When building a website or a web application, you'll often hear about two key tools: frameworks and Content Management Systems (CMS). While both serve to help developers create websites, they are fundamentally different in their purpose and usage.

Framework vs. CMS: What's the Difference?

A framework is a set of pre-written code that serves as a foundation for developing software applications. It provides libraries, tools, and best practices that developers can use to build their projects. Think of it as the skeleton or scaffolding that supports and speeds up the development process but requires the developer to build much of the application’s features from scratch.

On the other hand, a CMS is a software application designed to create, manage, and modify content on a website without needing extensive technical knowledge. A CMS comes with built-in features, themes, and plugins, allowing users to create websites quickly with minimal coding. It is more user-friendly for non-developers.

Is WordPress a Framework or CMS?

WordPress is primarily a CMS. It was originally designed for creating and managing blogs, but over time it has evolved into a powerful platform that can be used to build all kinds of websites—from simple blogs to complex e-commerce sites. WordPress comes with a user-friendly interface, allowing users to manage content, install themes, and use plugins to add functionality without writing code.

Why Do Some Developers Call WordPress a Framework?

Despite being a CMS, some developers refer to WordPress as a framework because of its flexibility and extendibility. With the right set of plugins and custom code, developers can use WordPress to create applications that go far beyond a typical website. They can build custom post types, use WordPress's REST API to connect with other systems, and create complex, dynamic websites.

In this context, WordPress acts like a framework because it provides a base (in the form of themes and plugins) that developers can extend and customize to build unique solutions. However, it’s important to remember that at its core, WordPress is still a CMS designed to make content management easier for users.

Conclusion

In summary, while WordPress is a CMS by design, its extensive features and customizability allow it to be used in ways that resemble a framework. This dual capability is why WordPress is so popular among both developers and non-developers alike.

Written By :
Abu Faisal Ahmed - CEO