Overview
WordPress is open-source content management software written in PHP and using a MySQL-compatible database such as MariaDB. It started in 2003 when Mike Little and Matt Mullenweg forked the b2/cafelog blogging tool, and it is licensed under the GNU GPL version 2 or later, which allows anyone to run, modify and redistribute it.[1] The project is developed by a worldwide community and powers what it describes as millions of sites.[1]
WordPress began as blogging software but is used today for company websites, publications, membership sites and online stores, extended through themes and plugins. It can be self-hosted at no licence cost or run as a hosted service: WordPress.com, for example, offers a free plan and paid tiers from US$4 a month on yearly billing, with plugin installation from the Personal plan upwards.[17] Its block editor and large pool of developers make it the default general-purpose CMS for small and mid-sized organisations. The disadvantages are well documented: plugin quality and security vary, performance depends on hosting and configuration, and complex sites can accumulate technical debt.
WordPress (self-hosted) features
- Open-source GPL licence
- Any theme or plugin can be installed
- Portable database and files
- Large contributor community
- No platform fee on revenue
- Themes and plugins for extension
- Self-hosted or hosted via WordPress.com
- 60,000+ plugins installable on WordPress.com paid plans
WordPress (self-hosted) pricing
The software is free under the GPL. Hosting, domain registration and premium themes or plugins are paid separately to third parties.
WordPress (self-hosted) strengths and limitations
Strengths
- Complete ownership and portability
- Largest ecosystem of themes and plugins
- No revenue share
- Can scale from a blog to a full site
- Largest ecosystem of extensions and developers
- No licence cost
Limitations
- Publisher is responsible for hosting, updates and security
- Plugin quality varies widely
- Total cost depends on chosen host
- Steeper learning curve than hosted builders
- Plugin security and quality vary
- Maintenance burden when self-hosted
Appears in
WordPress (self-hosted) alternatives and competitors
Alternatives to WordPress (self-hosted): companies ranked in the same lists.
Webflow
WordPress.com
HubSpot data enrichment- SitecoreAI
Adobe Experience Manager
Payload
Craft CMS
Storyblok
Strapi
Sanity
Contentful
Drupal
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