Hey all, I've been working with WordPress for a decade primarily in a law firm setting, so my projects aren't exactly on the cutting edge of web design or development trends. Recently, I've been questioning whether WordPress remains relevant in today's web development landscape, especially as the focus seems to be shifting more towards web applications. If you were in my shoes with a solid background in PHP, ACF, and custom themes, what would you suggest I learn next to keep my skills up-to-date? Should I explore using WordPress in a headless configuration or dive into completely different technologies like React or Next.js? I'm eager to enhance my skill set without completely abandoning what I already know. Thanks for your insights!
6 Answers
I think while WordPress is great for basic sites, learning Laravel would expand your horizons. The framework is gaining popularity and will give you the flexibility to build more complex applications without straying too far from your PHP roots. Plus, it's got a robust community!
The stats show that WordPress still powers about 40% of the web! It's a solid choice for small business sites, and if you want to expand your skill set while still riding the WordPress wave, diving into React and building custom blocks could be a good path.
Absolutely, WordPress is still relevant because it's cost-effective. Many clients, including large ones, continue to ask for WordPress due to its lower maintenance and ease of use. Additionally, I recently built a custom site using JavaScript but leveraged headless WordPress for the blog, and it worked perfectly!
What's this headless WordPress all about? Sounds interesting!
Headless WordPress lets you use it as a backend while building your front-end with modern tech like React. It's super handy!
As someone who runs a web design agency, I can say that clients don't really care about the tech behind their sites. What they want is a fast-loading, responsive site that captures leads and is easy to update. WordPress checks all those boxes, and it's still very much in demand, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
And they also want it built quickly and affordably!
I agree! Some businesses still prefer WordPress because it allows for easy maintenance without relying on complex tech stacks.
Yes, WordPress is still a go-to for low-effort webpage creation, especially for small businesses that want an online presence without the complexity of a web app. But if you're looking for something more robust, consider learning about headless CMSs or even moving to a full PHP framework for a greater range of projects.
But isn't WordPress's structure kind of messy? Shouldn't we be looking at something cleaner?
Though it has its quirks, many businesses still find it effective for their needs, especially for straightforward projects.
I'm a teacher who shows students how to work with classic WordPress. There are so many ways to make it work effectively; it doesn't have to be the drag-and-drop theme mess you see often. If you're comfortable with PHP, I suggest trying Laravel as a next step. It complements your existing skills and opens up new opportunities.
That's true! If you already know WordPress, headless setups can carry over your skills while adapting to modern practices.