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Does WordPress need Coding? Let’s address the subject in more detail.
If you want to start a WordPress project, here is what you should consider regarding Coding.
Coding, in simple words – refers to scripts that help users extend WordPress functionality. For example, a simple code snippet can help you change color schemes in WordPress.
Let’s describe in more detail and answer the question: does WordPress need Coding?
Does WordPress need Coding?
There are various scenarios when Coding can help you extend WordPress functionality.
However, before diving deep, the following scenarios address beginners who need to learn how to code.
If you’re a simple person who wants to create a WordPress portfolio site or blog, you don’t need to learn how to code. A simple, lightweight, and fast-loading theme can help you make an attractive site.
If you’re hiring developers and the rest of management you plan to handle – you don’t need to learn how Coding works. In such cases, the people you hire for code handle everything – from installing WordPress to making WordPress super fast.
Let’s address use cases in which coding plays a vital role.
Code Snippets
Sometimes, minor changes play a vital role. You don’t need to hire WordPress coders; you can change WordPress functionality with code snippets.
The point is that WordPress doesn’t need Coding for basic infrastructural functionality, but it can accommodate code scripts to help users get things done.
In this case, code snippets are small scripts, sentences of code, or syntax structures that help users become coders without learning how Coding works in WordPress.
For example, picking and placing a simple code snippet to display recent posts in WordPress can quickly help users display recently published posts on the sidebar.
Custom Projects
A custom project is a custom-coded package created solely to serve a company’s needs.
Custom projects are run by coders, developers, and planners who know how Coding works. If you’re looking to start a custom project, here is what you should have understood:
- In the WordPress industry, there is no fix or solution for the needs you want to achieve. In simple words, there is no tool for your requirements. So, developing a custom project with Coding becomes the only option.
- You’re going to hire WordPress developers who know how to code. Also, monitoring the project from start to finish is another headache.
Note: There is a difference between a full-stack custom project and minor changes. Minor changes are achievable with code snippets, while custom projects are initiated via Coding from scratch.
Themes, Plugins, and Scripts development
Developers who know how to code can create WordPress themes, plugins, and 3rd party scripts. Platforms like Themeforest are an example of where developers can sell their WordPress assets.
There is a standard approach to developing WordPress assets. Once created, the WordPress platform can test whether a theme or plugin qualifies WordPress’ coding standards. If it passes the criteria successfully, the plugin or theme can be uploaded to WordPress’ official directory.
Technical routines in WordPress
WordPress maintenance, done regularly, can help users keep WordPress healthy, error-free, and fast. The people responsible for maintenance should know how to improve WordPress functionality with coding skills.
It happens in WordPress more often. For example, after you’ve installed WordPress – a simple code snippet can help you correctly redirect WordPress domains to the preferred URL.
Similarly, WordPress technical routines include maintenance tweaks with Coding, security precautions, and data management.
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
CSS is the language that helps users improve WordPress designs. This refers to WordPress’s changing color schemes, design elements, size and padding, divisions, and special effects.
CSS includes code syntax, code snippets, and proper code structures. If you want to make WordPress design more attractive, CSS coding can play a vital role.
If you know how to code in CSS, the WordPress Advanced CSS option can accommodate CSS snippets. To access the option, land on the Appearance -> Customizer page in the WordPress dashboard.
Integration with 3rd party services
WordPress integrations help users take advantage of using external data.
For example, integration with an SEO tool can fetch keywords’ metrics from external sources.
Here, integration requires technical expertise, coding skills, and the knowledge of APIs in WordPress.
In such scenarios, if you don’t know how Coding works in WordPress APIs, don’t proceed.
Modifying the WordPress Core Infrastructure
It would help if you learned coding to change how WordPress’s core functionality works.
Here, changing WordPress core functionality requires advanced coding skills. Basic knowledge of Coding will break WordPress – keep this in mind.
Modifying the WordPress core includes changing WordPress’ search algorithm, database optimization routines, data management, changing security routines in WordPress, and dealing with unwanted traffic.
Here is one thing you need to keep in mind.
The changes you make to the WordPress core are wiped out when you update the WordPress core. You must make changes each time the core is updated or find another way.
Basic precautions: WordPress vs Coding
- It would be good if you had a staging site for A/B testing. This would help you test out Coding, new trends, or experiments before you apply changes to your live WordPress website.
- Keep track of coding changes you make to WordPress. An update can create problems.
- Remember to take site backups regularly. Backup plans help when something goes wrong in WordPress.
- User experience is everything. Once you’ve played around with back-end algorithms, pay attention to front-end designs. Here, coding and attractive design help users create a better user experience.
- Use code editors when coding for WordPress. Editors can quickly highlight syntax errors.
Conclusion
Learning how to code for WordPress depends on requirements.
If you’re building a regular WordPress site, you don’t need to learn how to code in WordPress. Similarly, you can taste code snippets if you need to make minor changes to WordPress. Similarly, if you plan to create a custom project, deal with core infrastructure, or create WordPress assets – you’ll need to dig deeper and learn how to code in WordPress.
Above all, here are the 2-step formulas to stay safe.
- Take site backups regularly. This helps you keep WordPress data safe and recover when something unusual happens in WordPress.
- Make sure to test WordPress experiments on a staging website. It helps you keep WordPress live without errors.
Remember to check out our services for more information on WordPress customization, speed improvements, and maintenance.