WordPress is well-known among web development platforms due to its easy-to-use interface and versatility. In a recent report, it currently supports 43.1% of all the websites operating around the globe. It is highly efficient and provides several customization options to create your business websites, blog websites, eCommerce, online courses, and so on.
The most amazing part of WordPress website development is you do not have to worry about the coding. Whether you know coding or not, you can still become a WordPress developer. Moreover, working as a WordPress developer is well paid, with the possibility of earning $37,000 per year. Read the blog completely to understand what you require to become a WordPress developer.
WordPress is a CMS (Content Management System) that is widely used to create and manage websites. It comes in two forms: WordPress.org, a self-hosted platform that gives full control of the site, and WordPress.com, a hosted solution that has less flexibility but is easier to install. As the go-to platform for bloggers, small businesses, and even large corporations, WordPress is renowned for its user-friendly interface and vast customization options.
A WordPress developer, either working in an organization or freelancing, is responsible for the following tasks:
-
Design and develop new features and functions
-
Convert client requirements into technical specifications
-
Maintain the architecture of the website
-
Write, test, and debug the code
WordPress development covers a broad range of skills, leading to three primary specializations:
-
Front-End Developers
Front-end developers are involved with the appearance and functionality of the website, including the use of graphics. They consider creating unique themes, enhancing users’ experience, and making the site responsive to different devices. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are inherent for front-end WordPress developers, and knowledge of PHP is also helpful.
-
Back-End Developers
Back-end developers deal with the WordPress back-end or the server side of applications. They maintain databases, create programs to improve the site's features, and build plugins. PHP and MySQL are the base technologies employed in the back-end of WordPress development, so these languages are crucial if you are to concentrate on server-side tasks.
-
Full-Stack Developers
Full-stack developers are capable of developing both client-side and server-side applications. They are very flexible and can be used for a broad range of tasks, including creating a site from the ground up, graphic design, and database coding. To be a full-stack developer, a person should be well-versed in front-end technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as back-end technologies, including PHP and MySQL.
The process of becoming a WordPress developer can be broken down into several stages – starting with understanding web technologies and ending with your themes and plugins. Here’s what you need to know:
Step 1: Learn the Basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
To start learning technology, you must know the basics of programming languages like HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Though WordPress does not require much coding knowledge, understanding these languages will help you troubleshoot, debug, and extend its functionality.
-
➔ HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): It is the foundation of all websites. It provides the layout of the material on the web, headings, sections, and graphics.
-
➔ CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): CSS is the abbreviation for Cascading Style Sheets; it is used for designing the layout of web pages. It enables you to set the aesthetic of your site, including fonts, colors, spaces, and others.
-
➔ JavaScript: JavaScript enhances your site with interactivity and dynamic content; you can get sliders, pop-ups, and animations on your site.
For instance, if you require to redesign a website uniquely for your client, the knowledge of HTML and CSS will help. You'll require JavaScript knowledge if you want external links on your WordPress website to open in a new tab automatically. Lastly, to configure WordPress error logs on a client's website, you will require an intermediate understanding of PHP. The same applies to WordPress sites when you wish to show a list of randomly selected posts in the sidebar.
Step 2: Learn about PHP and MySQL
WordPress is based on PHP and MySQL. PHP (Hypertext preprocessor) is used to create and generate dynamic content, handling form submissions and other useful tasks, while MySQL is used to handle the database that stores all your website’s information. By learning such languages, you will be in a position to understand how WordPress operates at the core level.
Step 3: Understand WordPress Core
Once you feel confident enough in working with PHP and MySQL, it is time to look deeper into the WordPress core. The core consists of all the files and functions necessary for the platform to function, including the hierarchy of templates and the system of hooks. Core knowledge is crucial in the development of customized themes and plugins.
-
Template Hierarchy: Find out how WordPress chooses a template file to display content. This is important in determining how your site presents posts, pages, and archives.
-
Hooks: Hooks are functions that will enable one to modify WordPress without having to edit the files that are contained in the core. There are two types of hooks: Actions and Filters which allow you to add or modify functionality across your site.
Step 4: Create Your First WordPress Theme
You can create a theme from scratch in WordPress or try to change the existing ones. You may decide on the theme creations based on your client’s requirements. To create themes, you must research on WordPress template hierarchy. This is the time when your knowledge of HTML, CSS, PHP and Javascript will work to create dynamic themes. Embark your design skills to create good themes.
Step 5: Try Creating a Plugin
Plugins are the key to making WordPress truly unique. To begin with, it is recommended to create rather simple plugins that will add the most basic features, for instance, to display a certain widget or to generate a shortcode. When you get more experienced, you can take up more challenging tasks such as building membership systems, working with APIs, or even building eCommerce platforms.
Step 6: Build a Portfolio
Your portfolio showcases all your skills. To get a job in a competitive market, you have to present as much evidence as you can. You can show your portfolio for freelancing as well as for a full-time developer role.
After one has acquired technical skills, you can start exploring the career opportunities in this field. We have listed some ways which you can follow:
Freelance vs. Employment
You can either work for yourself or become affiliated with a company or a group of professionals. While freelancing has its benefits, such as selecting the work to be done or the prices to be charged, it also has its drawbacks, like looking for customers or ways of managing the money. On the other hand, working for an agency or company offers more stability, steady pay, and possible promotion.
Specializing in a Niche
Focusing on a specific area of development like WooCommerce for eCommerce sites, membership sites, or custom themes would give you an edge in the competitive market of WordPress. As you narrow your niche market, you can gain specialized knowledge that allows you to charge more for your services.
Networking and Joining the WordPress Community
The importance of networking cannot be overemphasized in any industry, and WordPress is no exception. Engage with WordPress users and enthusiasts by going to WordPress meetups, contributing to WordCamps, and joining social media groups such as WordPress Slack or a WordPress forum. Networking not only assists in updating one on the trends within a particular field but also enables one to get in touch with prospective clients or partners.
WordPress’s future looks promising, and current trends like headless WordPress, where the front end is independent of the back end, are becoming more prevalent. Furthermore, it is not a static environment but is updated with new elements and development tools, reaching developers' almost infinite possibilities.
Are you looking for an affordable VPS for your WordPress projects? Look no further than Oxtrys. For instance, Oxtrys operates in countries such as Germany, the USA, and Australia; they provide a 100 % free trial of their VPS service, and the equipment used to offer the VPS comes with top-notch performance. Oxtrys offers dependable networks and swift processors, which makes it suitable for developers who create WordPress websites with high traffic.