Multiple WP Sites Same Server - Share WP Base?

Question

I have seen similar questions but none with a definitive answer. I host dozens of WP sites on a cloud server (all latest version) however this causes a lot of unnecessary backup activity. I am not a fan of multisite. Really I am just looking to simplify by keeping a core set of files in a central location that can be read by all domains. The preference would be to extend this by allowing versions.

Core > 3.2.1

Core > 3.2.2

then point a domain to the prefered version of central files. This would allow me to backup only uploads, theme and database files.

Wondering if there is some documentation out there on this subject without having to do any heavy modifications?

Answer 1

I think you find Mark Jaquith's WP skeleton along with a symlinked 'wp' folder should do the trick, though plugins that attempt to include core files (rare but they exist) may fail, depending on how your server is configured.

https://github.com/markjaquith/WordPress-Skeleton

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbolic_link

OR

Use the skeleton and exclude that folder from backups.

PS- You’d handle versions by just repointing the symlink to a different common WP version.