What exactly is WordPress?
WordPress (WP, WordPress.org) is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) written in PHP and paired with a MySQL or MariaDB database. Features include a plugin architecture and a template system, referred to within WordPress as Themes.
Free content management system
WordPress is a free content management system used to build and maintain websites. Its ease of use and unique blogging features have helped it become the most popular blogging tool on the web. WordPress provides a web-based user interface for designing, publishing, and updating websites.
Instead of writing HTML, you can simply choose one of many different website templates or “themes” that has a design you like. You can then modify the layout and build a custom navigation bar. Once the site layout is complete, you can use WordPress’ online interface to create individual pages. Each page may include formatted text, links, images, and other media. You can publish completed webpages or blog updates by simply clicking the Publish button.
The WordPress interface makes it easy for anyone without web development experience to create and publish a website. The built-in blogging tools provide a simple way to track individual posts, visitors, and user comments. If WordPress’ built-in capabilities are not sufficient for your needs, you can install different plug-ins that provide extra features. Examples include social media buttons, image galleries, and web forum tools.
While there are thousands of WordPress templates and plug-ins available, the WordPress system still has its limitations. Because it is a template-based service, you must begin with a pre-built website rather than create pages from scratch. Additionally, you cannot insert scripts or maintain a database with the same level of control that a custom website offers. Therefore, most companies and large organizations still hand-code websites or develop them using a WYSIWYG editor like Dreamweaver.
For many individuals, however, WordPress provides a great blogging system that is both convenient and free. There is no cost to sign up for WordPress or to use the service. It is even free to publish a custom website or blog at the wordpress.com domain (such as custom-name.wordpress.com). However, if you want a custom website address or need extra features, such as more disk space or premium themes, WordPress offers “Premium” and “Business” services for an annual fee.
WordPress Blogging
Short for “Web Log,” this term refers to a list of journal entries posted on a Web page. Anybody who knows how to create and publish a Web page can publish their own blog. Some Web hosts have made it even easier by creating an interface where users can simply type a text entry and hit “publish” to publish their blog.
Because of the simplicity of creating a blog, many people (often young kids and adults) have found a new presence on the Web. Instead of writing confidential entries in a book that no one is supposed to see, people now can share their personal feelings and experiences with thousands of people around the world. Blogs are typically updated daily, monthly, or anywhere in between. “Blog” may also be used as a verb, as in “Wow, Matt sure blogged a lot last week.”
What is a WordPress Theme / Templates
A template is a file that serves as a starting point for a new document. When you open a template, it is pre-formatted in some way. For example, you might use template in Microsoft Word that is formatted as a business letter. The template would likely have a space for your name and address in the upper left corner, an area for the recipient’s address a little below that on the left site, an area for the message body below that, and a spot for your signature at the bottom.
A WordPress theme is a tool to change the layout and design of your website. Themes customize the appearance of your site, including the layout, typography, color, and other design elements.
What is a WordPress Plugin
A WordPress plugin is essentially a bit of code that “plugs in” to your self-hosted WordPress site. In human terms, that means a WordPress plugin is something that adds new functionality to your WordPress site or extends existing functionality on your site
Is WordPress good for beginners?
WordPress is easy for beginners, yet powerful for developers: As discussed earlier, WordPressis a very easy platform to get started with. It’s very easy to set up and run. Most web hosts come with what are called one-click auto-installers. … WordPress is as simple to use as a word processor like Microsoft Word.
What is WordPress used for?
WordPress is web publishing software you can use to create a beautiful website or blog. It just may be the easiest and most flexible blogging and website content management system (CMS) for beginners.
How do I install WordPress for free
- Step 1: Download WordPress. Download the WordPress package to your local computer from https://wordpress.org/download/. …
- Step 2: Upload WordPress to Hosting Account. …
- Step 3: Create MySQL Database and User. …
- Step 4: Configure wp-config. …
- Step 5: Run the Installation. …
- Step 6: Complete the Installation.
Are wordpress sites secure
WordPress is secure, as long as publishers take website security seriously and follow best practices. Best practices include using safe plugins and themes, keeping responsible login procedures, using security plugins to monitor your site, and updating regularly.
What do I need to have a WordPress website?
- Domain Name local .co.za R 299 once off and a R 199 annual renew fee
- Hosting Fee R 159,50pm including emails accounts