Articles on: 1. Intro to WordPress

1.1.2. What is WordPress?

At its core, WordPress is a Content Management System(CMS). It was originally very technical—you needed to upload files manually and know how to code.

Thankfully, things have changed a lot. WordPress is now much more user-friendly. Behind the scenes, it's still made up of PHP files and a database, but you don’t need to worry about that.



How Content Is Structured


Everything in WordPress is stored as a post type:

  • Pages
  • Blog posts
  • WooCommerce products
  • Custom post types (like galleries or portfolios in themes like Divi or Flothemes)
  • You can even create your own custom post types using free plugins (we cover this in another article).



Themes and Default Setup


When you install WordPress:

  • It always comes with a default theme, usually named after the year (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Three).
  • You only need to keep the most recent default theme. The others can be deleted.
  • Why keep one? If your site has an issue, you can switch temporarily to a default theme to troubleshoot.



Plugins = Extra Functionality


  • Plugins give your site more features—security, backups, forms, etc.
  • Thousands of free plugins live in the WordPress Repository (accessible via Plugins > Add New).
  • You can also purchase premium plugins for added functionality.



Why You Should Avoid Using "WordPress.com" for Your Website


"WordPress.com" operates as a hosted platform—meaning your site runs on their servers, with limitations on customization, plugin usage, and monetization. In contrast, "WordPress.org" allows you to install the WordPress software on your own hosting provider, giving you complete freedom to modify your site, add any plugins or themes you choose, and scale without restriction.



Updated on: 29/07/2025