Welcome to the world of WordPress! Before you learn the specifics, it's vital to understand some of the most basic core concepts. Don't worry, thisNo programming knowledge required at all, just like you need to know what the steering wheel, brakes and gas pedal do before you learn to drive.
Mastering these concepts will allow you to follow through with half the effort and know what you're doing instead of mechanically clicking buttons.
Domain name: the address of your website
- What is it?The domain name is the URL of your website, for example
www.likacloud.comOrwww.你的网站名.com. It is the address that users type into their browser to access your website. - Why do you need to know?You need to choose a good domain name for yourself. It should:
- Easy to remember: The shorter and more catchy, the better.
- Content-related: It's best to reflect the theme of your site.
- Choosing the right suffixAs
.com(most generic),.cn(China),.netetc., with a preference for.com。
- Simple to understand.The domain name is yours.house number。
2. Server (hosting): your website house
- What is it?A server is a 24-hour, high-performance computer that houses all the files (text, images, code, etc.) and data for your website.
- Why do you need to know?Your website must be placed on a server for others to access it over the Internet. You will need to send a request toHosting Service Provider(e.g. AliCloud, TencentCloud, etc.) Rent space on one server.
- web hosting: ComparisonRecommended for newbies. It's the equivalent of renting a one-bedroom apartment in a big server that's cheap, easy to manage, and the service provider has configured it all for you.
- VPS/Cloud server: equivalent to renting a whole building on a certain floor, more powerful and free, but requires more technical knowledge to manage, theBeginner's choice。
- Simple to understand.The server is your website'sbuilding (single- or two-story), the domain name is the door number, the user according to the door number (domain name) in order to find your house (server).
3. Database: your Web site memory bank
- What is it?A database is a system designed to store and manage data. Every article posted on your website, every comment, user's account passwords and other information is stored in the database in a well-organized manner.
- Why do you need to know?During WordPress installation, you must create a database and connect to it properly or the site won't work. All you need to know:
- The database has names (e.g.
wp_db）。 - It needs to be managed with a username and password.
- This information needs to be filled out when you install WordPress.
- The database has names (e.g.
- Simple to understand.The database is in your house.Filing cabinets and archivesAll important textual information is stored here.
4. Theme: the style and layout of your website's decoration
- What is it?A theme determines what your website will look like, including colors, fonts, typographic layout, homepage style, etc. Changing the theme can instantly change the appearance of your entire website without affecting the content of your previously written articles.
- Why do you need to know?This is one of the most common features that newbies play with.WordPress has thousands of free and paid themes.
- Recommendation.Beginners start with simple, lightweight, popular free themes (such as Astra, GeneratePress, or the default Twenty series of themes) and avoid choosing themes that are overly complex and bloated with features.
- Simple to understand.The theme is your house.decorative style(Whether it's European luxury or modern simplicity), changing the theme is the equivalent of giving the house a different kind of decor.
5. Plug-ins: an “app” that adds new functionality to your website.”
- What is it?Plugins are extensions that can be installed on WordPress and used to add all sorts of otherwise unavailable features to your website. For example, adding a contact form, doing image optimization, improving security, building a shopping mall, and more.
- Why do you need to know?“Functionality through plugins” is the core philosophy of WordPress.
- Important principles.Don't install too many plugins, only install plugins that you really need, have good reviews and are updated frequently. Poor quality or too many plugins can slow down your website or pose a security risk.
- Simple to understand.The plugin is what you install in your phoneAPP. WeChat is used for chatting and Meituan is used for ordering takeout. Install the “Contact Form” plugin on your website, and it will have form functionality.
6. Articles vs. pages: two different content types
These are two of the most confusing concepts that must be distinguished:
- writings
- Features.Commonly used for publishingDynamic and time-sensitiveThese are content such as blog entries, news, product updates, etc. They are organized in reverse chronological order. They are organized in reverse chronological order, often with “categories” and “tags” that allow users to comment.
- Example.TheTencent Cloud 2025 Price/Performance Activity Recommendations》、《What is Edge Security Acceleration EdgeOne (EO)》。
- Understanding.just asEvery diary entry in the journal, is organized on a timeline.
- web page
- Features.Commonly used to createStatic, permanentThe content of the site is the structural foundation of the site. They have no notion of when they are published, no categorization or tagging, and usually do not allow comments.
- Example.[___Cloud Hosting Coupons】、【cloud server], [Service Prices], [About Us].
- Understanding.It's like a book ofRegular chapters(e.g., Chapters 1 and 2), is the structure that makes up the book itself.
To summarize: a chart to help you understand
Imagine your website as a家::
- domain nameYour home address.
xx路xx号 - Servers: The land and rough housing of your family
- WordPress Core: Foundation and main frame of the house
- comprehensive database: Filing cabinets in your home to store all your books and materials
- thematic: Your home's decorating style, furniture placement
- plugin: appliances and facilities in your home (refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner)
- writings: your daily journal.
- web page: Wall-mounted family code and contact information
With these concepts in mind, you've moved beyond being a 50% novice. Next, we can safely go to “buy land” (buy servers and domain names), “build a house” (install WordPress)!
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