WordPress is an open source, content management system or CMS which is built on the PHP programming language and MySQL database management system.
At it's core, it is a free system which allows you to create your own website or blog and is licensed under GPLv2, which means that you can use or modify the WordPress framework free of charge.
When WordPress was first created and released to the public in 2003, it was initially designed to provide a blogging platform but is now widely used to create:
- Business Websites
- Social Networks & Forums
- Membership Websites
- Online Retail or eCommerce Stores
- Portfolio & CV Websites
This is possible due to the large developer community from across the world who contribute to the WordPress software as well as the plugins and themes that can provide various levels of functionality and extensions for WordPress website owners.
The are 2 primary ways in which you can use WordPress:
WordPress.com provides a paid for, hosted service which is provided by WordPress. Even though it is simple to setup and use, some control and flexibility is lost if any custom modifcations are required.
WordPress.org allows you to download and install on your own web host and allows you to customise features, themes and functions.