Self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org) gives you full control over your website. You choose any hosting, install any theme or plugin, and edit code freely. You manage updates, backups, and security yourself or through your host. WordPress.com is a hosted service where WordPress is managed for you. It is easier to start, but has limits on plugins, themes, and custom code unless you pay for higher plans. WordPress.com also controls some features and upgrades. Self-hosted is best for growth and flexibility. WordPress.com is best for simple sites.

Self-hosted hosting is the server space you rent to store a website online. It provides storage, bandwidth, and a database for your site. WordPress is the software you install to build and manage the website. When people say “self-hosted WordPress,” they mean WordPress.org installed on your own hosting account. Hosting is like the land and building where your site lives. WordPress is like the design and tools used inside that building. You can host many platforms, not only WordPress. WordPress needs hosting to work as a live website.

Self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org) is free to download and use, but it is not fully free to run online. You still need paid hosting to store your site files and database. You also need a domain name, which usually costs yearly. Some hosts offer very cheap plans, but “free hosting” often has ads, slow speed, limited storage, and weak security. Many free hosts also block plugins or limit WordPress features. If you only want to test WordPress, you can install it locally on your computer for free. For a real public website, paid hosting is required.

Shared hosting means many websites share one server and its resources. It is the cheapest option, but performance can drop if neighbors use more resources. Managed hosting is a premium service where the host handles updates, backups, security, caching, and monitoring for you. It usually costs more, but saves time and reduces risk. WordPress hosting is hosting optimized for WordPress sites. It can be shared or managed. Basic WordPress hosting may be shared with WordPress tools included. Managed WordPress hosting adds stronger speed tuning, staging, and expert WordPress support. Your best choice depends on budget and site traffic.

Web hosting is a general service that stores any website’s files and runs them online. It can host HTML sites, PHP apps, or WordPress sites. WordPress hosting is web hosting optimized specifically for WordPress. It usually includes one-click WordPress install, WordPress-tuned server settings, and better caching for faster loading. Many WordPress hosts also offer automatic core updates, daily backups, malware scanning, and WordPress support. Managed WordPress hosting may handle security, staging, and performance for you. Regular web hosting is often cheaper and flexible. WordPress hosting is easier, faster, and safer for WordPress websites.

WordPress development mainly uses PHP, because WordPress core, themes, and plugins run on PHP. You also use HTML to structure pages and templates, and CSS to style layouts and make designs responsive. JavaScript is used for interactive features, animations, and modern block editor work. Many developers use JavaScript libraries like React, because WordPress blocks are built with it. For the database, WordPress uses MySQL, so basic SQL knowledge helps for queries and optimization. You may also use JSON with the REST API. Together, these languages cover most WordPress development needs.

To become a WordPress developer, learn WordPress setup, admin, and content structure first. Then learn HTML, CSS, and responsive design for clean layouts. Practice JavaScript for dynamic UI and small features. Learn PHP to build custom themes, child themes, and plugins. Understand WordPress core concepts like hooks, shortcodes, custom post types, and REST API. Learn WooCommerce basics if you build stores. Get comfortable with Git for version control. Learn security, backups, staging, and site migration. Improve debugging using logs and browser tools. Build projects and a portfolio to show your skills.