Does WordPress Need Coding?
Does WordPress Need Coding? Before WordPress came into existence, it was impossible to create a website without writing thousands of lines of code. With modern content management systems, you can set up your website in just a few hours. The great thing is, most of the time, you don’t even need to code! even need to code for it!
Having prior knowledge of coding languages such as HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript can be helpful but these aren’t necessary to learn if you want to work on WordPress. Thousands of themes and plugins are available on WordPress. These tools make it easy to create complex and appealing websites effortlessly.
The coding aspect of WordPress is pretty basic. It is super easy to get a grip on through YouTube and various tutorials available on Google. Read on below to find out more about useful WordPress Plugins. Learn which programming languages are recommended before diving deep into WordPress.
Is Coding Knowledge Required to use WordPress?
If you’re worried that you need extensive programming knowledge to develop a web page on WordPress, you’re mistaken. You only need to have a basic understanding of how CSS and HTML work. You can find most of the things you need to create a website on WordPress scattered across the internet in the form of plugins. So the question arises; what are plugins?
WordPress Plugins
Suppose you want to display an Instagram feed on your webpage. All you would need to do is install the famous Spotlight plugin on WordPress, and voila! Underneath Spotlight is a piece of code written by someone that is packaged under what you call a plugin. A plugin acts as functionality or something that can extend the functionality of an already present feature.
You can easily find plugins on the internet, and developers created them to eliminate the hassle of repeatedly writing the same code. Some are free, while others require a purchase. Avoid downloading plugins without reviews, as they may contain malicious code.
Languages Used by WordPress
So if you’re thinking about becoming a professional WordPress developer, keep in mind that there are only a handful of programming languages that WordPress supports. You should have a firm grip on them so you can tackle an issue if you encounter one.
Although don’t sweat it too much, most programmers out there don’t know each and every functionality of the language they excel at, and sometimes they have to take the aid of the internet to help them out. So you don’t need to be an expert at yours, but you have to be smart instead.
Here’s a list of the languages used by WordPress and their purpose:
1. HTML
If you had to imagine a human’s body as a webpage, the skeleton would be made through HTML. HTML provides the basic outline of a webpage and acts as its bones. It isn’t a language that can be operated alone, but it needs to work with one another to maximize its functionality.
The language is also pretty easy to learn, so you won’t need much time mastering it. You only need a primary grasp of how it works, and you’re good to go.
2. CSS
Taking the human body analogy into account again, CSS would act as the genes determining the skin color, body shape, height, and other features, which adds to the appearance of a website. If you want to make your website visually appealing, CSS is your go-to.
Although the language is pretty easy to grasp, it is equally tough to master. You can get familiar with all the functionalities provided by CSS. Learning when to use them takes time. There are many functionalities with similar attributes. This can confuse you.
It is recommended to invest your time in excelling at this language. It’s a useful tool for making changes to your website. Not only will it save you time, but it will also help you earn more money from clients. This is especially true if you know how to use it properly.
3. Javascript
Javascript would be the language that helps humans to move or interact with others. It adds animations or functionalities to websites that would make them feel more user interactive. CSS and Javascript have the same role, but Javascript does what CSS simply cannot imagine doing.
Although it’s not a bad idea to learn Javascript since it increases your website’s aesthetics and prolongs a user’s stay on it, it is optional to do so. By learning it, you’d be able to land clients with specific demands regarding animations or just use it to beautify your website further.
4. PHP
PHP is responsible for carrying out the processes inside our body, such as blood flow or metabolism. While the above three languages handle the front end of a website, PHP ensures everything works fine at the backend. It is a server-side language that takes on user requests on your website.
For instance, if someone fills out a form on your website and submits it, it is PHP’s job to ensure the information gets stored somewhere on the server. WordPress and its themes and plugins already have the PHP files they need, so you don’t have to learn PHP to develop a web page on WordPress.
5. My SQL
MySQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) commonly used with WordPress. It plays a crucial role in the WordPress ecosystem by storing and managing all the data for your website, such as posts, pages, user information, comments, and settings.
When you install WordPress, MySQL creates a database that organizes this information into tables, which are structured in rows and columns. Each table holds specific data, such as the “wp_posts” table for storing content, “wp_users” for user details, and “wp_comments” for user feedback. The power of MySQL lies in its ability to retrieve, manipulate, and manage large sets of data quickly and efficiently.
How To Use WordPress Without Coding
If you’ve no prior experience in coding and want to begin using WordPress right away you can use plugins such as Elementor and Divi that act as drag-and-drop website builders for WordPress, visual editors and give you complete control of designing your website.
Elementor is a popular drag-and-drop page builder plugin for WordPress, designed to help users create high-quality, responsive websites without any coding skills. Known for its intuitive interface, Elementor offers a live, visual editor, allowing users to see changes instantly. It comes with a vast library of pre-designed templates and widgets. Options include headers, images, forms, and animations, offering extensive customization. The plugin supports both free and premium versions. Advanced features include theme building, WooCommerce integration, and a variety of design effects. This makes it a powerful tool for both beginners and web professionals.
The Divi Builder plugin is a versatile, drag-and-drop page builder for WordPress that empowers users to design custom layouts without coding knowledge. Created by Elegant Themes, it offers a visual editor with real-time previews, allowing users to easily add, arrange, and style elements like text, images, and buttons. With over 40 customizable content modules, Divi Builder makes it simple to create complex, responsive websites. The plugin’s flexibility, with features like global elements, custom CSS control, and compatibility with most WordPress themes, makes it popular among beginners and professionals alike.
Useful Plugins
Apart from Elementor, there are also other plugins that can make your website more visually appealing without the need to add CSS or Javascript to your website. If you’re looking to add hover effects but don’t want to get into the hassle of writing all that complex CSS code, the “Ultimate Hover Effects” plugin will do the job for you.
If you further want to leave a lasting impression on your user, you can add the “Video Background” plugin to your WordPress website. As the name suggests, this plugin will play a video in the background while the user is browsing your website. What’s more, is that it is equipped with multiple options that let you tinker around with what you feel best.
You can visit WordPress to find other exciting plugins that can make your website management simpler.
Conclusion
WordPress empowers people who aren’t tech-savvy. While coding is an essential and valuable skill to have and reaps many benefits in the long run, it isn’t really necessary for building and managing websites on WordPress.
FAQs
What Can You Do With WordPress Without Coding?
Without any knowledge of coding, you can still do a lot with WordPress, such as being able to design the layout of your website or adding complex functionality to your website through plugins such as Elementor, Divi and many more. This would help you maintain your website on your own without the need to hire a developer.
Should I Learn Any WordPress Supported Language?
It is always a great idea to excel in any programming language. If you had to pick one, we recommend either JavaScript or CSS. They can make your website look visually appealing. Mastering the CSS box model will help you earn more. It will also improve your webpage’s design.
Where Can I Learn About WordPress?
If you’re looking to binge-watch a course that will help you learn how to use WordPress, some great sites are available on the internet. Websites such as Khan Academy and Codecademy offer free lessons and tutorials for most of the programming world. Paid websites like Udemy offer certification after you complete a course.
