Enormous free plugin base and plugin-based architecture are the keys to success of WordPress as a CMS. Plugins allow developers to build independent features as well as connect with the modules developed by other developers. We can use plugins to build quality sites with the code written by the top WordPress developers in the world, without spending a single dollar. From the developer's perspective, plugins allow you to reach and help thousands of users while being able to promote your skills as a developer. Anyone who has basic programming knowledge can create plugins to meet application-specific requirements. However, it takes considerable effort to develop quality plugins that can be reused across a wide range of projects.
In this chapter, you will learn about the concept of plugins and how they are different from your theme...
