Exploring WordPress open source: The open-source powerhouse
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WordPress open source is a remarkable platform that has transformed how we build and manage websites. Since its launch on 27th May 2003, it has grown to become one of the most popular content management systems in the world.
WordPress was created by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little, who saw potential in an earlier project called b2/cafelog. They decided to take it further, and the result is the WordPress we know today. One of the best things about WordPress is that it’s open-source, which means anyone can download, use, and modify it for free.
WordPress open source popularity and reach
Over the years, WordPress has gained immense popularity and now powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. It’s no wonder why when you consider how flexible and user-friendly it is.
Customisation with themes and plugins
When it comes to customisation, WordPress shines with its vast array of themes and plugins. Themes allow you to change the look and feel of your website easily. If you need extra functionality, you can choose from over 50,000 plugins available in the official WordPress plugin directory. These plugins can do everything from improving your site’s SEO to setting up an online shop.
E-commerce with WooCommerce
Speaking of online shops, WooCommerce is a popular plugin that helps you turn your WordPress site into a fully functioning e-commerce platform. This has made WordPress a favourite among businesses looking to sell products online.
Multilingual support
WordPress open source isn’t just for English speakers either. It’s available in more than 70 languages, making it accessible to people all around the world. Plus, with the multisite feature, you can run multiple websites from a single WordPress installation, which is particularly useful for large organisations or educational institutions.
Security and updates
Security is always a concern when it comes to websites, and WordPress takes this seriously. It has a dedicated security team that works to address vulnerabilities and keep your site safe. Regular updates also help keep things secure and bring in new features and improvements.
Mobile accessibility
If you’re always on the go, you’ll appreciate the mobile apps available for iOS and Android, which let you manage your site from your phone or tablet.
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The Gutenberg editor
The introduction of the Gutenberg editor in 2018 brought a more visual and flexible way to create content. This block editor allows users to build complex layouts without needing to know any code.
SEO-friendly structure
WordPress is known for its SEO-friendly structure. Customisable permalinks, built-in content management tools, and various SEO plugins make it easy to optimise your site for search engines. It’s also built with accessibility in mind, aiming to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that everyone, including those with disabilities, can use it.
Multilingual websites
For those looking to create multilingual websites, plugins like WPML and Polylang make it straightforward to offer content in multiple languages. WordPress also supports different types of content beyond just posts and pages, thanks to custom post types, which can be particularly useful for businesses with diverse content needs.
Media management
The platform’s media management is robust, with a built-in media library that helps you manage images, audio, and video files. Additionally, WordPress saves revisions of your posts and pages, so you can easily revert to previous versions if needed.
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User roles and permissions
User roles and permissions are another strong feature of WordPress, allowing you to control who can do what on your site. This is particularly useful for larger sites with multiple contributors.
Popularity among non-profits and educational institutions
Non-profits and educational institutions often choose WordPress because of its low cost and flexibility. It’s an excellent option for creating learning management systems (LMS) or managing organisational websites.
Community and ongoing development
WordPress continues to evolve with the contributions of a large and active community of developers, designers, and users. This open development process ensures that WordPress keeps getting better, making it a reliable choice for anyone looking to build a website.
In summary, WordPress open source is a powerful, flexible, and user-friendly platform that has become a cornerstone of the web. Whether you’re a business owner, a blogger, or someone looking to create an online presence, WordPress offers the tools and support you need to succeed.
WordPress FAQs
When was WordPress first released?
WordPress open source was first released on 27 May 2003.
Who created WordPress?
It was created by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little.
What is the origin of WordPress?
WordPress open source is a fork of an earlier project called b2/cafelog.
Under what license is WordPress released?
WordPress open source released under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
How popular is WordPress?
As of 2024, WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet.
What does it mean that WordPress is open source?
Being open-source means that anyone can download, use, and modify WordPress for free.
What are themes in WordPress?
WordPress supports themes, which allow users to change the look and feel of their websites.
What are plugins in WordPress?
WordPress has a plugin architecture, enabling users to extend its functionality. There are over 50,000 plugins available in the official WordPress plugin directory.
What is the multisite feature in WordPress?
WordPress has a multisite feature that allows multiple sites to run from a single installation.
In how many languages is WordPress available?
WordPress is available in more than 70 languages.
What is the REST API in WordPress?
WordPress includes a REST API, making it possible to use WordPress as a headless CMS.
Does WordPress have a community?
Yes, WordPress has a large, active community of developers, designers, and users.
How often does WordPress receive updates?
WordPress regularly receives updates, with new features and security improvements.
Is WordPress SEO friendly?
WordPress is known for its SEO-friendly structure and features.
Are there mobile apps for WordPress?
Yes, WordPress has mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to manage their sites on the go.
Can WordPress be used for e-commerce?
Yes, WooCommerce, a popular plugin for WordPress, powers a significant portion of online stores globally.
What are custom post types in WordPress?
WordPress allows the creation of custom post types beyond just posts and pages.
What are widgets in WordPress?
Users can add content and features to sidebars and other widget-ready areas using widgets.
How is WordPress development managed?
WordPress development is open to contributions from anyone who wants to get involved.
What about security in WordPress?
WordPress has a dedicated security team to address vulnerabilities and improve security.
Is WordPress accessible?
WordPress aims to be fully accessible, following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
What is the Gutenberg editor?
Introduced in 2018, the Gutenberg block editor provides a more visual and flexible way to create content.
Can WordPress be used for multilingual websites?
Yes, plugins like WPML and Polylang help create multilingual websites using WordPress.
Is WordPress used in education?
Many educational institutions use WordPress for their websites and learning management systems (LMS).
How does WordPress handle media management?
WordPress has a built-in media library for managing images, audio, and video files.
Can users customise URLs in WordPress?
Users can customise their URLs for better SEO and user readability through permalinks.
Does WordPress save revisions of posts?
WordPress saves revisions of posts and pages, making it easy to revert to previous versions.
What are user roles in WordPress?
WordPress has a built-in user role system for managing permissions and capabilities.
Is WordPress popular among non-profits?
Yes, WordPress is popular among non-profits due to its low cost and flexibility, with many organisations using it for their websites.
WordPress itself
Official Website
wordpress.org – This is the official website for WordPress, where you can download the software, find documentation, and learn more about using it.
WordPress Codex
codex.wordpress.org/Main_Page – This is a comprehensive documentation resource for WordPress, covering everything from installation and configuration to specific functionality and troubleshooting.
WordPress Theme Directory
wordpress.org/themes – The official WordPress theme directory is a great place to find free and premium WordPress themes. You can browse themes by category, feature, and popularity.
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Kyra Pieterse
Author
Kyra is the co-founder and creative lead of MaxiBlocks, an open-source page builder for WordPress Gutenberg.
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