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What Is Zikula and How Do You Install It?

Zikula is a free tool for building web applications. This guide explains what it is and how to install it on your hosting.

CMS and Apps2 min read11 steps

What is Zikula?

Zikula is an open-source framework and CMS. A framework is a ready-made base that developers build on, like a house frame you add rooms to. A CMS (content management system) lets you manage a website without much code.

Zikula is written in PHP. PHP is a programming language that web servers run. Newer versions are built on Symfony, a well-known PHP framework. Zikula is best for people with some web knowledge, such as developers or tech-minded site owners.

What can it do?

  • Manage users, groups and permissions
  • Add features with modules, which are small add-ons
  • Change the look with themes
  • Support many languages
  • Give developers tools to build their own modules

What you need

  • Hosting with a recent PHP version and a MySQL database. The right PHP version depends on the Zikula release. Check the official site, and ask Hostvento support which PHP versions you can pick.
  • The Zikula package from its official website.
  • Your cPanel login from your welcome email.

Steps to install

  1. Download the Zikula package from the official site.
  2. Log in to cPanel and open MySQL Databases.
  3. Create a database and a user, and give the user All Privileges. Write down the details.
  4. Open File Manager.
  5. Upload the package and extract it. Newer Zikula versions serve pages from a folder called public. Make your domain's document root point to it. You can change the document root in cPanel under Domains. If you cannot find this, ask Hostvento support.
  6. Open your domain in a browser. The installer starts.
  7. Choose a language and accept the licence.
  8. Wait for the requirement check. Fix any red item.
  9. Enter the database details.
  10. Create the admin account with a strong password.
  11. Finish the install and log in.

If you run into errors, read the message. It usually names a missing PHP extension or a folder that cannot be written to. A PHP extension is an extra feature of PHP. You can turn extensions on in cPanel under Select PHP Version, if your plan has it.

Warning: Take a backup before you upgrade Zikula or install new modules.

Tip: New to websites? A CMS with a one-click installer may be easier. Ask Hostvento support what is on your plan.

Quick recap

  • Zikula is a PHP framework and CMS, built on Symfony.
  • It is aimed at users with some web knowledge.
  • Create a database, upload and extract the package.
  • Point the domain to the public folder if needed.
  • Run the installer and fix any red items.