How do I run a development copy?

[patrick_m]

Is there a way for me to run a development copy that is an exact replica of our site, so we can do all tests and changes to that copy before it goes live?

How would I go about doing this? Do I need to contact vB for further instructions?

Thanks!

[Steve Machol]

Install a second test forum in a directory named 'testvb'. Make ssure yyou password protect this directory and install to a new db. Then backup your current databaasse and restore it to the test one.

Note: The only reliable method of backing up and restoring a database is with shell access via telnet or ssh. Please see the instructions here:

Backup:
http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/m...nce_ssh_backup

Restore:
http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/m...ce_ssh_restore

[Floris]

Tip!


Do NOT forget to edit your config.php to point to the DEV database. Otherwise it will attempt to connect to the LIVE database and if you then make changes, those changes apply to the live site! You don't want that

[patrick_m]

Thanks for the kind tips, they are much appreciated.

I have a couple quick questions regarding this.

1) Will this procedure still work if I were to just do a cp -R to the entire directory? There's a lot of customization done to this site, and I would hate to overlook something important if I installed a new "development" site from scratch.

2) I take it this will work on another server as well, correct? I'm asking this because I'd like to place a copy on our internal server so only the people internally can make edits or changes to the development copy.

Thanks again!

[Steve Machol]

Yes and yes, as long as you restore the db.

[patrick_m]

Awesome - thanks a bunch!