# Finding your website's configuration file

> Where WordPress, Joomla, Laravel, PrestaShop, OpenCart, Drupal, Magento and WHMCS keep their configuration file, with the database settings and site address.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/files/finding-your-websites-configuration-file/

Most website software keeps its database details, site address and main settings in one **configuration file**. You'll need it when you move a site, change a database password, or fix "Error establishing a database connection".

All paths below start from your website's folder, for example `public_html` for your main domain. In cPanel's **File Manager**, click **Settings** and tick **Show Hidden Files** to see files that start with a dot, such as `.env`.

| Software | Configuration file | Database settings |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **WordPress** | `wp-config.php` | `DB_NAME`, `DB_USER`, `DB_PASSWORD`, `DB_HOST` |
| **Joomla** | `configuration.php` | `$db`, `$user`, `$password`, `$host` |
| **Laravel** | `.env` (in the project folder, not `public`) | `DB_DATABASE`, `DB_USERNAME`, `DB_PASSWORD`, `DB_HOST` |
| **PrestaShop 1.7 and newer** | `app/config/parameters.php` | `database_name`, `database_user`, `database_password`, `database_host` |
| **PrestaShop 1.6** | `config/settings.inc.php` | `_DB_NAME_`, `_DB_USER_`, `_DB_PASSWD_`, `_DB_SERVER_` |
| **OpenCart** | `config.php` **and** `admin/config.php` | `DB_DATABASE`, `DB_USERNAME`, `DB_PASSWORD`, `DB_HOSTNAME` |
| **Drupal** | `sites/default/settings.php` | `$databases` array |
| **Magento 2** | `app/etc/env.php` | `'db'` section |
| **WHMCS** | `configuration.php` | `$db_name`, `$db_username`, `$db_password`, `$db_host` |
| **MyBB** | `inc/config.php` | `$config['database']` |
| **phpBB** | `config.php` | `$dbname`, `$dbuser`, `$dbpasswd`, `$dbhost` |

On Ruachost hosting, the database **host** is `localhost`, and database names and users start with your cPanel username, for example `cpuser_wp123`. See [Finding your database details](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/databases/finding-your-database-details/).

## Editing a configuration file safely

1. In File Manager, right-click the file and choose **Download** to keep a copy.
2. Right-click it again and choose **Edit**.
3. Change only the values between the quotes, and keep the quotes, commas and semicolons.
4. Click **Save Changes**, then reload your website.

If the site shows an error after saving, upload your saved copy to undo the change.

> **Caution:**
Configuration files contain passwords. Never share them publicly or leave copies (such as `wp-config.php.bak` or `wp-config.txt`) in your website's folder, where anyone could download them.

## Related articles

- [Fixing "Error establishing a database connection"](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/databases/error-establishing-a-database-connection/)
- [Moving a website to a new domain name](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/files/moving-a-website-to-a-new-domain-name/)