WordPress, once known for its simplicity and flexibility, has been moving towards a more “dumbed-down” approach in recent years. Instead of clean PHP themes and manual customization, the focus has shifted towards bloated page builders and drag-and-drop interfaces. Despite these changes, WordPress remains one of the most popular content management systems on the web. Its user-friendly interface, vast selection of plugins and themes, and open-source community have contributed to its enduring appeal. However, some developers and users are questioning whether the shift towards simplified website building comes at the cost of sacrificing the platform’s original strengths.
While there are certainly drawbacks to page builders, it’s important to acknowledge the benefits that they offer. One of the most compelling arguments for using a page builder is the speed and convenience they provide. By allowing users to create and customize web pages without any coding knowledge, page builders enable users to quickly build websites and get them online. This can be particularly useful for small business owners, bloggers, and others who don’t have the time or resources to devote to learning how to code. Additionally, page builders often come with pre-designed templates and layouts that can be easily modified, further reducing the time and effort required to create a professional-looking website. Ultimately, while page builders may not be suitable for every use case, they can be a valuable tool for those who need to create a website quickly and efficiently.
Simple PHP themes offer a number of advantages over page builders and other more complex website building tools. Here are some of the key reasons why:
Speed and efficiency: Simple PHP themes tend to load faster and be more efficient than more complex themes built with page builders. This is because they don’t rely on additional code libraries and plugins to function.
Customization: Simple PHP themes are often easier to customize and tailor to specific needs. Developers have more control over the design and functionality of the site, and can easily make changes to the code without having to navigate a complex interface.
Security: Simple PHP themes are generally more secure than themes built with page builders. This is because they don’t rely on external code libraries and plugins, which can introduce security vulnerabilities.
Longevity: Simple PHP themes are likely to have a longer lifespan than themes built with page builders. This is because they are less likely to become obsolete as technology and design trends evolve.
Overall, while simple PHP themes may require a bit more effort to create and customize, they offer a number of benefits that can make them a better choice for certain use cases.
Page builders like Elementor can certainly come with their fair share of bugs and issues, and the reliance on external code libraries and plugins can make it difficult for developers to maintain and update the code. This can be particularly frustrating for users who have invested time and effort into building a website with a specific page builder, only to have it become outdated or incompatible with newer versions of WordPress.
In contrast, simple PHP themes are often easier to maintain and update over time. Because the code is more streamlined and there are fewer external dependencies, developers can more easily make changes and fixes to keep the theme up-to-date and functioning properly. This can help to extend the lifespan of the theme and ensure that it remains a viable option for years to come.
One of the biggest advantages of using a clean PHP theme is that it can be easily updated and maintained even if the original development team no longer offers support or updates. Because the code is straightforward and streamlined, other developers can easily step in to modify and maintain the theme over time. This can help to ensure that the theme remains functional and up-to-date, even as technology and design trends evolve.
In contrast, page builders and other more complex website building tools can be more difficult to maintain and modify over time. They often rely on external code libraries and plugins, which can become outdated or incompatible with newer versions of WordPress. This can make it difficult to update the website or fix issues as they arise.
Ultimately, the simplicity and flexibility of a clean PHP theme can make it a better choice for those who are looking for a long-lasting, easy-to-maintain website. While it may require more effort upfront to create and customize the theme, the benefits of being able to easily update and modify the code over time can make it well worth the investment.
In conclusion, both builders and clean PHP themes have their merits and drawbacks. Builders can offer an easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface for website customization, while PHP themes tend to be more streamlined, efficient, and easier to maintain over time. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on a variety of factors, including the needs and goals of the website, the level of customization and control required, and the available resources for maintenance and updates.
As someone who codes as a hobby, I can understand the appeal of using a builder to create a website quickly and efficiently. However, from my perspective, investing the time and effort into creating a clean PHP theme is well worth it in the long run. The ability to easily maintain and update the code over time, as well as the flexibility and customization options that come with a custom-built theme, make it a more appealing option for me personally.