What is WP Config

What is WP Config file? – Create, Security, Useful Constants

What is WP Config file? – Create, Security, Useful Constants

By | December 3, 2025

WP-config.php is one of the most important core files in WordPress because it connects your website files with the database. It stores critical settings such as security keys, database connection details, and debugging configurations. In this article, we will see what the wp config file is and how to create it.

What is wp-config.php?

In WordPress, the wp-config.php file acts like the brain of your website because it connects WordPress with your database. Without this file, WordPress will not work, as it won’t know where your data is stored. You also won’t be able to access your WordPress site without this connection.

This file stores the database username, password, and hostname required to make the website live. By default, we use localhost to connect to a database on the same server. If you’re connecting to a remote database server, then you must enter those server details. Inside this file, you can also customize the database table prefix and add debugging or custom configuration codes. In case, you don’t want to take the tough route to configure wordpress, you can always pick our WordPress Hosting plan, where we kept everything intact for you get online at ease.

Security Best Practices for wp-config.php

Since wp-config.php contains sensitive information, including your database username, password, and configuration settings, securing this file is extremely important. If someone gains unauthorized access to it, they could take control of your entire website. Below are some essential security best practices to help protect this file and strengthen your WordPress installation:

1. Change the Database Table Prefix

By default, WordPress uses wp_ as the table prefix. Hackers often target this because it is widely known. Changing it to something unique adds a layer of protection against database attacks.

Example:

$table_prefix = 'mysite123_';

2. Protect wp-config.php with .htaccess

You can restrict access to the wp-config.php file using a simple .htaccess rule. This prevents unauthorized users from opening or downloading the file.

Add this code to the .htaccess file in the same directory:

<files wp-config.php>
order allow,deny
deny from all
</files>

3. Use Strong and Unique Database Credentials

Avoid using common usernames like root, admin, or simple passwords. Always create strong, unique database credentials to make it harder for brute-force attacks.

4. Add Security SALT Keys

WordPress uses unique security keys to encrypt login and authentication data. Updating or generating new SALT keys enhances session security and prevents session hijacking.

5. Disable File Editing

By default, WordPress allows administrators to edit theme and plugin files directly from the dashboard. Disabling this reduces the risk of malicious code injection if someone gains access to the admin panel.

Add this line to the wp-config.php file:

define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true );

6. Restrict File Permissions

To prevent unauthorized server-level access, set strict file permissions. The recommended permission for wp-config.php is:

chmod 400 wp-config.php

or

chmod 440 wp-config.php

This ensures only the server can read the file.

Why Security Matters

Securing the wp-config.php file protects your website from hacking attempts, data theft, and unauthorized access. Since it holds critical login information and configuration keys, treating it like a high-security file is essential for maintaining a safe and stable WordPress environment.

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How to Create wp-config.php in cPanel

Follow the steps below to create or edit the wp-config.php file inside cPanel:

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

• Open your hosting account and go to cPanel.

cPanel Login Interface
• Under the FILES section, click on File Manager.

Click File manager

Step 2: Go to the public_html Folder

• Open the folder where you installed WordPress.
Usually, the website files are stored inside the public_html directory.

public_html directory

• There you will see important WordPress folders like wp-admin, wp-content, and the default file wp-config-sample.php.

Step 3: Copy the Sample Config File

If wp-config.php does not exist, locate the file named wp-config-sample.php, make a copy of it, and rename the copy to wp-config.php.

WP Config sample

Step 4: Edit the File

• Right-click on wp-config.php and select Edit to enter your database details.

Edit Wp-Config File

Update the following lines with your actual database credentials:

define( 'DB_NAME', 'your_database_name' );
define( 'DB_USER', 'your_database_username' );
define( 'DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password' );
define( 'DB_HOST', 'localhost' );
$table_prefix = 'your_database_prefix';

• After entering the correct details, click Save Changes.

Now, you have successfully created and configured the wp-config.php file.

The wp-config.php file is the bridge between your WordPress installation and its database. It is used to store database connection details, apply security settings, and manage required configuration values. By creating or editing this file inside cPanel, you ensure your WordPress website runs smoothly and remains accessible.

Additional Useful Constants in wp-config.php

Beyond connecting the database, the wp-config.php file allows you to control several important WordPress features through configuration constants. These settings help improve performance, debugging, and control over how WordPress behaves.

Here are some commonly used constants:

1. Enable Debug Mode

Used during development to identify errors.

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );

2. Limit Post Revisions

Helps prevent the database from storing too many revision copies.

define( 'WP_POST_REVISIONS', 5 );

3. Increase Memory Limit

Improves performance when running heavy plugins or themes.

define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );

4. Change Autosave Interval

Controls how often WordPress auto-saves draft content.

define( 'AUTOSAVE_INTERVAL', 120 );

5. Disable Automatic Updates (Optional)

Useful for manual control in development environments.

define( 'AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', true );

These constants give you more flexibility and control over how WordPress operates, making wp-config.php not just a connection file but a powerful customization tool.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if wp-config.php is missing?

If the wp-config.php file is missing, WordPress cannot connect to the database and the site will display an error like “Error establishing a database connection.” The file must be created or restored for the website to work.

2. Can I edit wp-config.php after installing WordPress?

Yes, wp-config.php can be edited anytime. Many users update it later to enable debugging, increase memory limits, or configure advanced settings.

3. Is it safe to edit wp-config.php?

Yes, it is safe if done carefully. Since the file contains sensitive login credentials and configuration values, always create a backup before editing and apply security best practices.

4. What should I do if I enter the wrong database details?

If any database detail is incorrect, the site will fail to load. Simply update the correct database name, username, password, or host inside wp-config.php and save, the site should start working again.

5. Can I protect wp-config.php from unauthorized access?

Yes. You can protect it using .htaccess rules, file permission restrictions, and by moving the file one level above the public directory for added security.

6. Does the database table prefix in wp-config.php matter?

Yes. Changing the default prefix (wp_) to a custom one improves security by reducing the risk of automated SQL injection attacks targeting known WordPress database structures.