Local

Local provides a desktop environment for developing WordPress sites on macOS. It automates the installation of WordPress, configuring a local server with SSL in a single click, and includes tools such as root SSH access, WP‑CLI, and the ability to switch PHP versions for testing. The application also integrates with Flywheel and WP Engine, allowing users to push and pull sites, and offers a differential deployment feature that suggests which files need updating.

Additional workflow helpers include one‑click admin login, persistent URLs for sharing local sites without deployment, and a set of pre‑launch utilities like a link checker, image optimizer, and instant reload. Users can back up workspaces to cloud storage services such as Google Drive or Dropbox, keeping site files synchronized across machines.

The tool targets WordPress developers who need a simple, locally hosted setup with advanced configuration options and seamless transition to production hosting. Its stable release focuses on reducing debugging time and streamlining the move from local development to live sites.