Mark Miller - Questions

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.

A WordPress developer needs both technical and practical skills. Start with WordPress basics: themes, plugins, pages, menus, and settings. Learn HTML and CSS for layout and styling changes. Add JavaScript for interactivity and frontend features. Learn PHP because WordPress runs on PHP and uses hooks, filters, and templates. Understand MySQL basics for database issues and backups. Learn security, speed optimization, caching, and image compression. Know SEO basics, especially site structure and performance. Also learn hosting basics like DNS, SSL, and FTP. Communication, debugging, and documentation skills matter too.

Coding skills are not always required for basic WordPress work. You can build simple sites using themes, blocks, and page builders. But for real development, coding becomes important. Clients often need custom layouts, faster performance, or unique features. These tasks usually require HTML, CSS, and some JavaScript. For custom plugins, theme edits, or WooCommerce changes, you also need PHP and WordPress hooks. Coding helps you fix errors faster and avoid plugin overload. So, coding is optional for beginners, but essential for professional WordPress developers.

To create a custom WordPress website, start by buying a domain and hosting. Install WordPress from your hosting panel or installer. Choose a lightweight theme as your base, then create core pages like Home, About, Services, Blog, and Contact. Use a page builder like Elementor, or build custom layouts using the block editor. Install only needed plugins for SEO, security, speed, and forms. Customize branding with your logo, colors, and typography in the Customizer. Set menus, footer, and widgets. Add custom functions with a child theme or custom plugin. Test mobile, speed, and forms before launching.