WP Engine Domain Search - Detailed Review

Here are some frequently asked questions about WP Engine’s domain search and replace features, along with detailed responses:

Q: What triggers an automatic search and replace on WP Engine?

WP Engine automatically runs a search and replace command in several scenarios, such as when you set a domain as primary, copy a site, copy a multisite network, create a new environment from an existing one, or restore a backup to a different environment. This process is automated to update the domain in the database.

Q: How does WP Engine perform the search and replace process?

When WP Engine performs a search and replace, it determines the domains for both the source and target environments, verifies core checksums to ensure WordPress core files are not modified, and then replaces the old domain with the new one in various formats (e.g., `source.com` to `target.com`, `www.source.com` to `www.target.com`, etc.). This process includes handling serialized data and is protocol-less and case-insensitive.

Q: What flags can I use with the search and replace command on WP Engine?

You can use several flags to customize the search and replace command. For example, `–precise` forces the use of PHP instead of SQL, which is more thorough but slower and ensures serialized data is handled. The `–dry-run` flag previews the changes without executing them, which is highly recommended before running the actual command. Other flags include `–skip-columns=guid,user_email` to skip certain columns and `–skip-plugins` and `–skip-themes` to exclude plugins and themes from the search and replace process.

Q: How do I point my DNS to WP Engine?

To point your DNS to WP Engine, you can use the automatic DNS configuration option through Entri Connect, which supports a wide range of DNS providers. This tool updates your DNS records on your behalf. Alternatively, you can manually set up your DNS using A and CNAME records to direct traffic to your WP Engine server.

Q: What happens to my website’s caches and file permissions after a search and replace?

After WP Engine runs a search and replace, it purges the server caches and resets the website’s file permissions to ensure everything is updated and consistent with the new domain settings.

Q: Do I need to manually update domain references in files other than the database?

WP Engine’s automated search and replace process only updates the domain references in the database and does not modify instances of the domain located in other files. You may need to manually update these references if necessary.

Q: How can I ensure that mixed content issues are resolved during the search and replace process?

To resolve mixed content issues, you can use a search and replace command that includes protocol changes, such as replacing `http` with `https`. This ensures that all URLs are updated to use the secure protocol.

Q: Can I preview the changes before executing the search and replace command?

Yes, you can use the `–dry-run` flag with the search and replace command to preview the changes without actually executing them. This is highly recommended to ensure you are happy with the results before making the actual changes.

Q: Are there any specific steps I need to follow when restoring a backup to a different environment?

When restoring a backup to a different environment, WP Engine will automatically run a search and replace to update the domain. However, if you are restoring to the same environment, a search and replace is not necessary.

Q: How does WP Engine handle serialized data during the search and replace process?

WP Engine’s search and replace process, especially when using the `–precise` flag, ensures that serialized data is correctly updated. This flag forces the use of PHP, which is more thorough and handles serialized data effectively.