If you are new to WordPress, you might be wondering: what is a WordPress plugin? As you read the , you probably see this word everywhere. Even if you have already installed the software, you may still not be sure what a plugin is and what you need it for.
Plugins are essential to increase the functionality of . In this tutorial, you will learn what a WordPress plugin is, what it does, and find answers to other frequently asked questions related to the theme.
What is a WordPress plugin and how does it work?
A WordPress plugin is a piece of code that connects to your WordPress website. In a nutshell, it is an extension to your site that modifies and improves the core features of WordPress.
Instead of editing the original WordPress codes, using plugins is a better solution to enhance WordPress capabilities. It is easier to download and install plugins than to customize long codes. Dealing with code is a difficult task after all.
With plugins, you just need to plug in additional code to modify the originals. And when the changes are no longer needed, you can take them offline by deactivating the plugin.
The good thing is that there are thousands of plugins available to you on WordPress. The correct use of plugins will not only improve the functionality and user experience of your website, but it will also improve your workflow.
What can a plugin do?
You already know what a WordPress plugin is, now let’s see what they do.
Plugins are the modifiers that turn an ordinary blog into a website with any form and functionality. With a few simple steps, plugins can transform your site into a virtual store, a magazine, a learning management system… Everything you can imagine!
For example, if you are making an online store, it will be your new best friend. Do you want to make a site for a reservation system? Take a look at .
Perhaps you are a photographer who wants to display their work on a website? The plugin is a perfect option.
While some plugins totally transform your site, others act as simple behind-the-scenes tweaks. You may not see an obvious change, but plugins optimize the way a site works.
For example, you can add to compress the images. will improve the performance of your site, and plugins such as increase the security of your website.
Where to find WordPress plugins?
There are several places where you can get WordPress plugins. However, you should be careful when choosing where you are going to download them from. Plugins published by unreliable developers can harm your website.
The is the best place to look for plugins. There are over 50,000 published plugins for you to choose from.
You can also invest in purchasing premium plugins. There are WordPress plugin marketplaces that provide premium plugins like , , or .
To install the plugins from the WordPress directory, you can go to Plugins >> Add New from the desktop.
How to install WordPress plugins
There are three ways to install plugins. First of all, you can install them directly through the WordPress directory. Second, you can upload the plugin .zip file to your site. And lastly, you can upload the plugins via FTP.
To learn more about these methods, you can visit our article that explains .
Free Plugins vs. Premium
Since there are free and paid plugins, you may be wondering which one you should choose. Do free plugins only work for short-term goals? Do premium plugins better support your future growth?
Well, just because you have to pay more doesn’t mean you’ll get better quality. There are hundreds of free plugins that offer premium qualities. So if you just can’t afford a premium plugin, you can always find a free option.
Here are some points to consider when choosing between a free and paid plugin:
- Features: Although there are many free plugins in the WordPress repository, some key features may only be available in its paid version. Check if you really need those features or not. If there are no free plugins that offer the required option, you will need to purchase the premium version of the plugin.
- Support – Premium plugins generally offer full-time support. So, if your plugin is malfunctioning or you need some tips to use it, you can contact the support team for help. With most free plugins, you’ll have to do the research yourself.
- Documentation file – Paid plugins usually come with documentation files. These files are like a manual; you can find how to configure all the functions of the plugin and maybe some settings to optimize it.
Before installing WordPress plugins
Before installing any plugin, you should consider a few things.
First, you have to know what your website really needs. Don’t go to the WordPress repository with no idea what you’ll need and start installing everything that looks great; this is inefficient and time consuming.
Second, look for plugin recommendations on the internet. This step is useful if you already know what you need but aren’t sure which plugins will help you achieve your goals.
Lastly, you should check the compatibility of the plugin with your WordPress version and theme. Some plugins may not be compatible with older or later WordPress version. And if your theme isn’t compatible with the plugin of your choice, installing it can cause some serious issues.
Why can’t I add plugins to my WordPress?
Some beginners do not know that there is: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. The .org version gives you the freedom to use any plugin you want, while the .com version does not.
Only users who buy the plan Business from WordPress.com can add plugins to their sites. However, the numbers of plugins available for installation are limited.
If you want to know more about the differences between the two versions of WordPress, you can read our article about these two versions of WordPress.
Does having too many plugins affect my website?
Technically, the number of plugins installed does not affect the performance of your site. However, poorly coded plugins can cause errors or slow down your site.
One thing to remember: everything you add to your website will use disk space. Therefore, if you install a large number of plugins, you will run out of space sooner.
Also, some plugins can conflict with each other and cause issues on your site. Do a good research and keep an adequate number of plugins.
Some plugins are important for every website
While some plugins are optional, depending on the format of your site, some plugins are essential. To maximize the functionality of your site, we recommend these three plugins that you should install right away:
With this plugin, you can place a contact form on your website with a few simple steps. This plugin is also easy to customize and offers useful features that are easy to add to your site.
In short, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a set of techniques and strategies to help your website rank high in search engines. With some helpful options and suggestions, the Yoast SEO plugin does the hard work of optimizing content for you.
As your website grows, you should prepare for spam messages and comments. Akismet not only protects your website from spam, but also filters it into a separate folder. Additionally, Akismet automatically generates a spam statistics report for you.
conclusion
Simply put, if it weren’t for plugins, WordPress might not be as powerful as it is now. Plugins increase the functionality of your site, protect it, and generally maximize its potential.
However, there are a few things to remember before installing plugins on your WordPress site.
Gustavo is passionate about creating websites. He focuses on the application of SEO strategies at for Spain and Latin America, as well as the creation of high-level content. When he is not applying new WordPress tricks you can find him playing the guitar, traveling or taking an online course.
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