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Installing ExpressionEngine

ExpressionEngine is a powerful web publishing platform and content management system (CMS). Unlike many other apps in Softaculous, ExpressionEngine requires manual installation on hosting accounts.

Why Use ExpressionEngine?

Section titled “Why Use ExpressionEngine?”
  • Flexible CMS for blogs, e‑commerce, and enterprise sites.
  • Supports custom templates, channels, and advanced publishing workflows.
  • Strong developer community and plugin ecosystem.

Steps to Install ExpressionEngine (Manual)

Section titled “Steps to Install ExpressionEngine (Manual)”

  1. Sign up for an ExpressionEngine account.

    • Visit ellislab.com or expressionengine.com to download the software.
    • Choose either the free version or the paid version for full features.

  2. Download and Extract Files.

    • Download the .zip file to your local computer.
    • Extract its contents.

  3. Upload Files to Hosting Account.

    • Use FTP or File Manager in cPanel to upload the extracted files to your public_html directory.
    • Alternatively, upload to a subdirectory (e.g., example.com/ee).

  4. Create a MySQL Database.

    • In cPanel, use the MySQL Database Wizard to create a database and user.
    • Assign the user full privileges.
    • Note the database name, username, and password — you’ll need them during installation.

  5. Set File Permissions.

    • Connect via SSH or use File Manager.

    • Run the following commands to set correct permissions:

      Terminal window
      cd ~/public_html
      find . -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;
      find . -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;

  6. Run the Installation Wizard.

    • In your browser, go to http://yourdomain.com/admin.php.

    • The ExpressionEngine Installation and Update Wizard will appear.

    • Follow the prompts:

      • Accept license terms.
      • Enter webmaster email.
      • Provide database details (host: localhost, username, password, database name).
      • Create your admin account (username, password, email).
      • Set site name and theme (choose “None – Empty Installation” or “Agile Records” sample data).

  7. Finalize Installation.

    • Click Install ExpressionEngine Core!
    • Once complete, you’ll see a success message.
    • Bookmark your control panel and site URLs.

  8. Delete Installer Directory.

    • For security, remove the installer:

      Terminal window
      cd ~/public_html/system
      rm -rf installer

  9. Log in to Control Panel.

    • Use the admin credentials you created to access the ExpressionEngine dashboard.