# Installing Habari

> Install Habari, a lightweight PHP blogging platform, on your hosting account by uploading its files and running setup.

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

**Habari** is an open‑source blogging platform written in PHP. It’s lightweight, standards‑compliant, and designed to be a modern alternative to traditional blogging systems. Habari requires **manual installation** on your hosting account.

## Why Use Habari?

- Clean, modern codebase with support for PHP 7+.
- Extensible with plugins and themes.
- Focused on simplicity and speed.
- Compatible with all **ruachost.com** hosting accounts.

## Steps to Install Habari Manually

1. **Download Habari.**

   - Visit the official project page: Habari CMS.
   - Download the latest `.zip` or `.tar.gz` release.
2. **Extract Files.**

   - Unzip the downloaded package locally.
   - The extracted folder will contain Habari installation files.
3. **Upload Files to Your Hosting Account.**

   - Use FTP or File Manager in cPanel to upload the extracted files.
   - Place them in the `public_html` directory if you want Habari at the root (e.g., `example.com`).
   - Alternatively, upload to a subdirectory (e.g., `example.com/blog`).
4. **Create a MySQL Database and User.**

   - 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 — you’ll need them during installation.
5. **Run the Installer.**

   - In your browser, go to the installation URL:

     - If installed in root → `http://example.com`
     - If installed in a subdirectory → `http://example.com/blog`
   - The Habari installation wizard will appear.
6. **Configure Database Settings.**

   - Enter the database details you created:

     - **Database Name** → your database name
     - **Username** → your database user
     - **Password** → your database password
     - **Host** → `localhost`
7. **Create Admin Account.**

   - Enter an **Admin Username**, **Password**, and **Email Address**.
   - This will be your login for the Habari dashboard.
8. **Finalize Installation.**

   - Click **Install Habari**.
   - Once installation completes, you’ll be redirected to the Habari dashboard.
   - You can now configure themes, plugins, and start publishing content.

> **Note:**
- Habari is compatible with all **ruachost.com** accounts.
- Always use strong admin and database passwords.
- Keep Habari updated to prevent vulnerabilities.
- Consider enabling automatic backups for added protection.