampleuser
MYSQL_PASSWORD: examplepass
MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: somerootpassword

– wordpress: This sets up your WordPress site.

– db: This sets up your MySQL database.

Step 2: Customize Your Setup

You can change the settings in the docker-compose.yml file to match your needs, like your database name, username, and password.

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Using the Duplicator Plugin with Docker

The Duplicator plugin creates a package (backup) of your WordPress site, including the database, themes, plugins, and all your settings. Here’s how to use it:

1. Install Duplicator Plugin: Go to your WordPress dashboard, search for “Duplicator” under plugins, and install it.

2. Create a Backup: Use the Duplicator plugin to create a package. This package will include all your site’s files and the database.

3. Place Backup in Docker Setup: Put the backup files into a folder in your Docker setup, such as wp-archive.

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Step-by-Step: Run Your WordPress Backup with Docker Compose

1. Prepare Your Backup: Make sure the backup files (created with Duplicator) are in the right directory, such as wp-archive.

2. Start Docker Compose: Open your terminal, navigate to the folder containing your docker-compose.yml file, and run:

docker-compose up

 This command starts all the containers listed in your docker-compose.yml file.

3. Access Your Site Locally: After starting Docker Compose, you can access your WordPress site on your local machine. Usually, you would go to http://localhost:8000 in your web browser.

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Common Pitfall: Database Connection Errors

While setting up, you might face issues connecting to the database. A common mistake is using ‘localhost’ or ‘127.0.0.1’ as the database host in the Duplicator setup wizard. Instead, use the name of the database container defined in the docker-compose.yml file, which is db in our example.

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Conclusion

By combining Docker Compose and the Duplicator plugin, migrating your WordPress site or setting up a local development environment becomes much easier. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these steps. If you encounter any problems, remember that plenty of support is available online, and you can always ask for help.

This approach not only saves time but also minimizes the risks of making mistakes during migration.

If you prefer to avoid the complexities of migrating your WordPress site yourself and want a seamless, smooth, and fast experience, consider partnering with a specialized WordPress hosting provider like WPOven.

Our team of WordPress experts, can handle the entire migration process for you, ensuring a hassle-free transition without the need for your involvement.

Let the professionals take care of everything, so you can focus on what matters most growing your website and business.

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