WordPress vs Joomla – Which is Better?

Content Management Systems

CMS Platform

When it comes to content management systems, the top two are WordPress and Joomla. When comparing the two, it’s not a matter of which is better, but which is more ideal for certain purposes. Each has its use in content development and management. Neither of these two is perfect; they each have their pros and cons. WordPress and Joomla both have millions of users, so the communities are extensive. No matter which one you choose, you will have access to all of the help you need, from tutorials to plugins. Here is an overview of each CMS platform.

WordPress

While most people associate WordPress with blogs, it can be used to create websites as well. All web host services allow you to use this platform to build your site. The interface is easy to use – even if you have no website or blog experience whatsoever. There are literally thousands and thousands of plugins to choose from to enhance web design and development.

WordPress Pros:

– It’s so easy to use that practically anybody can learn enough within a couple of hours to create content, including categories, tags, and sub-pages.

– Since it is Open Source, users can freely modify and distribute codes. Most of the themes and plugins are also Open Source and are available for free.

– The plugins are easy to install. After the initial installation of the theme, you can install plugins right from within the web-based Graphical User Interface without needing to change the config files.

– This platform has a logical structure, which means developers can easily change things around and add banners, logos, etc.

– There is a built-in importer that allows you to import pages and posts from other WordPress sites.

WordPress Cons:

– You’ll need a plugin for something as fundamental as permissions. Other CMS platforms will allow you to have control over who can access certain areas of the site and make edits. If you have other people working on the blog/site, you’ll need a plugin to allow you this kind of control.

– Inconsistencies have been known to exist within the internal API.

– The navigational structure of a website is determined by the layout template. In order to make changes to that structure, you will need to have knowledge of CSS and the WP scripting language.

Joomla

This platform is a good choice if you want to start a network or community with a membership area, forums, newsroom, etc. The navigation structure is easy to learn and to create.

Joomla Pros:

– Migration is simple. If you want to move an existing site to Joomla, you won’t have any problems. You will also be able to move a site from Joomla to any other server with ease.

– Joomla offers great customer support. You can receive help for any problem or bug in real time.

– It has a multi-lingual capability built-in, whereas WP does not.

– There are tons of themes and layouts available for free. If you want something unique, you can buy a professional design from JoomlaShack at an affordable price.

– One of its biggest strengths is its complexity. There are deep levels of navigation, categories and subcategories, sections within sections.

Joomla Cons:

– Its complexity can actually be a con if you only require a small website and don’t have a lot of experience. It takes time for even seasoned web designers to master the layout system.

– Some of its plugins work only with specific scripts.

– While the community offers tons of modules, they are not always easy to find and maintain.

Ultimately, WordPress and Joomla offer an equal share of pros and cons. Consider the type of site or blog you want to create, your own level of expertise, and choose the one that would be most appropriate for your needs.

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