Install Zen Cart Online Store

Revised 3 minutes, 42 seconds read By Edward
Fully Installed Zen Cart 2.1.0 Default Front Page

Setup Zen Cart In Two Ways

Learn how to install Zen Cart Shopping Cart from the command line and graphically.

Zen Cart is a free and open source PHP online store management system for creating, modifying and publishing website content. Online Stores require and SSL Certificate when handling sensitive data such as customer data or payment details. It is recommended to always use an SSL Certificate.

Zen Cart has to be installed on a web server.

Download And Install Zen Cart

Download

Zen Cart can be downloaded from Zen Cart. Then the downloaded file is extracted directly on the server or locally before individual files are uploaded if applicable.

HTTP Server

Zen Cart requires an HTTP server such as NGINX or Apache in order to deliver web content over the internet. The HTTP server must include the server-side PHP programming language as an extension.

Database

Zen Cart requires one of the following databases and their applicable PHP extension.

  1. MySQL or compatible database such as MariaDB and its compatible PHP MySQL Extension.

Perform MySQL Database Requirements

CREATE DATABASE dbname;
CREATE USER 'username'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON dbname.* TO 'username'@'localhost';

Zen Cart System Inspection
Zen Cart Installation Screen Showing System Inspection Results

Zen Cart System Setup
Zen Cart Installation Screen Showing System Setup Settings

Zen Cart Database Setup
Zen Cart Installation Screen Showing Database Setup Settings

Zen Cart Admin Setup
Zen Cart Installation Screen Showing Admin Setup Settings

Zen Cart Completed Setup
Zen Cart Installation Screen Showing Completed Setup With URLs For Front-end and Back-end


Conclusion:

Zen Cart is easy to install once you meet all the requirements for the server and database. Install Zen Cart Online Store using the command line or graphically using a web browser and PHPMyAdmin.

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References:

About Edward

Edward is a software engineer, web developer, and author dedicated to helping people achieve their personal and professional goals through actionable advice and real-world tools.

As the author of impactful books including Learning JavaScript, Learning Python, Learning PHP, Mastering Blender Python API, and fiction The Algorithmic Serpent, Edward writes with a focus on personal growth, entrepreneurship, and practical success strategies. His work is designed to guide, motivate, and empower.

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