TYPO3 Glossary

Setup

TYPO3 Setup

Setting up TYPO3 might seem like a big task, especially if you're new to the platform. But don't worry! In this guide, I'll walk you through the process step-by-step, using simple language to help you get started with TYPO3.

What is TYPO3?

Before diving into the setup, let's quickly cover what TYPO3 is. TYPO3 is an open-source Content Management System (CMS) that allows you to build and manage websites. It’s powerful, flexible, and widely used by businesses and organizations of all sizes.

Step 1: System Requirements

Before installing TYPO3, make sure your server meets the following requirements:

  • Web Server: Apache or Nginx
  • PHP: Version 7.4 or higher
  • Database: MySQL 5.7 or higher, or MariaDB 10.2 or higher
  • Memory: At least 256MB of RAM (512MB recommended)

Step 2: Download TYPO3

You can download the latest version of TYPO3 from the official TYPO3 website. The download comes as a compressed file, which you'll need to extract on your server.

  1. Go to the TYPO3 website and download the latest stable version.
  2. Extract the downloaded file to your web server's root directory.

Step 3: Configure Your Database

TYPO3 requires a database to store your website's content and settings. If you don’t already have a database set up, you can create one using tools like phpMyAdmin or the MySQL command line.

  1. Create a Database: Use your preferred method to create a new database.
  2. Database User: Create a user and assign them to the database with full privileges.

Step 4: Run the TYPO3 Installer

Now, it's time to run the TYPO3 installer, which will guide you through the setup process.

  1. Open your web browser and navigate to your server’s URL where TYPO3 is installed.
  2. The TYPO3 setup wizard will start. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
    1. Database Connection: Enter the database details you set up earlier.
    2. Admin Account: Create an admin account for logging into the TYPO3 backend.

Step 5: Install Extensions

TYPO3 uses extensions to add extra features to your site. Some essential extensions include:

  • Fluid: TYPO3’s templating engine.
  • Extension Manager: Allows you to install and manage other extensions.

You can install extensions from the TYPO3 Extension Repository (TER) directly from the TYPO3 backend.

Step 6: Set Up Your Website

Once TYPO3 is installed, you can start building your website.

  1. Create a Site Package: This is a custom template for your site, which includes all your design and content.
  2. Add Pages: Start by creating pages for your site, such as Home, About, and Contact.
  3. Add Content: Use TYPO3’s content elements to add text, images, and other media to your pages.

Step 7: Final Checks

Before going live, make sure to:

  • Test Your Site: Check that everything works as expected.
  • Set Up SEO: Use TYPO3’s built-in tools or extensions to optimize your site for search engines.
  • Backup Your Site: Regular backups ensure that your content is safe in case of any issues.

Conclusion

Setting up TYPO3 is straightforward if you follow these steps. With your site up and running, you can now explore the many features TYPO3 has to offer. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you work with TYPO3, the more comfortable you'll become.