What is WordPress?

Today, millions of websites occupy the internet—but very few people know how to code them from scratch. As a result, website building and blogging platforms such as WordPress sprang up to make site creation seamless. WordPress is one of the best site and blog building applications available, and it hosts an incredible array of features. But what makes WordPress different from its competitors? There are dozens of well-known website building platforms around, and each has its own set of advantages and unique features. In this article, we’ll go over the essential functions of WordPress, along with the benefits it holds over other sites. 

The Origin of WordPress 

You can trace the origins of WordPress back to the early days of the internet. Back in 2001, the internet came through a phone line, laptops were thicker than textbooks, and WordPress was born.  WordPress began helping people publish their thoughts online and gradually evolved into a popular blogging platform that gained international acclaim. Through the early 2000s, WordPress pioneered many web formatting features such as in-line images and previews, which contributed to its reputation for ease-of-use. As the blogging craze arrived, so did a hoard of new features, and the popularity and functionality of the site increased. 

WordPress Features

Fast-forward to today, and WordPress is a go-to for virtually all website building activities.  The site features multiple free and paid plans, domain hosting, and other useful tools that help non-coders and busy professionals build attractive and modern websites. WordPress users have access to dozens of themes for their sites, in which they can customize widgets and organize content however they like. WordPress plugins, such as the Yoast SEO Plugin, allow seamless 3rd-party feature integration for vital tasks such as search engine optimization.

WordPress allows site builders to monitor their website stats from day to day and features excellent analytical tools to help the user understand their traffic. Also, WordPress is known for its easy-to-use interface. Features are laid out logically throughout the site building tool, and it’s possible to preview the site and new themes before publishing. Compared to the competitors, WordPress shines for its straightforward layout—especially given the vast array of modern web features it offers.

Users with coding experience have plenty of options too. The site allows users to produce custom HTML sections and move them about the site, which adds to the overall degree of customization available. Additionally, WordPress offers pre-programmed shopping and e-commerce tools, allowing people to create professionally-designed online stores with ease. As you increase your membership status, your access to features improves too. In short, it’s entirely reasonable to develop a high-end business website on WordPress alone. 

Is WordPress a Good Alternative to Coding?

Many potential website builders often wonder if they should learn to code a site instead of using WordPress. And while you might expect us to say, ‘absolutely,’ we recognize that sites like WordPress play an absolutely essential role. Instead of choosing one over the other, we think you should do both. While coding is an important skill, you can’t learn it overnight—and WordPress offers a spectacular array of features without any necessary coding. If you need a website, go ahead and create it on a site-building platform—and apply your coding skills as you go along. If you want more experience, enroll in online WordPress courses. Eventually, you’ll have the ability to code an entire site by yourself, or just use your skills to improve the one you already have.