> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cocartapi.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install CoCart

> Follow one of many the ways to install CoCart

### Before you start

It’s important that your [server requirements](https://woocommerce.com/document/server-requirements/) meet the minimum that WooCommerce ask for in order to run CoCart.

If you already have WooCommerce installed and your store filled with products ready to sell. Congrats, you meet the requirements to install CoCart and can now start decoupling.

### Upload Install

<Note>We don't host the latest core version of CoCart with WordPress.org for security reasons. Please download from us to make sure you are using an official copy.</Note>

[Download CoCart Core](https://cocartapi.com/download/)

Once you have the plugin downloaded, log in to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the ‘Plugins’ menu and press ‘Add New’. Then press ‘Upload Plugin’.

You will either be redirected to a new page or the upload field will simple appear at the top allowing you to upload the plugin. Once the file is selected, press ‘Install Now’.

<Card title="Upload Plugin" img="https://cocartapi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image.png" />

Once the plugin is installed. Press ‘Activate Plugin’.

<Card title="Activate CoCart" img="https://cocartapi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-1.png" />

### Install via FTP

[Download CoCart Core](https://cocartapi.com/download/)

Open your FTP program of choice and login to your FTP server. Access where your WordPress plugins folder is stored and upload the folder of the plugin that is in the zip file and put it in the plugins directory.

Now log in to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the ‘Plugins’ menu and press ‘Activate’ where CoCart is listed.

<Card title="Upload Plugin" img="https://cocartapi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-4.png" />

### Alternative Source: GitHub

<Info>Versions of CoCart core below v5 will not have two versions, only a single zip file and will be labelled e.g. `cart-rest-api-for-woocommerce-v4.3.16.zip`</Info>

Every release of CoCart core since v5 has two versions of the plugin compiled added as a release asset either as a `.zip` or `.tar.gz` format.

###### Examples

* e.g. Regular zip - `cocart-core-v5.0.zip`
* e.g. [GitHub Updater](https://github.com/afragen/git-updater) supported zip - `cocart-core-github-v5.0.zip`

On the [releases page](https://github.com/co-cart/co-cart/releases), look under the “assets” section of the release you would like to install and download the compiled format that works best for you.

Once you have downloaded the plugin, follow the installation instructions.

## Prerequisites

Before using CoCart, ensure your WordPress permalinks are configured to any setting except "Plain". This configuration is essential for accessing the REST API using standard endpoint URIs (e.g. `cocart/v2/products`).

Configure this under **Settings > Permalinks**.

<Card title="Permalink Settings" img="https://cocartapi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-3.png" />

With these settings in place, you're ready to begin using CoCart.

## WooCommerce Dependency

CoCart requires an active WooCommerce installation to function. If WooCommerce is not installed or is deactivated, CoCart will automatically disable itself during activation to prevent technical issues.

You'll see a prompt to install or activate WooCommerce if needed.

<Card title="Admin notice requesting WooCommerce" img="https://cocartapi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-2.png" />