How to Start Web Development: The Ultimate Guide
To become a professional web developer, learn how to get started, the programs and resources required for success, the web programming language, and numerous tips and techniques.
Installing a WordPress Theme: A Complete Guide
Learn to install WordPress themes with our comprehensive guide. Get a fresh new look for your website with minimal effort in a few simple steps.
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The Best Free and Paid Page Builders for WordPress in 2023
Discover the top page builders for WordPress, both free and paid, to effortlessly create professional websites without coding.
Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Website With WordPress
Learn how to create a professional website with WordPress. This step-by-step guide covers everything from set-up, installation and optimizing your website.
Setting Up WordPress with Docker Containers: A Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to producing high-quality products, running WordPress websites often involves utilizing various configurations and software packages. You may have wondered if there is a simpler way to work on these kinds of projects on your own PC without having to run so many different programs. For example, you may have considered using an online service. Docker is a tool that, thankfully, makes it possible to install WordPress faster and more easily. Docker is much more than just a simple virtual machine; it also offers containers, which can be used for the development of WordPress websites as well as other applications and technologies. Docker makes it easier to get applications ready for distribution on different platforms, thus speeding up your workflow. In this piece, we’ll take a look at exactly what containers are and how using them impacts the development process. After that, we will discuss how to configure a container for WordPress development on a local server and how to get it ready for production. Let’s begin! What Are Docker Containers? Containers are a way of packaging software into isolated units that contain everything necessary to run the application. They take up less space and require fewer resources, as they don’t need their own operating system. Instead, they can use one that’s already installed on the host machine. Containers make it easy to deploy applications, such as WordPress, across different platforms, as all the code and files are self-contained. They also make it much easier to debug applications because all the necessary parts are included in the container. Docker is not the same as traditional virtual machines, even though it is a form of virtualization (VMs). Containerized development makes better use of available space than traditional methods, such as virtual machines (VMs), which add the userspace of the host operating system to the userspace of each program. The best thing about Docker is that it will work the same way regardless of the operating system you are using. In addition, you can run a large number of Docker containers on a single machine, with each running a single service, even if that machine would otherwise struggle to handle an equivalent number of virtual machines (VMs). You also won’t have to worry about any of the problems that can occasionally be caused by developing software stacks on a local level. In the world of software installations and applications, this problem is commonly referred to as the “but it works on my system” paradox. WordPress Docker: How to Get Started With It Download and Run Docker Docker has a lot of different products that, when used together, make a very useful set of tools for software developers. You can get started using the Docker Engine by downloading the free version of the Community Edition: In order to download the engine, you will first need to make a Docker account for yourself. Then, read the information that Docker provides you under the heading “Get started.” Eight distinct versions of Docker available for you to select from. Download Docker Desktop for Windows and make sure your Windows system meets the following requirements if you want to follow along with this demo: In order to download the engine, you will first need to sign in to your Docker account. You will also need to make sure that your computer has a terminal application installed and ready to use. Once your system has been restored to full functionality, open the command line. If you don’t want to install another program, you can simply search for Powershell on Windows. Next, enter ‘docker ps’. If Docker is properly installed, you should see the Docker menu with a whale icon on your desktop’s status bar. Set up a Container With a WordPress Environment Variables There are two ways to approach this step: either make a container and arrange each component one at a time, or do it all at once. Let’s take a look at the second option as it makes sense to do so. We’ll use a program called Docker Compose, which allows you to configure all of the services your container should have all at once. Compose comes pre-installed with Docker Desktop for Mac or Windows: You must use Terminal to run the installation commands if you’re using Linux. Just remember that the Docker Engine is a requirement for Compose. To work on any WordPress development, you must have both installed to make up the entire environment. All of the services of your application are configured by Compose using YAML files. This method of presenting data serialization is user-friendly and compatible with all computer languages. In this instance, the YAML file will configure the essential data for the WordPress database service. Outline the Project Start working on your first WordPress development project after installing Compose and Docker Engine. You must use the “make directory” single command to establish a fresh, empty project directory: mkdir new_wordpress/m The current directory will serve as the development context and will only include the things you actually need, like your docker-compose.yml file. In the subsequent step, we’ll generate the configuration file. Next, use the single command below to navigate to your new directory: cd new_wordpress/ You are now in the directory for your new project and are prepared to start working. Make a YAML Docker-compose file You must now make a fresh docker-compose.yaml file. Your new WordPress installation and the required MySQL database container will be created as a result. Your file will include all of the essential hostnames, db container, ports, and root passwords for both WordPress and your database. Your YAML file should resemble the following: It’s important to note that Docker volumes include persistent data. To properly understand volumes, you may wish to consult the volume documentation. Create the Project Directory After configuring the YAML file, you must run the script to fetch all the necessary images and set up your WordPress project. You should issue the following command from within the root directory of the
How to Hire a WordPress Developer [11 Tips and Tricks]
Are you ready to hire a WordPress developer but not sure where to start? In this article, we’ll provide you with 11 tips and tricks to help you find and hire the perfect WordPress developer. From identifying the essential skills and experience to crafting the perfect job posting and conducting thorough interviews, we’ve got you covered. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to finding a developer who will bring your project to life. So if you want to ensure a smooth and successful collaboration, keep reading. Who is a WordPress developer? A WordPress developer is a person who specializes in the development and customization of WordPress websites. They are good at using WordPress as a content management system and know a lot about how it works and what it can do. WordPress developers know how to code in languages like PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which they use to make custom themes, plugins, and integrations for WordPress. They may also be responsible for keeping WordPress websites up-to-date, fixing problems, and improving how well websites work. WordPress developers may work as freelancers, as in-house employees at a company, or as part of an agency. They may also work on a variety of projects, ranging from small personal blogs to large corporate websites Types of WordPress Developers There are five specific types of WordPress developers. WordPress Core Developers Core WordPress developers are responsible for working on the core codebase of the WordPress platform. This means fixing bugs, adding new features, and keeping the code that runs WordPress in good shape. Core developers know a lot about the codebase of WordPress and are skilled in languages like PHP and MySQL. They work closely with other developers and users of WordPress to make sure the platform is stable, secure, and easy to use. Core developers often contribute their time and expertise to the WordPress project on a voluntary basis, as WordPress is an open-source project. However, some core developers may also be employed by WordPress-related companies or organizations. WordPress Theme Developer A WordPress theme developer is an expert at making themes for the WordPress content management system. Themes are templates that determine the look and feel of a WordPress website. They decide a site’s layout, color scheme, and other design elements. Plugins and custom code can be used to add functionality. Most WordPress theme developers know a lot about HTML, CSS, and PHP, and they are also skilled professionals with technical knowledge who create and customize themes for WordPress websites. They might be self-employed or work for a company that focuses on WordPress development. Some theme developers possess SEO knowledge and also create and sell their own WordPress themes on marketplaces like ThemeForest. WordPress Plugin Developer A WordPress plugin developer is one who creates WordPress content management system plugins. WordPress plugins are small pieces of software that add specific functionality to a website. They can be used to add things like contact forms, SEO optimization, and integration with social media, to name a few. WordPress plugin developer creates add-ons for the WordPress platform that offer a variety of features and functions. To produce a quality product, it’s essential to hire a skilled developer who understands the technical aspects and has SEO knowledge. Lack of experience may lead to plugin errors and bugs, negatively impacting the user experience. Front End Designer A WordPress front-end developer is a person who specializes in the design and implementation of user-facing elements for WordPress websites. They are knowledgeable about programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which they use to create attractive, responsive, and intuitive themes that make websites look great on any device. They also have a good eye for design, making sure that websites look nice and give users a good experience. Front-end WordPress developers may also be responsible for maintenance, troubleshooting, and bug fixing. Back End WordPress Developer A WordPress back-end developer is a person who builds and customizes the parts of WordPress websites that are on the server side. They are proficient in programming languages such as PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript, which they use to create custom themes, plugins, and integrations and maintain database support for WordPress websites. Back-end developers also have an understanding of how WordPress works and are able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. They may work as freelancers or as part of an agency. 11 Tips and Tricks to Hire a WordPress Developer Finding the right WordPress developer can be challenging, but here are tips and tricks for hiring a professional and qualified WordPress developer; Look for a developer with experience in WordPress You can hire a developer who has a strong understanding of the WordPress platform and has worked on multiple projects. For example, a developer who has built custom plugins or themes for WordPress will have a good understanding of how the platform works and how to leverage its capabilities. Consider their coding skills A WordPress developer should have strong coding skills, including proficiency in PHP, HTML, and CSS. They should also be familiar with best practices for coding and be able to write clean, efficient code. For example, a developer who has worked with object-oriented programming in PHP and added security measures to their code will be well-equipped to handle the technical challenges of a WordPress project. Seek out a developer with design skills A developer who has experience with design and user experience (UX) will be able to create custom solutions that are visually appealing and easy to use. For example, a developer who has designed custom templates for WordPress and has a strong understanding of color theory and typography will be able to create a professional and cohesive look for your website. Look for someone with experience working with plugins and themes WordPress developers should be familiar with how to use and customize plugins and themes to meet the needs of a project. For example, a developer who has worked with e-commerce plugins like WooCommerce and has
WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org: A Side-by-Side Comparison
WordPress is a popular website and content management system available in two different flavors: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. But is there any difference between these two systems? We have it answered in this piece. On the surface, both offer similar features; WordPress.com provides hosting services for websites on their servers, while WordPress.org requires users to download and install the software on their server or hosting account. WordPress.com is generally more accessible for beginners and provides a quick, low-effort solution for quickly getting your website up and running. WordPress.org, on the other hand, offers more flexibility and control over the look and feel of your site, as well as access to additional features like plugins and themes. We’ll not only walk you through the key differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org but also help you make a more informed decision on which one is ideal for you. From hosting options to customization possibilities, pricing, and support, we’ll cover all the essential factors to consider. Brief History of WordPress WordPress is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) that was first released in 2003. It was created by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little as a fork of an earlier blogging software called b2/cafelog. Initially, WordPress was designed as a simple and easy-to-use platform for bloggers. However, over time, it evolved into a full-featured CMS that could be used to build any type of website, from small personal blogs to large e-commerce sites. In 2005, the WordPress community launched a plugin architecture, which allowed third-party developers to create plugins that could extend the functionality of WordPress. This was followed by the launch of WordPress themes, which allowed users to change the design and appearance of their website without having to modify the underlying code. WordPress continued to grow in popularity, and in 2010, the platform became the most popular CMS in the world, powering over 13% of all websites on the internet. Today, WordPress is estimated to power over 39.5% of all websites on the internet, making it one of the most widely used website building platforms in the world. In addition to its popularity, WordPress is also known for its vibrant community of users and developers, who contribute to the platform by creating themes, plugins, and other resources that make it more powerful and versatile. Comparing the Features of WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org Quick Comparison Features WordPress.com WordPress.org Hosting Fully hosted on WordPress servers Self-hosted on your own server or third-party hosting service Custom Domain Available with a paid plan Available with self-hosted WordPress installation Themes Limited selection of free and paid themes available Unlimited selection of free and paid themes available Plugins Limited selection of pre-approved plugins available Unlimited selection of third-party plugins available eCommerce Available with paid plans Available with WooCommerce plugin or other third-party eCommerce plugins Website Analytics Available with paid plans Available with third-party plugins like Google Analytics Customization Limited customization options Unlimited customization options through coding and third-party plugins Maintenance and updates Automatic updates and maintenance handled by WordPress Manual updates and maintenance required by site owner Support Email and community support available with paid plans Community support available through forums and third-party resources Price Free with limited features, paid plans start at $4/month Free to download and use, but requires hosting and domain expenses Comparing the Hosting of WORDPRESS.com and WORDPRESS.org WordPress.com Hosting WordPress.com is a hosted platform, which means that WordPress hosts your website for you on WordPress.com servers. You don’t have to worry about downloading the software or setting up a web server. All you need is an account on WordPress.com, and you’re good to go. WordPress.org Hosting A platform that is self-hosted is WordPress.org. With WordPress.org, you’ll have to install the software on your web server and handle backups and updates. You’ll need to purchase a domain name and hosting package from an independent provider. Comparing the Customization of WORDPRESS.com and WORDPRESS.org WordPress.com Customization WordPress.com offers limited customization options, especially with the free plan, due to its hosted nature. You can choose from a range of pre-made themes and customize them with color schemes and other options, but you need access to plugins or the ability to add custom code. WordPress.org Customization WordPress.org offers a much greater degree of customization options than WordPress.com, allowing users to install themes and plugins from third-party sources, as well as the ability to customize their websites with HTML and CSS. There are also no limitations on custom CSS or Google Analytics. Comparing the Pricing of WORDPRESS.com and WORDPRESS.org WordPress.com Pricing WordPress.com offers a free plan, which is great for small personal blogs and portfolios, and several paid plans that offer additional features, such as access to plugins and the ability to monetize your site through ads. Pricing: WordPress.org Pricing WordPress.org is free to download, but you’ll need to purchase a domain name and hosting package from an independent provider. Prices for these vary depending on the features offered by the provider, so it’s essential to shop around before committing. Comparing the Support of WORDPRESS.com and WORDPRESS.org WordPress.com Support WordPress.com gives its users a lot of support options, so they can get the help they need to build and keep up their websites. There is a large library of tutorials and documentation that covers everything from designing a website to making changes to it. There is also an online help center that has answers to questions that are often asked. WordPress.com also offers a dedicated community forum where users can ask questions, share knowledge, and get advice from other users and experts. This forum is a great place to get help with technical problems, get feedback on how to design a website, and find out what’s going on in the WordPress community. WordPress.org Support WordPress.org does not offer direct support, it provides users with access to a thriving community of users who can offer assistance through the official WordPress forums. This community comprises a diverse group of individuals, including developers, designers, and other WordPress enthusiasts who are eager to
Top 10 WordPress Portfolio Themes for Creative Professionals
Dominating the creative space requires that you wield an online presence that shows off your works in the best way. These top ten WordPress themes are designed specifically for photographers, graphic designers, and web developers and offer an easy-to-use interface and powerful features to help you create a stunning online portfolio. These themes have everything you need to show off your unique style, whether you like simple designs or advanced portfolio galleries. Plus, with features such as lightbox slideshows and advanced filtering capabilities, you can easily make your portfolio stand out from the competition. Take charge of your online presence and make a beautiful, professional portfolio to impress potential clients and employers. Browse our list of the best WordPress portfolio themes to find the one that’s right for you. Theme Best For WordPress.org Rating RyanCV Personal or professional resume/CV websites Not available Divi Multi-purpose websites, including blogs, portfolios, eCommerce, and more 4.9/5 (22,000+ ratings) Adios Creative agency and portfolio websites 4.9/5 (170+ ratings) Webify Multi-purpose websites, including blogs, portfolios, eCommerce, and more 4.9/5 (930+ ratings) Arnold Creative and portfolio websites 4.8/5 (350+ ratings) Doyle Creative and portfolio websites 4.8/5 (60+ ratings) Kallyas Multi-purpose websites, including eCommerce 4.7/5 (390+ ratings) Petal Blogging and lifestyle websites 4.6/5 (5+ ratings) Astra Multi-purpose websites, including blogs, portfolios, eCommerce, and more 4.5/5 (6,000+ ratings) Hestia Multi-purpose websites, including blogs, portfolios, eCommerce, and more 4.5/5 (1,100+ ratings) RyanCV Themes RyanCV is a WordPress theme made especially for developers, designers, programmers, freelancers, and other people who work in the digital industry. It comes with a variety of ready-made resume layouts and components, such as 11+ pre-built demos, dark and light options, and support for RTL languages. This theme also works with WooCommerce and WPML, and the Elementor page builder makes it easy to make changes. Whether you’re a business consultant, marketing manager, or photographer, RyanCV makes it easy to create a stunning resume website and showcase your skills and expertise online. Features Pros Cons Divi DIVI is a popular WordPress theme developed by Elegant Themes. It is a multi-purpose theme that can be used for a wide range of websites, including blogs, portfolios, business websites, online stores, and more. DIVI also has a drag-and-drop page builder, which allows users to easily customize their website’s design without the need for any coding knowledge. It also comes with a number of layout templates and modules that are already made and can be easily changed to fit your needs. In addition, DIVI is responsive, meaning it looks great on all devices, and it is SEO-friendly, helping to improve your website’s search engine rankings. Features Pros Cons Adios Theme Adios is a strong and flexible WordPress theme for portfolios that lets you show off your creative work in style. With its drag-and-drop page builder and a range of customizable homepage layouts and portfolio options, you’ll have everything you need to create a unique and visually stunning website. Whether you’re a photographer, artist, or designer, Adios is the perfect platform to market your work and impress your clients. This theme is fully responsive, meaning it looks great on all devices and is optimized for high-resolution graphics. It’s also easy to use, even for beginners, thanks to its extensive documentation and intuitive interface. Show off your creative style and build a portfolio site that truly stands out with Adios. Features Pros Cons Webify Theme Webify is a WordPress theme that can be used for both business websites and creative portfolios because it is flexible and easy to change. With its modular elements, custom cache system, live page builder, and customizer, you can easily make a unique, professional website that is optimized for speed, SEO, and mobile devices. Webify is also translation-ready and fully compliant with GDPR regulations, making it a great choice for users around the world. With over 160 elements and modules, unlimited layout options, and lifetime free updates, you’ll have everything you need to create a stunning website that showcases your work and connects with your audience. Try Webify today and see the difference it can make for your online presence. Features Pros Cons Arnold Arnold is a sleek and modern WordPress theme designed specifically for creative professionals. Arnold is completely responsive and is made to load quickly on mobile devices thanks to its simple, flat design and lightweight coding. It’s easy to use and focuses on showcasing your work to potential clients and employers through engaging interactions. The built-in Drag & Drop custom portfolio builder makes it easy to create a unique and professional portfolio that stands out. Whether you’re a designer, artist, or photographer, Arnold is the perfect theme to showcase your skills and talents online. Features Pros Cons Doyle Doyle is a stylish and professional theme that can be used by a wide range of businesses, such as creative agencies, media companies, freelancers, and more. It has a clean and responsive design, making it easy to use and navigate. The theme comes with more than 10+ home page options and is based on HTML5, CSS3, and Bootstrap. Its minimalist approach and user-friendly experience make it a great choice for those looking for a minimal yet professional look. Features Pros Cons Kallyas Kallyas is a popular WordPress theme that can be used for a wide range of businesses and websites. It has a lot of features and sells well. It is responsive, lightweight, and easy to use, with a drag-and-drop visual builder that requires no coding. With a customer satisfaction rate of over 40,000, Kallyas can be used for everything from photography galleries and hotels to gyms and beauty salons. It has a lot of features and pre-made pages that make it easy to make almost any kind of website you can think of. Features Pros Cons Petal Petal is a minimalist and creative theme that is perfect for portfolios, agencies, freelancers, and other creative professionals. It’s simple to set up and customize, and it comes with a variety of pre-designed pages and templates that work with the
Build a WordPress Website in Minutes With These 9 Easy-to-follow Steps
Building a WordPress website from scratch is relatively a simple process when you have the right tools and resources even without prior technical experience. The fastest way to create a website is to use WordPress, a popular content management system (CMS) that powers over 835 million websites worldwide. You don’t necessarily need coding experience to use this service. In this guide, we will walk you through building a website step-by-step using WordPress and these steps are applicable to the different types of websites existing. The steps include selecting a hosting provider (like HostGator, WP engine etc), installing WordPress, selecting a theme, and creating pages and posts. By the end of this guide, without any technical experience, you should have a fully functional WordPress website that is available when any search engine is used. An In-Depth Guide to Building a WordPress Website 1: Define Your Website Purpose, Audience, and Requirements Before you begin building your WordPress website, it’s essential to take some time to determine your website needs and goals. This will help you make important decisions throughout the building process and ensure that your website is tailored to your needs. Consider the following questions: Answering these questions will help you to understand what you need for your website and to set some goals for it. With a clear understanding of your needs and goals, you can move on to the next step of building your WordPress website from scratch. 2: Research Similar Websites for Inspiration and Ideas Before you begin building your WordPress website, it’s important to research other high-quality websites that are similar to what you’d like to build. This will give you an idea of what types of features, layouts, color schemes, and designs are popular in your niche and can help you come up with ideas for your website. Use these examples to inspire your WordPress website, but remember to make it unique to your business and brand. Also, take note of the design elements you like and dislike and what you think could be improved. This will help you to get a good sense of what works well and what doesn’t and will give you a solid foundation to work from when building your WordPress website. 3: Prepare an Outline for Each Page on Your Site You can carry out this task after getting a primary domain and hosting it. Outline the content for each page beforehand so this doesn’t delay the building of the WordPress website. Here’s how each should be: Home page: About Us page: Services or Products page: Blog or News page: Contact Us page: Note: These are the basic pages and outline. It may vary depending on the requirement of the website. Step 4: Create a WordPress.com Account and Choose Your Website’s Name Before building your website, you need to create a WordPress.com account. This will give you access to all of the features and tools you need to create and manage your website. To create an account, go to WordPress.com and click on the Sign Up button. You will be prompted to enter your email address and choose a password. Once you have created your account, you will be taken to a page where you can select your website’s name. Choose a name that is both memorable and reflective of the content and purpose of your website. Remember that this name will be part of the website’s URL, so choose something easy to spell and remember. Once you have chosen a name, click on the Continue Button. Now that you have created a WordPress.com account and chosen your website’s name, you are ready to move on to the next step of building your website. 5: Choose a Hosting Provider and Connect to Your WordPress Domain On WordPress.com, click on the install button to install your WordPress software. Then, it’s time to connect your primary domain to your WordPress site and choose your hosting provider. However, some hosting providers will offer one-click WordPress installation from the control panel. Don’t worry, this part requires no technical experience as it sounds. One major step that will kickstart the functioning of your website is your domain registration. This ensures that your domain is kept in the domain database and available when search engines are in use. The domain name is like the house address of your website on the internet. Domain registration starts with you picking a memorable domain that can be easily remembered by any one. After picking the memorable domain name, search for the domain name using google search engine to confirm domain name availability. Upon domain name availability, proceed to include it on the domain database using your choice domain name registrar. There are quite a number of domain registrars. Some are free while some come with a price. Examples are; domain.com, GoDaddy, Bluehost e.t.c. Then move to the next phase of choosing your hosting provider such as HostGator, GoDaddy, WP Engine, Bluehost e.t.c. This is a system that manages your website activities. Just ensure you choose a provider that has a good customer service. There are different types of hosting (cloud hosting, dedicated hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting, e.t.c) and they come in different plans with different hosting plan features like; bandwidth, storage, SSL certificate, and so on. You must understand that the type of hosting you choose will be determined by the type of website you wish to build. Note: Some hosting providers may offer one-click WordPress installation, making connecting domains and setting up the site much smoother. 6: Choose Your WordPress.com Design Once you have completed the previous steps of creating your WordPress website, it’s time to choose your design layout. WordPress.com offers a variety of responsive design options for different types of websites, including free and paid themes. To access the design layout options, go to the Appearance tab in your WordPress admin dashboard. Here, you can browse the available themes and preview them before clicking the upload theme button. If you’re looking for a completely custom