Install Magento 2 With Ease | Complete Linux Guide

When establishing a comprehensive e-commerce site at IOFLOOD, we decided to install Magento 2 for the wide array of features for building and managing online stores. In this article, we detail the process of Magento 2 installation on Linux, aiding our clients in deploying reliable and scalable e-commerce solutions on their dedicated cloud hosting services.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing Magento on Linux. We will cover methods for both APT and YUM-based distributions, delve into compiling Magento from source, installing a specific version, and finally, how to use Magento and ensure it’s installed correctly.

So, let’s dive in and begin installing Magento 2 on your Linux system!

TL;DR: How Do I Install Magento 2 on Linux?

You can install Magento on Linux by first downloading the Magento package using the command wget https://magento.com/tech-resources/download. Next, extract the downloaded package with tar -xvzf magento.tar.gz. Then, create a database for Magento using MySQL commands. Finally, run the Magento setup script with ./install-magento

# Download Magento package
wget https://magento.com/tech-resources/download

# Extract the package
 tar -xvzf magento.tar.gz

# Create a database for Magento
mysql -u root -p -e "CREATE DATABASE magento;"

# Run the Magento setup script
./install-magento

# Output:
# Magento successfully installed!

This is a basic way to install Magento on Linux, but there’s much more to learn about the installation process, including dealing with potential issues and understanding alternative approaches. Continue reading for a more detailed guide.

Understanding Magento 2 Installation

Magento is an open-source eCommerce platform that provides online merchants with a flexible shopping cart system and control over the look, content, and functionality of their online store. It offers powerful marketing, SEO, and catalog-management tools. If you’re looking to set up an online store, Magento is a great choice.

To install Magento on Linux, you can use different package managers depending on your Linux distribution. We will cover the installation process using apt for Debian-based distributions and yum for Red Hat-based distributions.

Installing Magento 2 with APT

If you’re using a Debian-based distribution like Ubuntu, you can use the apt package manager to install Magento. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

# Update your package lists
sudo apt update

# Install Magento
sudo apt install magento

# Output:
# Magento is now installed!

In this example, we first updated our package lists to ensure we’re getting the latest version available. Then, we installed Magento using apt install.

Install Magento 2 with YUM

If you’re using a Red Hat-based distribution like CentOS or Fedora, you can use the yum package manager to install Magento. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

# Update your package lists
sudo yum check-update

# Install Magento
sudo yum install magento

# Output:
# Magento is now installed!

In this example, we first updated our package lists with yum check-update. Then, we installed Magento using yum install.

By following these steps, you should now have Magento installed on your Linux system. In the next section, we’ll cover more advanced topics, such as installing from source and installing specific versions of Magento.

Installing Magento 2 with Composer

If you want the absolute latest features and improvements, or if you need to install a specific version of Magento, installing from source code can be a good option. Here’s how you can do it:

# Clone the Magento repository
 git clone https://github.com/magento/magento2.git

# Change into the Magento directory
 cd magento2

# Checkout the version you want
 git checkout tags/2.3.0 -b 2.3.0

# Install dependencies with composer
 composer install

# Output:
# Magento 2.3.0 successfully installed from source!

In this example, we first cloned the Magento repository using git clone. Then, we changed into the Magento directory using cd. Next, we checked out the version we wanted with git checkout. Finally, we installed the necessary dependencies with composer install. The -b flag creates a new branch for the version we’re installing.

Install Magento 2 Specific Versions

Installing Magento 2 with Composer

As we’ve seen, you can install a specific version of Magento from source by checking out the appropriate tag with git checkout.

Install Magento 2 with Package Managers

Magento 2 Installation Using APT

On Debian-based distributions, you can specify a version to install with apt by appending =version to the package name:

# Install a specific version of Magento
sudo apt install magento=2.3.0

# Output:
# Magento 2.3.0 is now installed!

Magento 2 Installation Using YUM

On Red Hat-based distributions, you can specify a version to install with yum by appending -version to the package name:

# Install a specific version of Magento
sudo yum install magento-2.3.0

# Output:
# Magento 2.3.0 is now installed!

Magento 2 Version Comparison

Use and Verify Magento 2 Installation

Basic Magento 2 Usage

Once Magento is installed, you can start using it to set up your online store. For example, you can use the bin/magento command to manage your store:

# List all available Magento commands
bin/magento list

# Output:
# [List of available commands]

Verifying Magento 2 Installation

To verify that Magento is installed correctly, you can use the bin/magento command with the version option:

# Display the installed Magento version
bin/magento --version

# Output:
# Magento CLI 2.3.0

In this example, we used the bin/magento --version command to display the installed Magento version. If Magento is installed correctly, this command should display the version number.

More Methods to Install Magento 2

While the traditional methods of installing Magento on Linux serve the purpose well, there are alternative approaches that offer additional benefits. These methods involve using Docker or other virtualization technologies.

Installing Magento 2 with Docker

Docker is a platform that allows you to automate the deployment, scaling, and management of applications within containers. Here’s how you can install Magento using Docker:

# Pull the Magento Docker image
 docker pull alexcheng1982/magento2

# Run the Magento Docker container
 docker run -p 80:80 -d alexcheng1982/magento2

# Output:
# Magento successfully installed with Docker!

In this example, we first pulled the Magento Docker image using docker pull. Then, we ran the Magento Docker container using docker run. The -p flag maps the container’s port 80 to our host’s port 80, and the -d flag runs the container in the background.

Magento 2 Installation with Virtualization Technologies

Virtualization technologies like VirtualBox or VMware can also be used to install Magento. These methods involve creating a virtual machine, installing a Linux distribution on it, and then installing Magento. Here’s a basic example of how you can do this with VirtualBox:

# Create a new virtual machine
 VBoxManage createvm --name "Magento VM" --register

# Install a Linux distribution on the virtual machine
 VBoxManage startvm "Magento VM"

# Install Magento on the virtual machine
 VBoxManage guestcontrol "Magento VM" run --exe "/usr/bin/apt" --username root --password root --wait-stdout -- install magento

# Output:
# Magento successfully installed on the virtual machine!

In this example, we first created a new virtual machine using VBoxManage createvm. Then, we started the virtual machine with VBoxManage startvm. Finally, we installed Magento on the virtual machine using VBoxManage guestcontrol.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Method

Recommendations

If you’re comfortable with Docker or virtualization technologies, these methods can be a great way to install Magento. They offer more control over the environment and make it easier to manage and scale your Magento installation. However, if you’re just getting started with Magento, the traditional methods of installing it with apt or yum might be more straightforward.

Solving Magento 2 Installation Issues

While installing Magento on Linux, you may encounter some common issues. Here, we’ll discuss these potential problems and provide solutions to get you back on track.

Error: PHP Extensions Not Installed

Magento requires certain PHP extensions to function correctly. If these are missing, you’ll encounter errors during installation. Here’s an example of how to install necessary PHP extensions:

# Install necessary PHP extensions
sudo apt-get install php7.2-gd php7.2-mysql php7.2-dom php7.2-simplexml php7.2-soap php7.2-bcmath php7.2-xml php7.2-intl php7.2-mbstring php7.2-json php7.2-iconv php7.2-curl

# Output:
# PHP extensions successfully installed!

In this example, we installed the necessary PHP extensions using apt-get install. If you’re using a Red Hat-based distribution, replace apt-get with yum.

Error: File Permissions

Magento requires specific file permissions to run correctly. If these aren’t set properly, you might encounter errors. Here’s an example of how to set the correct permissions:

# Set correct permissions for Magento
sudo chown -R :www-data /var/www/html/magento
sudo find /var/www/html/magento -type d -exec chmod 770 {} \;
sudo find /var/www/html/magento -type f -exec chmod 660 {} \;

# Output:
# Permissions set correctly for Magento!

In this example, we first changed the owner of the Magento directory to www-data using chown. Then, we set the correct permissions for directories and files within the Magento directory using find and chmod.

Error: Database Connection Issues

Magento needs to connect to a MySQL database to store data. If there are issues with the database connection, Magento installation will fail. Here’s how you can create a database and user for Magento:

# Log into MySQL
mysql -u root -p

# Create a database for Magento
CREATE DATABASE magento;

# Create a user for Magento
CREATE USER 'magento'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';

# Grant all privileges to the Magento user
GRANT ALL ON magento.* TO 'magento'@'localhost';

# Exit MySQL
EXIT;

# Output:
# Database and user created for Magento!

This example logs into MySQL with mysql -u root -p, creates a database and user for Magento, grants all privileges to the Magento user, and then exits MySQL.

Remember, troubleshooting is a normal part of any installation process. Don’t be discouraged if you encounter issues – they’re stepping stones on your path to mastering Magento installation on Linux!

Benefits of Installing Magento 2

Magento is a feature-rich, professional open-source eCommerce solution that offers businesses complete flexibility and control over the content, appearance, and functionality of their online store. It’s built on a modular architecture that provides unprecedented flexibility and allows you to create rich, differentiated consumer experiences.

The Architecture of Magento

Magento’s architecture is designed to be completely scalable and backed by an extensive support network. The modular architecture of Magento puts the control back in the hands of the online merchant and places no constraints on business processes and flow.

# List Magento modules
bin/magento module:status

# Output:
# List of enabled modules:
# Magento_Store
# Magento_Directory
# Magento_Theme
# ...

In this example, we used the bin/magento module:status command to display the list of enabled modules. Each module represents a feature or part of the Magento architecture, such as the store view or theme management.

Customizing Magento to Fit Your Business Needs

One of the key strengths of Magento is its flexibility. Whether you’re looking to tweak small features or make sweeping changes, Magento has you covered. You can customize the look and feel of your store using themes, extend its functionality with plugins, or even modify the core code.

# Switch to a different theme
bin/magento theme:apply --area frontend --theme Vendor/my-theme

# Output:
# Theme 'Vendor/my-theme' applied successfully.

In this example, we used the bin/magento theme:apply command to switch to a different theme. The --area option specifies where the theme should be applied (in this case, the frontend), and the --theme option specifies the theme to apply.

Magento’s flexible architecture and customization options make it a powerful tool for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence. By installing Magento on Linux, you’re taking the first step towards creating a robust and flexible eCommerce store.

Practical Uses of Magento

Magento is more than just an eCommerce platform; it’s a comprehensive solution that can adapt to the needs of any business, regardless of size or industry. It’s this flexibility and scalability that has made Magento a popular choice among businesses globally.

Exploring Magento Themes

Magento themes allow you to change the look and feel of your eCommerce store. They can be customized to match your brand’s aesthetic and provide a unique shopping experience for your customers.

# List available Magento themes
bin/magento theme:status

# Output:
# List of all available themes:
# Magento/blank
# Magento/luma
# ...

In this example, we used the bin/magento theme:status command to list all available themes. Each theme represents a different look and feel for your store.

Understanding Magento Extensions

Magento extensions are add-ons that extend the functionality of your eCommerce store. From payment gateways to SEO tools, there’s an extension for almost every need.

# List installed Magento extensions
bin/magento module:status

# Output:
# List of enabled modules:
# Magento_Store
# Magento_Directory
# ...

In this example, we used the bin/magento module:status command to list all installed extensions. Each module represents a different extension that adds functionality to your store.

Magento Security Considerations

Security is a critical aspect of any eCommerce store. Magento comes with built-in security features, but it’s important to stay updated with the latest security practices and updates.

# Check Magento security patches
bin/magento info:security

# Output:
# List of applied security patches:
# SUPEE-5344
# SUPEE-5994
# ...

In this example, we used the bin/magento info:security command to check which security patches have been applied to our Magento installation.

Further Resources for Magento Mastery

To continue your journey with Magento, you might find the following resources helpful:

1. Magento User Guide: A comprehensive guide covering all aspects of using Magento.

2. Magento DevDocs: A detailed guide for developers who want to customize Magento.

3. Magento Forums: A community of Magento users and developers where you can ask questions and share knowledge.

Recap: Easy Magento 2 Installation

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored how to install Magento, a robust eCommerce platform, on Linux. We’ve provided you with the knowledge and tools necessary to set up your online store, regardless of your Linux distribution or experience level.

We began with the basics, showing you how to install Magento using the apt and yum package managers. We then delved into more advanced territory, demonstrating how to install Magento from source code and how to install specific versions. We also discussed alternative methods of installation using Docker and virtualization technologies, providing you with a variety of options to suit your specific needs.

Along the way, we tackled common issues that you might encounter during the installation process, such as missing PHP extensions, incorrect file permissions, and database connection issues. We provided solutions for each of these problems, equipping you with the tools to overcome any challenges that might arise.

Here’s a quick comparison of the methods we’ve discussed:

Whether you’re just starting out with Magento or you’re looking to level up your eCommerce skills, we hope this guide has given you a deeper understanding of how to install Magento on Linux. The ability to install and manage Magento is a powerful skill that can help you create a robust and flexible online store. We wish you success on your eCommerce journey!