WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that has been around since 2003. It is an open-source platform that allows users to create websites and blogs with ease. It is one of the most popular CMSs in the world, and its popularity continues to grow. In this article, we will take a look at the history of WordPress and how it has evolved over the years. The story of WordPress began in April 2003 when Matt Mullenweg created a fork of b2, a blogging platform, and stored it on Sourceforge. This marked the beginning of WordPress as we know it today.
Soon after, the WordPress community began to expand rapidly as users could easily extend the platform with plugins and themes. In 2004, the first version of WordPress was released. This version included features such as a plugin architecture and a template system. It also included a new podcast called The WordPress Chick, which was presented by Kim Doyal, a well-known member of the WordPress community.
By 2005, there were over 2500 books related to WordPress available on the market. This included Automattic's Free WordPress Guide as well as thousands of third-party books. This same year also saw the introduction of themes, which allowed users to customize their websites with ease. In 2006, some really cool plugins were released that allowed users to create powerful e-commerce platforms on top of WordPress. This led to a rapid growth in online stores created with WordPress and moved it away from its traditional “blog” website image. In 2009, Automattic purchased WooCommerce, the most popular WordPress e-commerce plugin (the company founded by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg).
This was a significant moment in the history of WordPress as it assured that the platform would continue to grow and not depend on any one company or group of developers. In 2010, thanks to the customization API and the WordPress team's new approach to the theme customizer, developers began creating several customization frameworks to improve and provide a unique editing experience for WordPress users. Later that year, WordPress Wiki was dubbed “Codex”, a term suggested by Monkinetic in a WordPress chat room. In 2011, marketplaces began popping up all over the web that allowed users to connect with different WordPress developers, users and contractors. These marketplaces became almost like a microcosm of the entire WordPress community. In 2018, Matt Mullenweg announced that the future of WordPress would continue to focus on Gutenberg and would revolve around four main priorities that its developers have maintained since the beginning. Later that year, Gutenberg was introduced as part of the core platform.
This block editor helps beginners and developers alike create beautiful websites at any scale using WordPress. Today, there are many services available for those looking for help with their WordPress websites. These include individual coaching services, help with theme selection and 10-point WordPress reviews as well as monthly memberships where you can access premium tutorials on questions related to WordPress. With so many entrepreneurs turning to WordPress in search of a cheaper web alternative, there are now many WordPress consultants available who can help them get started.
