What are Plugins?
Plugins are external programs installed on a site to enhance an existing feature or add a new feature. For example, you can add a related post widget to your blog posts by installing an external plugin if your theme does not provide this feature or you do not like the default one.
The context of the word plugin is generally interpreted as installing a feature on a site by uploading files to server and not embedding script inside the content. Sites built with open source software like WordPress.org heavily relies on plugins installed on the site. Plugins are essential part of every WordPress site since it is really not possible to make a theme satisfying all customer segments.
The plugins referred here is referring the use on self-hosted WordPress.org sites. Many managed hosting companies including WordPress.com offers plugin installation feature for free as well as premium users.
Installing Plugins in WordPress
Plugins can be installed through WordPress admin dashboard interface. Users can either download plugins from free repository or buy from external sites.
Installing Plugins in WordPress
It is also possible to directly upload the plugin files to the required folder in server using FTP or using cPanel hosting account. Learn more about installing plugins in WordPress.
All installed plugins can be found under “Plugins > Installed Plugins” menu in admin panel. You can also find the installed plugins under the directory “/wp-content/plugins” using FTP software.
Below infographics shows all steps in effectively managing WordPress plugins:
Managing WordPress Plugins
Examples of WordPress Plugins
There are millions of free and premium plugins available for various purposes. At that time of writing this article there are more than 45,000+ free plugins available on WordPress repository.
Free Plugins Available in WordPress Repository
Here are some plugins available readymade for your self-hosted WordPress site.
Check out the 10 most needed plugins for your WordPress site. Choosing a plugin for your site needs to be done carefully since it may change the whole site’s appearance or performance. Below are some general considerations: Most of the free plugins will have limited features with the option to upgrade for a premium paid version. If you buy a plugin then common support forums / reviews in WordPress repository can’t be used since those are ONLY meant for free users. Learn how to choose best plugins for your WordPress site. It may look that any functionalities can be achieved with the help of plugins. But in reality there are many challenges in using plugins on your site. Using free plugins may enhance the site’s features but the bottomline is to use them at your own risk. Also installing multiple plugins may reduce the site loading speed and affect the user’s experience. Hence, check out the quality of the plugin and decide whether you can install and use it on your site in long run.
How to Choose a Plugin?
Limitations of Using Plugin
Conclusion
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