# Installing jCart manually

> Add jCart, a lightweight PHP and jQuery shopping cart, to your existing website by uploading and configuring its files.

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

**jCart** is a free, lightweight shopping cart application written in PHP and jQuery. It provides complete cart functionality such as product listings, checkout, and automatically updating totals. While some applications are available via Softaculous, jCart requires **manual installation** on your hosting account.

## Why Use jCart?

- Simple integration into existing PHP websites.
- Provides checkout and cart management features out of the box.
- Lightweight and easy to customize.
- Compatible with all **ruachost.com** hosting accounts.

## Steps to Install jCart Manually

1. **Download jCart.**

   - Visit the official project page: jCart on ConceptLogic.
   - Download the latest release `.zip` file (e.g., `jcart-1.3.zip`).
2. **Extract Files.**

   - Unzip the downloaded package on your local computer.
   - You’ll see a folder named `jcart-1.3`.
3. **Upload Files to Your Hosting Account.**

   - Use FTP or File Manager in cPanel to upload the `jcart-1.3` directory.
   - Place it inside your `public_html` directory.
4. **Test the Demo Store.**

   - In your browser, go to:

     - `http://example.com/jcart-1.3/index.php`
   - The demo store page will appear.
   - You can add items to the cart and test checkout functionality.
5. **Integrate jCart into Your Application.**

   - Follow the integration guide at jCart Installation Guide.
   - Include jCart files in your PHP pages.
   - Configure cart settings (currency, checkout options, etc.).

> **Note:**
- jCart is compatible with all **ruachost.com** accounts.
- Although **ruachost.com** servers support jCart, troubleshooting for application‑specific issues is not provided.
- Always use strong admin and database passwords if integrating with a backend.
- Consider enabling automatic backups for added protection.