by Rick Jerz.
Essentially, yes. However, you have to know how to do this. Moodle doesn't have any one-click "clone this Moodle" button.
In general, consider reading the Moodle docs about "migration." And certainly, the Moodle docs about "installing" Moodle.
In my case, I run a small Moodle site. I have a "production" VPS for students, and then I have a local computer MAMP"experimental" site (on my Mac). Occasionally, I will move (i.e., clone) my production site to my experimental site. Both sites have somewhat similar environments, meaning php, Linux, and database. I can test about 96-98% of things on my experimental site without bothering my production site. When needed, I "clone" my production Moodle to a second "experimental" installation in the same VPS, which may be another alternative for you to consider.
In general, consider reading the Moodle docs about "migration." And certainly, the Moodle docs about "installing" Moodle.
In my case, I run a small Moodle site. I have a "production" VPS for students, and then I have a local computer MAMP"experimental" site (on my Mac). Occasionally, I will move (i.e., clone) my production site to my experimental site. Both sites have somewhat similar environments, meaning php, Linux, and database. I can test about 96-98% of things on my experimental site without bothering my production site. When needed, I "clone" my production Moodle to a second "experimental" installation in the same VPS, which may be another alternative for you to consider.