What Is A WordPress Plugin?

• Posted on June 8, 2011
• in WordPress
• by Daryle

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WordPress Plugins are a big reason that WordPress is so popular. Through a very easy upload and activation process a plugin instantly adds features and functions to any WP based business website or blog, all without knowing any code.

But what exactly is a WordPress Plugin?

A plugin is a computer program that is plugged into WordPress software in order to extend what the software can do.

It’s that simple.

Let’s look at a few examples:

Want to add a contact form to your WP site? Install and activate Contact Form 7 and you’ll have one live in a matter of minutes.

Or maybe you have lots of pretty pictures you want to show off. Install and activate a plugin like 1 Flash Gallery to instantly create your own photo gallery.

Those are just two examples, currently there are over 14,700 plugins listed in the WordPress Plugin Directory with new ones being added all the time. And all of them are free.

There are also “Premium Plugins” which are not free but usually offer more robust functions as well as more tech support.

For example if you want to make sure your WordPress site is backed-up regularly? BackupBuddy is a premium plugin that makes sure you site is completely backed up whenever, however, and wherever you want it to be.

Think of something you want your WordPress website to do and most likely there is a plugin that will help you do it. In most cases there are multiple plugins for the same function so it might take a few tries to find the right one to fit your needs.

When looking for a plugin it is a good practice to stick with the official WordPress Plugin Directory to make sure that it is safe and doesn’t deliver any malware with it. Premium plugins will not be listed in the director but they can be considered safe too. Just be sure to read some reviews and get other user’s opinions before installing on your site. If the plugin does not work removing it from your site is just as easy as installing it was.

Tags: blog software, blogs, flash gallery, functions, installation process, plugin, plugins, upload, what is a, wordpress