Matt Mullenwag is one of the 25 most influential people on the web. Matt, a web developer and entrepreneur, is the founder of the powerful CMS known as WordPress; a content management system that has revolutionized content publishing on the web. Today, WordPress is used on roughly 15% of the world’s, “top one million,” websites and runs 22% of all new websites generated on the web.
So what is WordPress exactly?
WordPress is an extensive CMS, or content management system. Founded under the name Cafeblog in 2003, WordPress has grown to be the number one CMS on the web.
How does it work?
Simply put, WordPress is built upon a combination of PHP and MySQL. The combination of these two technologies allows for dynamic content which can be readily created or edited via an easy to use administration panel. Essentially, once a WordPress theme (framework) is developed, a user with little to no understanding of web development can easily update their website.
Why WordPress?
WordPress is open source meaning anyone has the right to edit and build upon its core technologies. This then allows for the development of plugins and “Themes” which drive WordPress extension capabilities. Basically, WordPress can be customized in both design and functionality. The possibilities are virtually endless.
Who uses WordPress?
WordPress is used on roughly 15% of the world’s, “top one million,” websites and runs 22% of all new websites generated on the web. Version 3.0 alone has been downloaded over 65 million times. Everyone from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses to individual bloggers are known to use WordPress.
What does the future hold?
WordPress continues to grow and adapt. Today, developers are working to enhance WordPress for tablet and phone applications and to much success. All major, “App Stores,” contain at least one WordPress application. The future looks bright.