Usually, beginner users ask exactly what are WordPress plugins, and how do they function? Plugins are an essential part of the WordPress ecosystem, and they are vital for developing excellent websites utilizing WordPress. On this beginner’s guide, we will describe what are WordPress plugins and exactly how do they function?
What Are WordPress Plugins?
WordPress plugins are applications that enable you to add additional features and functionality to the WordPress website. The same means applications do for the smartphone.
There are above 48,000 free plugins available today on the WordPress plugin directory. Thousands more are obtainable from third-party websites such as Github.
There are also a large number of paid WordPress plugins that are offered by specific developers and companies.
In 2003, WordPress began like a simple tool to help you begin a blog. Over the years, it has become an effective content management system and application platform, thanks mainly to plugins.
Exactly what can WordPress Plugins Perform?
WordPress plugins are small software applications that include and run on the surface of the WordPress software. This enables you to develop nearly every type of website with WordPress.
For example, you can:
Begin an online store with WordPress utilizing the WooCommerce plugin
Develop a job board with WordPress utilizing the Job Manager plugin
Develop a business directory using the best directory plugins for WordPress
Begin a coupon website like RetainMeNot
Develop your photography website utilizing the Envira Gallery Plugin
Develop a Wiki website utilizing the Knowledgebase plugin
Begin your podcast website utilizing WordPress
… and a lot more.
There is a well-liked saying in the WordPress community, “There is a plugin for that”.
Regardless of what you want to do on your WordPress site, it’s possible. When the function is not available in normal WordPress, then there is a plugin accessible for that.
You can find WordPress plugins to boost SEO, increase overall performance, including contact forms, social media buttons, generate galleries, and so much more.
Plugins may be small and provide just one little function (such as adding a picture to the sidebar).
Or they may also be very big and acting as their platform too (Example: WordPress eCommerce plugins or WordPress membership plugins).
Additional feature-rich plugins may have their addon plugins to improve them such as you would extend WordPress.
How WordPress Plugins Perform?
WordPress is developed in an option so that some other developers may add their unique code into it. The WordPress plugin API provides an effective set of hooks and filters which enable developers to switch active WordPress functionality or add new functionality.
WordPress also enables developers to keep data in the WordPress database. Plugins can use WordPress content types, taxonomies, and custom fields which enable users to keep various kinds of content not only post and pages.
Every WordPress plugin placed on your site is registered in the WordPress database. You may activate and deactivate them if you want.
After every visit, WordPress connects to the database, loads the main software, and after that loads the active plugins. All this code is prepared on your server and after that delivered to the user’s browser.
Where to find WordPress Plugins and Install Them?
You can get free WordPress plugins by going to WordPress.org plugin directory or you can also obtain them directly from the WordPress admin.
Just check out Plugins » Add New page and search by writing plugin name or functionality you need to include.
Nevertheless, search results within the WordPress admin area are not generally useful as they are limited to free plugins only. Many beginners find it hard to choose which plugin is perfect for the job.
Another method is to search for plugin suggestions and tutorials on the web.
Conclusions
No matter what functionality you can imagine, there’s possibly a plugin for it. Plugins make your website to a whole new level, help you add both essential as well as specific features to it, and improve the overall user experience.
You should be cautious when choosing which plugins to get, as you don’t want them to give up the functionality of your website. Download them from trustworthy providers, ensure they’re protected, upgraded, routinely maintained, and enjoy crafting some impressive websites.
