WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems in the world, with millions of websites powered by its platform.
It has always been known as free and open-source software, but recent changes in the WordPress ecosystem have raised the question, “Why is WordPress not free anymore?”
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this shift and what it means for business owners who use WordPress to power their websites.
The History of WordPress
WordPress was launched in 2003 as a blogging platform, and it quickly gained popularity among bloggers and website owners. The platform’s popularity grew, and it evolved into a content management system that allowed users to create and manage all kinds of websites.
Since its inception, WordPress has been free and open-source software, which means that anyone can download, use, and modify the code without any restrictions.
The Role of WordPress.org
WordPress.org is the official website of WordPress, where users can download the software, access documentation and support, and contribute to the development of the platform.
WordPress.org is maintained by the WordPress Foundation, a non-profit organization that was created to support and promote the WordPress project. The WordPress Foundation is funded by donations from individuals and companies that use and support WordPress.
The Growth of the WordPress Ecosystem
As WordPress grew in popularity, a vast ecosystem of plugins, themes, and services developed around it. WordPress plugins are add-ons that extend the functionality of the platform, while themes are templates that control the design and layout of a WordPress site.
Many businesses started offering WordPress-related services such as hosting, support, and custom development, which created a thriving market for WordPress-related products and services.
The Rise of WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a commercial platform that offers a hosted version of WordPress to users. It is owned and operated by Automattic, a company founded by Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress.
Unlike WordPress.org, which is free and open-source, WordPress.com charges users for access to its platform and services. WordPress.com offers a range of plans, from a free tier with limited features to premium plans with advanced features and customizations.
The Introduction of Gutenberg
In 2018, WordPress introduced Gutenberg, a new content editor that replaced the previous editor. Gutenberg is designed to make it easier for users to create and manage content on their WordPress sites.
However, the introduction of Gutenberg also led to the development of new premium plugins and themes that were specifically designed to work with the new editor.
The Future of WordPress
As WordPress continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that more commercial products and services will be developed around it. The WordPress Foundation will continue to support and promote the open-source software, but users may have to pay for access to premium features and services.
It is also possible that new platforms, such as the upcoming Gutenberg-powered WordPress.com, will emerge to challenge the dominance of the self-hosted WordPress platform.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the question of why WordPress is not free anymore is a complex one. While the core WordPress software will always be free and open-source, the growth of the WordPress ecosystem has led to the development of commercial products and services that users have to pay for.
The rise of platforms like WordPress.com, as well as the introduction of new premium plugins and themes, means that businesses using WordPress will have to be prepared to pay for access to certain features and services.
However, the continued support of the WordPress Foundation ensures that the open-source nature of WordPress will always be maintained.
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