Often, users who are new to WordPress ask us what is a WordPress Plugin and how does it work? Plugins are an important part of the WordPress ecosystem, and they are essential for building great WordPress websites.
In this guide we will explain to you What are the WordPress plugins and how do they work?
What is a WordPress plugin?
Un WordPress Plugin is an application that allows you to add new features to your WordPress site. Exactly the same way apps do for your smartphone.
There are over 48.000 plugins available right now on the directory of WordPress plugins.org. Thousands more are available from third-party sites like Github.
In addition to this, there are also thousands of WordPress plugins premium that are sold by individual developers and companies.
In 2003, WordPress started out as a simple tool to help you Create a blog. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful content management system and application framework, primarily through plugins.
What can WordPress Plugins?
WordPress plugins are small programs that integrate and work on WordPress. This allows you to create almost any type of website with WordPress (not just blogs).
For example, you can:
- Launch an online store with WordPress using the WooCommerce plugin
- Create a work card with WordPress using the Manager Job plugin
- Build a business directory with the best WordPress directory plugins
- Start a coupon site like RetainMeNot
- Build your photography website using the Envira Gallery plugin
- Start your own podcast website using WordPress
- And more…
There is a popular saying in the WordPress community, “There is a plugin for everything. "
No matter what you are trying to do on your WordPress website, it is possible that if a feature is not available on WordPress, then there is definitely a plugin available for it.
There are WordPress plugins for improve SEO, stimulate performance, add contact forms, social network buttons, create galleries, And much more.
Plugins can be small and offer just a small element (like adding an image to the sidebar).
Or they can also be big enough and act as a platform.
The most feature rich plugins may have their own plugins to extend them just like you would extend WordPress.
How WordPress plugins work?
WordPress was written in a way that other developers can add their own code. The WordPress Plugins API offers a robust set of hooks and filters that allow developers to modify existing WordPress functionality or add new functionality.
WordPress also allows developers to store data in the WordPress database. Plugins can use the post format, taxonomies and custom fields that allow users to store different types of content in posts and pages.
Each WordPress Plugin installed on your website is saved in your WordPress database. You can activate and deactivate them at any time.
When accessing WordPress, it connects to the database, loads the basic version, and then loads your active plugins. All of this code is processed on your server and then sent to the user's browser.
Some questions related to WordPress plugins
How to install a WordPress plugin and or install it?
If you are using WordPress.com, you do not have access to plugin installation. You can only install WordPress plugins on self-hosted WordPress.org websites. Check out our tutorial on how to create a WordPress plugin. Learn more.
How many WordPress plugins should I install?
A common misconception among users is that having too many plugins can slow down your website. It's not too much of a plugin that slow down your blog. These are badly coded plugins or too heavy (in functionality) That can slow down your blog. Learn more.
Should I install untested plugins with my version of WordPress?
Sometimes the authors of free plugins do not update their plugins on each new version of WordPress. Just because if it works, then they do not feel the need to update it. So, you can still have a test environment where you can test plugins that you do not know are compatible with your version of WordPress.
How to choose between the free plugin and the premium plugin?
There are thousands of free plugins out there and there is a good chance you can find a free plugin that offers the same functionality as a premium plugin. If it works well for you, then use it.
However, keep in mind that free plugins are offered as they are, with no guarantees, and no promises of support. The author of the plugin can stop working on a plugin at any time if he wishes.
If you feel that you will need assistance, and want regular updates, then you must opt ​​for premium plugins.
Recommended Resources
Discover recommended resources that will help you optimize your website for an unforgettable event and a user experience that your users will enjoy.
- 5 plugins to create events & Calendars on WordPress
- How to Attract Readers to Your Blog and Create Events
- 10 WordPress plugins to create a booking form on your website
- 4 ways to fix "Unable to load resource: net :: ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT" error
Conclusion
So ! That's it for this article which tells you all about WordPress plugins.
However, you can also consult our resources, if you need more elements to carry out your projects of creation of Internet sites, by consulting our guide on the WordPress blog creation or the one on Divi: the best WordPress theme of all time.
If you have some Comments or suggestions, do not hesitate to tell us in the section reserved for these. But, especially share this article on your different social networks.
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