From WordPress to Web Development: How My CMS Journey Made Me a Better Programmer

Many see WordPress as a user-friendly platform for building basic and complex websites. However, my experience with WordPress has become the springboard for a deeper dive into the world of web development. In this article, I'll explore how my #WordPress background has equipped me with valuable skills and a foundational understanding that benefits me as a developer today.

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1. Understanding Website Structure

One of the most significant advantages of working with WordPress is the comprehensive structure it provides. WordPress builds upon a strong core framework, which themes and plugins utilize it and extend it with new functionalities. This foundation allowed me to grasp how a complete website functions – from the user interface (what users see) to the admin panel (where website management happens).

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2. Building User-Friendly Websites

WordPress prioritizes a positive admin experience. Its core structure emphasizes an admin-friendly management system. Additionally, powerful page builders like #Elementor and #WPBakery empower the web designer to design user interfaces (UI) visually without needing code. This point caused me to notice each website needs an admin-friendly management panel to change the website's viewer side when it’s needed, without the need to constantly depend on the developer.

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3. Extending Functionality

The real power of WordPress lies in its extensive plugin ecosystem. These plugins can transform a simple theme into a feature-rich website. Here are some examples:

WooCommerce: Convert the website into a full-fledged shop or marketplace.

Security Plugins: Enhance website security like #All-in-One Security or #Wordfence.

Performance Plugins: Boost website speed and performance like #WP_Rocket.

SEO Plugins: Optimize the website for search engines like #RankMath or #Yoast.

Working with plugins has not only exposed me to various functionalities but has also instilled in me a modular development approach. This approach allows me to break down complex projects into smaller, manageable modules, making development more efficient and scalable. It especially helped me perceive a componential attitude in #React.

4. The Power of Contribution

A critical factor contributing to WordPress's popularity is its open-source nature. This means the core platform and many plugins are developed and maintained by a collaborative community. In 2023 alone, over 1,000 individuals from companies like Yoast, Bluehost, and even Google contributed to the WordPress source code [source]. This collaborative approach highlights the importance of community engagement and the power of shared knowledge – values I actively embrace in my development journey. It's clear that such a development is impossible if an individual wants to make project progress alone.

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To Wrap Up

My journey with WordPress has been instrumental in shaping my path as a #developer. Understanding how websites function, the importance of user experience, and the power of collaboration have become valuable assets in my toolkit.