WordPress is a free, open-source content management system that powers websites, blogs, and online stores.
The software includes visual editing tools, customizable themes, and plugins for extending website functionality.
Self-hosted WordPress requires PHP 8.3 or greater and a MariaDB or MySQL database on a web host.
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system that lets people build and run websites, blogs, and online stores without writing code from scratch. The software traces back to 2003 and now powers a large share of websites worldwide, according to W3Techs' tracking of content management systems. It remains a leading choice among businesses, publishers, and individual creators who want control over their own site.
WordPress comes in two forms. WordPress.org offers the free, open-source software for installation on a personal web hosting account. This gives the site owner more control over themes, plugins, content, and hosting setup. WordPress.com is a separate hosted service. It handles the technical setup and offers both free and paid plans.
Download WordPress: https://wordpress.org/download/
The self-hosted version needs web hosting, a domain name, and access to a compatible database. Many hosting providers also offer one-click WordPress installation. This makes it easier to get a website running without setting everything up by hand.
WordPress gives users one dashboard to create, edit, publish, and manage website content. It supports posts and pages, along with media like images, videos, galleries, and embedded content. The visual editor lets users build and update pages without writing code for every change.
WordPress runs on PHP and stores website data in MySQL or MariaDB. WordPress.org recommends PHP 8.3 or newer, along with MariaDB 10.6 or newer or MySQL 8.0 or newer. Older software versions may not get security updates, so using supported versions matters.
Themes shape how a WordPress website looks, including its layout and overall design. Plugins can add functions such as contact forms, search tools, caching, security features, and online-store support. WooCommerce, for example, can turn a WordPress website into an online store. Users can pick from thousands of free themes and plugins, plus paid options from third-party developers.
Choose hosting and a domain: Pick a hosting provider that meets WordPress requirements and register a domain for the website.
Install WordPress: Use the hosting provider's one-click installation option, or download WordPress from the official WordPress.org website and install it by hand.
Choose a theme: Pick a free or paid theme that fits the website and adjust its layout, colors, and other design settings.
Create pages and content: Use the WordPress editor to add text, images, videos, galleries, and other content.
Install plugins: Add plugins for functions such as contact forms, search tools, security, speed, or online stores, based on what the website needs.
Publish and maintain: Publish the pages and posts, then update WordPress, themes, and plugins often to keep the website safe and running well.
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free and open-source | Requires ongoing maintenance |
| Large theme and plugin ecosystem | Security depends on keeping updates current |
| Flexible customization | Hosting is required for self-hosted WordPress |
| Supports a wide range of website types | Advanced customization can require coding |
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | WordPress Foundation / open-source contributors |
| License | GPL, open source |
| Platform | Web-based, self-hosted, or WordPress.com hosted |
| Recommended PHP | PHP 8.3 or newer |
| Minimum supported PHP | PHP 7.4+ (end of life; security risk) |
| Database | MariaDB 10.6+ or MySQL 8.0+ |
| Web Server | Apache or Nginx is recommended. |
| Connectivity | HTTPS required |
| Content types | Posts, pages, media, custom post types |
| Extensibility | Themes and plugins |
WordPress can be a good fit for users who want more control over their website, plus room to add features as their needs change. Its free core software, themes, and plugins support different types of websites, including blogs, business sites, portfolios, and online stores.
The main thing to think about is maintenance. With self-hosted WordPress, users handle hosting, updates, backups, and security, though managed WordPress hosting can take on some of these tasks. WordPress also comes with separate costs for hosting and a domain name. Users who want a simpler setup with less technical work may find a hosted website builder a better fit.
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WordPress is suited to users who want flexibility over their website's design, content, and functionality. The software itself is free, but self-hosted websites require hosting, updates, backups, and security management. Users who prefer less maintenance may find a hosted website platform easier to manage.
Is WordPress free to use?
The WordPress.org software is free and open source. Costs come from hosting, a domain name, and any premium themes or plugins chosen.
Where can I download WordPress?
WordPress can be downloaded from the official WordPress.org website. Users can then install it on a compatible web host.
What is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
WordPress.org provides free software for self-hosting on a web host of choice. WordPress.com is a hosted service with free and paid plans running on Automattic's servers.
Does WordPress require coding knowledge?
No coding is required for basic use. The visual editor allows page and post creation through an interface, though custom development still uses PHP, HTML, and CSS.