WordPress (CMS)
What is WordPress?
WordPress is an open-source, self-hosted content management system (CMS) created with the PHP programming language. In conjunction with a database, WordPress allows its administrators and users to login to a website’s WordPress dashboard in order to create and manage the website and its contents.
WordPress itself exists as a series of PHP, JavaScript, and CSS files which work together to provide advanced functionality and web publishing capabilities. Initially envisioned to primarily be blogging platform, WordPress has grown in popularity and, in doing so, has also grown in usability. Unlike when it initially launched back in 2003, today WordPress is a multi-faceted, feature rich publishing system suitable for professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike.
What is WordPress Used for?
Most commonly, WordPress is used to create websites which are published on the internet for public internet users to visit and interact with. It can be used to create simple websites such as those necessary for small business to advertise and market their services, and it can be used by large corporate entities to provide web-based software as a service (SAS). Restaurants can use it to list their menus and take orders online, and individuals can use it to blog about their personal life or any other potential topic.
But that is by no means the limit of its usefulness. Through the use of advanced WordPress plugins the WordPress platform can serve a much wider array of needs. Realtors can make use of a plugin to display property listings directly from an IDX feed, as an example. Another example is for plumbers, electricians, or other tradesmen to provide real-time service quotes and estimates.
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