What is Softaculous and it’s uses ?

Softaculous is a popular auto-installer for web hosting platforms that simplifies the process of installing various web applications. It is integrated into control panels like cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin, and others, providing users with an easy-to-use interface to quickly install and manage software scripts without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

Key Features of Softaculous

1. Wide Range of Applications:
   • It offers over 400 applications, including content management systems (CMS), forums, blogs, e-commerce platforms, and more.
   • Popular applications include WordPress, Joomla, Magento, Drupal, phpBB, and many others.
2. One-Click Installations:
   • Users can install applications with just one click, automating the setup process, including database creation, file configuration, and more.
3. Regular Updates:
   • regularly updates its script library, ensuring users have access to the latest versions of applications with security patches and new features.
4. Backups and Restorations:
   • Users can create backups of their applications and restore them if needed, providing an extra layer of security.
5. Demos and Ratings:
   • It provides demos, ratings, and reviews for applications, helping users make informed decisions before installation.
6. Cloning and Staging:
   • Users can clone existing installations for development or testing purposes without affecting the live site.
   • Staging features allow for testing updates and changes before applying them to the live environment.

Uses of Softaculous

1. Simplified Application Installation:
   • Softaculous eliminates the need for manual installation steps, such as downloading software, uploading files via FTP, and configuring databases. This is especially beneficial for beginners.
2. Efficient Management of Multiple Applications:
   • Users can manage multiple web applications from a single interface, making it easier to handle updates, backups, and restorations.
3. Quick Deployment:
   • Softaculous speeds up the deployment of new websites and applications, allowing users to focus on content and functionality rather than technical setup.
4. Testing and Development:
   • Developers can use Softaculou’s to quickly set up development and staging environments, test new features, and debug issues before applying changes to the live site.
5. Educational Purposes:
   • Educators and students can use Softaculous to learn about various web applications and technologies without needing advanced technical skills.
6. Business Applications:
   • Businesses can efficiently deploy and manage applications like e-commerce platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and project management tools.

How to Use Softaculous

1. Access Softaculous:
   • Log in to your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk).
   • Find the Softaculou’s icon or section, usually located under the “Software” or “Scripts” category.
2. Choose an Application:
   • Browse or search for the application you want to install.
   • Click on the application to see more details, including descriptions, features, and user ratings.
3. Install the Application:
   • Click the “Install” button.
   • Fill in the required details, such as the domain, directory (if applicable), admin username, and password.
   • Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
4. Manage the Installation:
   • After installation, you can manage the application from the Softaculous interface.
   • Options include creating backups, restoring from backups, updating the application, and more.
5. Create Backups:
   • Go to the “Backups and Restore” section.
   • Select the installation you want to back up and click “Backup.”
   • Store backups securely and regularly to prevent data loss.

Softaculous Free vs Premium

As suggested, the free version of Softaculous is completely cost-free while the premium version comes with a price tag and it can be billed on a monthly or an annual basis.

As we write, 38 scripts are available with a free version while you can get up to 380 of them with a premium plan. Also, there are no scripts for Perl, no use of custom apps, no adding scripts, and no modifying email templates with the freemium edition of Softaculous.

How to check if your license is Softaculous?

There are a couple of ways you can check if your license is Softaculous and the simplest one includes going to Softaculous’ official site, finding the “Verify License” button in the bottom menu, and tapping into it. Here, you’ll be asked to provide your server’s IP address, after which you get the details about your license (that is, if you have it) including status, type, and its owner.

If you have server access, go to cPanel/WHM, scroll down to the “Plugins” section, find “Softaculous” and proceed to “Instant Installs”.  

Alternatively, you can check the license details of Softaculous on your server by executing the following command line:

How do I use Softaculous in WordPress?

If your web hosting provider supports Softaculous, you can make use of its built-in feature called WordPress Manager to simplify your site management. 

To use it, log into your web hosting account and head to your control panel where you should find “WordPress Manager by Softaculous” inside the software section. If you’re already in the Softaculous user panel you can find a WordPress icon in the upper right corner.

Here, you’ll be able to see all your WordPress installations including plugins and themes – and you can add, upload, and install them in a matter of seconds. Also, you can change a couple of settings such as enabling/disabling debug mode, WordPress cron, search engine visibility, and auto-upgrades for plugins and themes. 

Conclusion

Softaculous is a powerful tool that simplifies the installation, management, and maintenance of web applications. Its user-friendly interface and extensive script library make it an essential tool for web developers, hosting providers, businesses, and individuals looking to streamline the deployment and management of their online presence.