Overview
Editing files directly on the server can break your website if not done carefully. This guide explains how to edit files safely using DirectAdmin and best practices to avoid downtime.
Always create a backup before editing
- Right-click the file in File Manager
- Select Copy → rename to filename-backup.php
- Or create a ZIP backup of the entire folder
Use the Code Editor
Open DirectAdmin → File Manager → click any file → Edit or Code Editor
Best practices before editing
- Check file permissions (644 recommended)
- Avoid editing WordPress core files unless necessary
- Validate PHP syntax using an online validator
- Keep a local copy of your file structure
For advanced editing, use external tools
You can download your files and edit them using:
- Visual Studio Code
- Notepad++
- Sublime Text
Then upload them back via FTP or File Manager.
Important warnings
- A missing semicolon in PHP can break your entire site.
- Changing .htaccess incorrectly can cause 500 errors.
- Incorrect permissions may lead to security issues.
