Building apps using WordPress? Pointers you must keep in mind

After entering into the web market as one of the most used content management system, WordPress has been successful in evolving into a more befitting tool for web and mobile app development. Thanks to the continuous advancements in the world of mobile application development, WordPress has laid the foundation for design and development of mobile apps that have the caliber of standing out from a crowd. Backed by a slew of plugins and services, WordPress has made it quite convenient for the developers to build web and mobile apps that can cater to varying needs of the end users. So, if you too have made up your mind and are about to delve into app development using WordPress, then this post will serve as your handy guide. Here, I've jotted down some of the most vital pointers you must be aware of before proceeding ahead with creating apps using WordPress.

Whether using WordPress backend for administration would be a good option or not? 

One of the greatest advantages of using WordPress for creation of a web app is that while you're busy developing it, you can enjoy the flexibility of a fully-functional backend panel. Well, it is this backend along with REST API and WP-CLI that can be effectively utilized for fudging the data. Once you're done with creating an app and the same works in the desired manner, it is crucial to find an answer to the question as to whether you require any front-end administrative interfaces or are your privileged users still using WordPress back-end panel for performing tasks such as creating content, moderation content and users etc.

Don't confuse WordPress to be an application framework

A majority of people who are using WordPress for building applications tend to consider WordPress as an application framework. But, this isn't the reality. Although the branding of WordPress makes it sound like an app development platform, it is basically a publishing platform. When compared to a range of other frameworks like ASP.NET MVC, Ruby On Rails etc. WordPress is quite different and marks the effective design and development of applications, both, the ones catering to the web and the other ones catering to the mobile device.

Leverage URL mapping which is already incorporated within WordPress

By default, WordPress come with the URL mapping feature wherein you can use WordPress for creating a response from a specific URL which is being passed to it. Moreover, on the basis of this URL, you'll be able to do a query or return a particular error page. It is the URL mapping feature of WordPress which adds weightage to its templating system- something that will allow you to create an absolutely stunning mobile application. The decoupling of front-end in WordPress will make it convenient for you to have multiple front-end panels dedicated to varied platforms including web, desktop, Android, iOS, Windows Mobile and many more.

Boilerplate Functionality makes WordPress the right choce for developing out-of-the-box applications

Apart from having the ability to customize everything for your WordPress website, you'll also be able to avail added features such as authentication, presentation, user levels and extensibility. Talking about authentication, it refers to session management for users who are opting for logging in and out of the system. Then, there is user levels feature which makes it quite convenient for you to grant new and existing users different levels of access throughout the system. Next, there is the presentation functionality that can be availed via the use of themes and templates. Last, but definitely not the least, the application built using WordPress is completely extensible via the usage of plugin API and widget API. With WordPress, you are free to customize everything available on your admin dashboard, ranging from adding new menu options to removing the user options as a whole.

Separating design from functionality is a plus point with app development using WordPress

MVC has indeed become one of the most popular design patterns that work well for a wide range of web applications. WordPress comprises of its own set of hooks including actions and filters which allow you to manage all the data before the same is being sent to the end user. In addition to this, WordPress makes the job of separating design from functionality a relatively easy job. There are multiple themes that have been specially designed for rendering a perfect styling to the entire web/mobile application. Hence, it won't be wrong to say that the basic idea of building web applications with WordPress will make it possible for you to have completely manageable code.

Wrapping Up

WordPress provides us with a range of custom post types, a RESTful API and an improved back-end interface. All these things definitely point towards WordPress' potential for allowing you to create great applications. Plus, the cost affordability feature makes WordPress set apart as a renowned tool for indulging in some serious app development.

About the Author

I am Amanda Cline working as a Developer with Xicom Technologies Ltd.- iphone app development company. Apart from this I've gathered an excellent amount of expertise as an IT support personnal, blogger, computer programmer, App developer, a mentor and a trainer. You can Contact me Via amandacline111@gmail.com