Many people who use WordPress want to know more about it, including how it was created and how it works. What PHP framework does WordPress use? To understand this, it helps to understand what a framework is. WordPress was created using the PHP programming language, but it is a content management system, not a framework.

WordPress was not created using a PHP framework, like Laravel, CodeIgnitor, Symfony, or Cake PHP. It’s a PHP application that you can use as a framework but not in the way that developers think of frameworks.

WordPress is often described as a “PHP framework” because many WordPress users are not programmers or developers and don’t fully understand what a framework is. 

What is a PHP framework?

To fully understand what a PHP framework is, you really need to have a good understanding of programming languages. PHP is the programming language that powers WordPress, but it’s also used to create websites and other applications. In fact, 78 percent of the websites on the internet use PHP.  However, not every website built with PHP is created using a framework.

If you know how to use PHP, you know that coding from scratch can be time-consuming. A framework makes creating an application easier and faster. It’s basically a template containing libraries of pre-written PHP code so that you don’t have to manually type out each line of code.  

It’s like a toolbox. It contains all the tools and libraries for building websites and apps, whereas WordPress is an actual application.

What is a Content Management System?

WordPress is built with PHP, much like many other websites and applications. However, WordPress isn’t just a website builder, it’s a content management system.  A content management system is a software program that runs on PHP and uses a database. Generally speaking, any application that allows you to manage content is considered a content management system. 

A CMS (content management system) is a tool that allows you to create, edit, and store content in a database.  It then uses PHP programming to wrap display elements around the content.  This way you don’t have to design each HTML page individually. You simply store all your design elements and content in a database and the CMS will generate all the HTML pages for you.

A framework, on the other hand, is a tool for building applications. But, it’s not a content management system.   A CMS is used specifically for managing content. WordPress is one of the most popular CMS platforms, but there are others including Drupal and Joomla

What sets WordPress apart from other content management systems is that it was designed for ordinary people. Unlike other open-source CMS platforms, you can use WordPress without having a background in programming or even knowing how to code. It can be helpful to understand PHP, for example, if you wanted to create your own custom plugins, but you don’t need to understand PHP to use WordPress.

WordPress vs PHP framework

Although WordPress is easier to use, there are some reasons why you might want to use a PHP framework to build a website. Deciding which to use will depend on your skill and what you are trying to create. If you are building an ordinary website, WordPress is generally the best solution. However, if you are hiring a developer (or you are a developer), then you might want to consider the pros and cons of using a PHP framework. Let’s go over the differences.

Customization

WordPress is a versatile CMS, with numerous options and plugins. It can be used to build just about any type of website you want, from e-commerce to membership sites. WordPress is easy to customize using the available third-party themes and plugins, or you can build your own custom themes and plugins. 

If you need more control over your website or are creating a complex website, a PHP framework may be the way to go. PHP frameworks are built with low-level architecture, giving users more flexibility and control than WordPress. They may also offer improved speed and performance because they can be customized more efficiently.

Ease of Use

If your website is being developed by a programmer, a PHP framework is great. The drawback is it may not be easy to use for non-technical users.  WordPress is an easy-to-use CMS, even for people with no web development experience. 

A website built with a PHP framework will have a less complex interface, not like the WordPress dashboard. Although it’s simpler, it may not be as easy to use for content creators who aren’t developers. If you need a solution that can be used by anyone, regardless of technical skills, WordPress is the best option. If you plan to use an in-house team or a web developer to manage your website, a PHP framework might work better.

Security

When it comes to security, both WordPress and PHP frameworks have their pros and cons. In order to keep WordPress secure, it needs to be maintained and updated. WordPress releases software updates on a regular basis. However, it’s not without flaws. 

A PHP framework is a great tool for creating websites, but it’s only as secure as the developer makes it. Because it’s designed using a lower-level architecture, the security is really dependent on what security features the developer adds.

All in all, both have the potential for attacks. WordPress is one of the most hacked platforms, but this is primarily because of weak passwords, hosting, or plugins not being updated.  

Cost

Unless you are a programmer, WordPress is the most affordable way to build a website. In fact, WordPress is a completely free open-source platform. Plus, there are many resources for newbies to learn how to use it. 

If you decide to go with a PHP framework for your site, you will need to pay a developer who is well-versed in the PHP programming language. And you will need to pay them on an ongoing basis to maintain and update your site.

Now that you know more about the differences between WordPress and PHP frameworks, let’s discuss some other reasons why people refer to WordPress as a framework. Themes are often created using a WordPress theme framework. This is not the same thing as a PHP framework, but the terminology can make things confusing.

What is a WordPress theme framework?

WordPress theme frameworks are simple yet powerful parent themes. They generally come with all the functionality of the theme in the parent theme, but with very minimal styling. The main difference between a WordPress theme framework and other types of WordPress themes is that it works with a child theme. In other words, the parent theme (or theme framework) is bare-bones, and the child theme provides the design elements.

Although you can create a child theme to work with any WordPress theme, many themes do not include a child theme. A WordPress theme framework typically includes the framework and multiple options of child themes to use with the framework.  Some popular WordPress theme frameworks include Genesis, Divi, and Themify.

Many WordPress developers prefer working with a theme framework. This allows them to design multiple styles of websites using just one theme framework. Instead of having to buy several themes, they can choose from different child themes. This way, they can create lots of different sites — each with a unique look — but all using the same theme framework.

Hopefully, this answers any questions you might have about PHP frameworks and how WordPress is different. While WordPress does not use a PHP framework, it’s understandable how this could be confusing.