EVO: change index.php => indextest.php during transformation?

is it wise and possible to install MODx on an existing website, and rename index.php to something like indextest.php?
So when transformation has been finished, i just need to rename indextest.php to index.php to make the MODx site permanent?

Why i wanna do this?
This way i can make use of the already existing database with existing data and check if everything still works during developement. And no hassle to switch.

is this a right approach or is this a real DON’T??

That’s a common practice for me.

I’ll usually rename my index file something like [tt]modx-index.php[/tt], then go into system settings and change Request Controller Filename (in Core -> Gateway) to the same filename, in my case, [tt]modx-index.php[/tt]. You need to update that setting so MODx knows where to find the controller when navigating from page to page.

You can take an extra step and disable the site so that it won’t be available unless you are logged into the manager.

Hope this helps!
Mike

change Request Controller Filename (in Core -> Gateway) to the same filename

Thanks for your answer, but i can’t find Core in evo, so i suppose this is in revo??