# Installing CS-Cart

> Install CS-Cart on your hosting account by uploading its files, creating a database and running the installer.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/manual-installations/installing-cs-cart/

**CS‑Cart** is a powerful shopping cart application for building online stores. On **ruachost.com**, CS‑Cart is compatible with all hosting accounts, but it must be installed manually.

## Why Use CS‑Cart?

- Full‑featured eCommerce platform with product catalog, checkout, and payment gateway support.
- Extensible with add‑ons and themes.
- Multi‑vendor marketplace capabilities.
- Compatible with all **ruachost.com** hosting accounts.

## Steps to Install CS‑Cart Manually

1. **Download CS‑Cart.**

   - Visit cs-cart.com/download.
   - Save the latest `.zip` package to your computer.
2. **Upload Installation File.**

   - Use FTP or File Manager in cPanel to upload the `.zip` file to your `public_html` directory.
   - If you want CS‑Cart in a subdirectory (e.g., `example.com/cart`), create a folder under `public_html` and upload the file there.
3. **Extract Files.**

   - Log in via SSH or use File Manager.
   - Navigate to the directory where the file is located.
   - Run:

     ```bash
     unzip cscart_vX.X.X.zip
     ```

      Replace `X.X.X` with the version number you downloaded.
4. **Set File Permissions.**

   - Run the following commands in the extracted directory:

     ```bash
     find . -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;
     find . -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;
     ```
5. **Create a MySQL Database.**

   - In cPanel at **ruachost.com**, use the **MySQL Database Wizard**.
   - Create a database and user, then assign full privileges.
   - Note the database name, username, and password.
6. **Run the Installer.**

   - In your browser, go to the installation URL:

     - If installed in root → `http://example.com/install`
     - If installed in a subdirectory → `http://example.com/cart/install`
   - Accept the license agreement and click **Next Step**.
   - Enter database details, administrator email, and password.
   - Select language and optional demo data.
   - Click **Install**.
7. **Choose Licensing Mode.**

   - Select one of the following:

     - **Full** → Enter your license number.
     - **Trial** → Temporary evaluation mode.
     - **Free** → Limited free version.
8. **Finalize Installation.**

   - Once installation completes, you’ll see **Installation successfully finished**.
   - You can either close the installer or run the **Settings Wizard**.
9. **Post‑Installation Security.**

   - Delete the installation file you uploaded.
   - Restrict permissions on the configuration file:

     ```bash
     chmod 644 config.local.php
     ```

> **Note:**
- CS‑Cart installation is supported on all **ruachost.com** accounts.
- Always use strong admin and database passwords.
- Keep CS‑Cart updated to prevent vulnerabilities.
- Consider enabling automatic backups for added protection.