Install WP-CLI on CentOS 7: A Comprehensive Guide

WP-CLI (WordPress Command Line Interface) is a powerful command line tool that allows you to manage and administer your WordPress sites and plugins right from the terminal. With WP-CLI, you can automate many repetitive tasks like installing and activating plugins, managing users, importing content, and more.

Installing WP-CLI on a CentOS 7 server unlocks powerful site management capabilities and efficiencies. Some key benefits include:

• Automating WordPress tasks like updates, backups, and deployments
• Controlling WordPress sites remotely via the command line
• Developing and customizing WordPress plugins and themes
• Managing WordPress in a development environment or for multiple sites

This comprehensive guide is ideal for developers, site owners, and system administrators who want to tap into the capabilities of WP-CLI on a CentOS 7 server. With step-by-step instructions and examples, you’ll be up and running with WP-CLI quickly.

Prerequisites

Before installing WP-CLI, make sure your CentOS 7 server meets these requirements:

• CentOS 7 version 7.0 or higher
• PHP version 5.4 or later with command-line access
• Basic understanding of the Linux command line
• Access to a CentOS 7 server as a non-root user with sudo privileges

You’ll also need to have WordPress already installed on your server. If not, refer to this DigitalOcean tutorial on installing WordPress on CentOS 7 first.

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Resources:

• Install Redis to Accelerate WordPress
• Discover JNews: The Best News Magazine Theme

Install WP-CLI on CentOS 7

There are two recommended methods for installing WP-CLI on CentOS 7:

Option 1: Using the WP-CLI Phar File

1. Download the latest stable WP-CLI Phar file:

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/wp-cli/builds/gh-pages/phar/wp-cli.phar

1. Make the file executable:

chmod +x wp-cli.phar

1. Move WP-CLI to /usr/local/bin for system-wide access:

sudo mv wp-cli.phar /usr/local/bin/wp

1. Verify the installation:

wp --info

This will output version information if WP-CLI was installed correctly.

Option 2: Install Using Composer

If Composer is already installed on your CentOS 7 server, you can use it to install WP-CLI globally:

composer global require wp-cli/wp-cli

Make sure to place the Composer bin directory in your PATH so the wp executable is found:

echo 'export PATH=""$PATH:$HOME/.composer/vendor/bin""' >> ~/.bash_profile

Then reload your profile and verify:

source ~/.bash_profile
wp --info

This will again output version information for WP-CLI.

Basic WP-CLI Commands

WP-CLI provides a vast range of commands for managing WordPress installs. Here are some of the most common and useful ones:

• wp core install – Install WordPress
• wp plugin install – Install plugins
• wp plugin activate – Activate plugins
• wp plugin deactivate – Deactivate plugins
• wp theme install – Install themes
• wp theme activate – Activate themes
• wp post create – Create new posts
• wp user create – Create new users
• wp db backup – Backup the database

And many more! Check out the WP-CLI command references for details on all available commands.

Advanced WP-CLI Techniques

Once you master the basics, WP-CLI unlocks even more powerful WordPress management capabilities:

• Manage multisite installations from the command line.
• Automate deployments by integrating WP-CLI with CI/CD tools like Jenkins.
• Develop custom WP-CLI commands to customize and extend WordPress.
• Run cron events, updates, migrations and more from the command line.
• Integrate with third party services like Stripe and Mailchimp using WP-CLI.

Check out the WP-CLI handbook for guides on advanced techniques.

Security Considerations

When using WP-CLI, keep these security best practices in mind:

• Keep WP-CLI updated to the latest version for security fixes.
• Use SSH keys for authentication instead of passwords when accessing servers remotely.
• Avoid running WP-CLI as the root user. Use a limited user account instead.
• Limit network access to the WP-CLI port when accessed remotely.

Carefully manage WP-CLI access and follow WordPress security best practices for secure site management.

Additional Resources

To take your WP-CLI skills even further, check out these resources:

• Official WP-CLI documentation – Command references, guides, and examples.
• WP101 CLI Video Course – Video introduction to WP-CLI.
• WP-CLI on GitHub – Report issues and contribute to the project.
• WP-CLI on WordPress.org – Discussion forums and support.

Conclusion

Installing WP-CLI on CentOS 7 unlocks powerful command line management for WordPress. With this comprehensive guide, you can quickly get up and running with WP-CLI and start automating WordPress administration.

The capabilities unlocked by WP-CLI are immense. Be sure to check out the additional resources mentioned to take your WP-CLI skills to the next level.

What are you using WP-CLI for on CentOS? Share your experiences in the comments!

FAQ

Q: Do I need root access to install WP-CLI?

A: No, you can install and use WP-CLI as a normal non-root user with sudo privileges. Avoid running WP-CLI with root access.

Q: Can I damage my site with WP-CLI?

A: WP-CLI is very powerful, so a mistake could damage your site. Make backups before using destructive commands. Overall, WP-CLI is safe if used properly.

Q: Where do I get help with WP-CLI commands?

A: Check the WP-CLI handbook and documentation for command references and examples. The WordPress.org forums and GitHub issues offer community support.

Q: Does WP-CLI work on multisite?

A: Yes! WP-CLI has full support for WordPress multisite networks, with commands tailored specifically for multisite management.

Q: Can I automate WP-CLI commands?

A: Yes, you can run WP-CLI commands in scripts or integrate them into deployment workflows using CI/CD tools like Jenkins. WP-CLI is ideal for automation.”