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PHP Vs WordPress For Ecommerce: Battle of CMS Vs PHP Script

By Sumaiya Simran Last Updated -- Thursday, 2024-08-22
php vs wordpress for ecommerce

No matter what size of the business is, every ecommerce business is in a rat race to achieve that endless set of opportunities. Businesses that used to run their business physically are now moving towards online business. 

The latest generation, where people spend 80% of their time on the internet, browsing, connecting, reacting and whatnot??. Therefore, to chase up those potential untapped audiences, entrepreneurs need to be active and build an online presence. 

One of the best ways to create an online presence is to build a user-friendly and attractive website. An ecommerce website is similar to a physical store, basically a virtual view of the storefront. 

Having a business website not only assists in creating a strong online visibility but also helps to reach different types of potential customers.

But!! 

Do You Know Which Technology Is Best To Use To Build A Ecommerce Website??? 

When it’s about developing an eCommerce website, definitely it comes to which framework to use: PHP Or WordPress? A comparison starts with “PHP vs WordPress for ecommerce business.  

What is PHP for Ecommerce Websites? - PHP Script

what-is-php-for-ecommerce-websites

PHP framework for ecommerce is considered to be an open-source scripting language. PHP full form is Hypertext Preprocessor, used in server-side development. PHP developers consider the best programming language and scripting language for any type of application such as blockchain applications, mobile app and web development.

The PHP programming language gives a set of instructions for coding. Besides transforming the process from more simple, flexible for any adaptation and, of course, dynamic design. PHP script is a multi-purpose scripting language. Developers blindly depend on this programming language because it makes the whole website user-friendly and customize it in whatever way the business demands.

Strength 

Weakness

  • Free of cost and open-source 
  • Not secure enough since it’s free of cost
  • Efficiently synchronize with the database
  • Poor website speed and performance
  • Language is straightforward to use
  • Programmers need to stay updated about the PHP framework 
  • No additional code required
  • The code should be familiar with the PHP framework
  • Common web development tasks performed automatically 
  • Limited core functionalities modification 
  • Efficient unit testing 
  • Might impact on website speed and performance  

Features Of PHP code for ecommerce website  

Let’s learn about the features of the PHP framework for ecommerce and understand Why PHP is used for e-commerce websites.

  1. Simple programming language for ecommerce website development
  2. Completely device friendly 
  3. Compatible with different databases, smooth integration with HTML, XML, and JavaScript
  4. Supports object-oriented programming features like data encapsulation, inheritance, abstraction, polymorphism
  5. PHP has interpreted language with no complication while executing the code
  6. Versatile and reliable programming language and great for session management, eliminating unnecessary memory allocation
  7. Fastest scripting language (boost up the loading speed of web page) 
  8. Open-source language, hence no hassle in acquiring a license, no hidden payment to use it 
  9. Partially case-sensitive language (construct: if, if-else, if-else, while, do-while), (Keywords: true and false), and user-defined functions and class names
  10. PHP is designed to be a secure language for writing (Computer-generated Imagery) programs.

What Is Wordpress For Ecommerce Websites?

What-is-wordpress-for-ecommerce-websites

WordPress for ecommerce websites is basically a content management system (CMS). WordPress (CMS) provides a simple process for website creation and management. 

Besides, WordPress itself builds on the PHP framework and uses database MySQL to stock up the website content. With WordPress, you can construct an ecommerce website with a more user-friendly, attractive interface, choose any themes, integrate different plugins, and be absolutely flexible for any type of customization. 

WordPress for ecommerce websites is a perfect solution, especially for new beginners. Constructing an ecommerce website with WordPress doesn’t require any coding. The WordPress web development cost can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the site, the features and plugins required, and the level of customization needed.

Strength 

Weakness

  • Open source platform, only available on “Wordpress.org”
  • Limited theme & can be customizable 
  • Large community 
  • Required knowledge (HTML, CSS, and jQuery) if you want to customize themes. 
  • Required multiple plugins for get standard functionality 
  • Plugin Directory, Theme Directory, Widgets
  • Difficult in finding the suitable plugins, since too many available in the market 
  • In-built blogging functionalities 
  • Big challenge to update the WordPress version 

Features Of Wordpress For Ecommerce Website

WordPress CMS offers different types of features which make your CMS platform more user-friendly and simple. 

  1. WordPress offers the most user-friendly interface and dynamic dashboard. Best for start-ups and non-technical ecommerce entrepreneurs. 
  2. If you utilize WordPress to develop your ecommerce website, then worry not because, with WordPress, you can easily customize any option or design you want. 
  3. Those who use WordPress to develop an ecommerce site get multiple types of themes and templates available in the theme market.                                                                                                                                                             
  4. WordPress comes up with various strong plugin ecosystems with different additional functionalities (contact forms, SEO optimization, ecommerce capabilities)
  5. Building your CMS ecommerce platform WordPress will automatically make your website SEO-friendly because WordPress is designed with SEO. 
  6. With WordPress, you can easily add “voice search” smart technology, for instance, Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri.
  7. With the WordPress framework, you can develop a hassle-free checkout process for your ecommerce website
  8. If you develop your ecommerce website using the WordPress framework, then you can easily add multiple payment methods. For instance (credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
  9. With WordPress, you can add the latest AI chatbot device to your ecommerce website.
  10. With the WordPress framework, you can integrate an efficient order-tracking device so that customers can trace their package’s location.

PHP Or Wordpress Which Is Better?

php-or-wordpress-which-is-better

  1. Enhance UX/UI (Usability of the end user)

 

PHP Script 

WordPress

To design the interface, developers have to use technical knowledge. Developers will have full control over design. They create one type of interface and design and personalize it according to project needs.    

Designing the interface with WordPress is quite easy and simple. There are already countless pre-built themes available in the market. You just need to purchase any theme and customize your website content.   


 

  1. Better scale of security 

 

PHP Script 

WordPress

E-commerce websites built with PHP are more secure than WordPress.  

High risk is involved due to the integration of multiple plugins. Only keeping your website on regular update or integrating a security patch such as generating a strong passcode, 2-step authentication, disabling file editing, etc. 

 

  1. Regular update

 

PHP Script 

WordPress

Websites developed by the PHP templates for ecommerce websites don't require regular updates. Their open-source language and open community support much of the updates. 

WordPress ecommerce websites usually require regular updates of features, bugs, security, etc. 


 

  1. Budget friendly

 

PHP Script 

WordPress

If you pre-plan your budget, you can easily executive any need and demands within that budget.  

Usually, the core development is done for free, but you have to invest in premium themes and plugins.


 

  1. SEO-friendly

 

PHP Script 

WordPress

Ecommerce websites developed with PHP scripts need to come up with inbuilt SEO tools. Hence, developers have to put extra effort into manually implementing different SEO factors. 

WordPress framework comes with in-built SEO-friendly tools, simple expertise and highly structured code. Hence, it assists in improving the visibility in search engines.


 

  1. No of developers needed

 

PHP Script 

WordPress

It’s very challenging to find an expert PHP developer for any specific type of skill or project.  

A vast pool of skilled and professional developers is available for any project.  


 

  1. Hosting service 

 

PHP Script 

WordPress

Very few requirements for hosting environments. Maximum PHP-based sites are optimized for specific hosting environments, hence better performance and effective resource utilization.   

Need specific hosting environments; most of them offer WordPress-optimized plans.  


 

  1. Software integration 

 

PHP Script 

WordPress

It will require custom coding if you want to integrate different software solutions. Hence, it is very time-consuming and needs to hire skilled developers.

Platforms such as WooCommerce, MailChimp, and Google Analytics can be easily integrated into any WordPress site.


 

  1. Flexible to customize 

 

PHP Script 

WordPress

Customization will be time-consuming and, at the same time, need expert developers to be tailored as per the project demand. 

Flexible to apply a high level of customization using multiple themes and plugins. 


 

  1. Customer experience 

 

PHP Script 

WordPress

Very flexible with providing customer service but solely depends on PHP developers.  

Provide better customer service than PHP.

Which Tech Should You Choose To Develop An Ecommerce Website Development? 

PHP Framework 

Wordpress CMS 

Code can be reusable 

Customizable with multiple themes and plugins 

Flexible and integrative 

Open source CMS

Scalable and documented 

Installation method is easy 

Development process is fast and secure.

Safe and secure 

Easily integrated to any other software solution. 

Vast support from community 

FAQ- Frequently Asked Question 

1. What is PHP? and how does it relate to WordPress for e-commerce?

Ans:

PHP: PHP is a popular server-side scripting language used for web development. It is the foundation of many web applications, including content management systems (CMS) like WordPress.

WordPress: WordPress is a widely used CMS built on PHP. It has become a popular choice for building e-commerce websites using plugins like WooCommerce, which are also built on PHP. 

2. What are the advantages of using PHP for e-commerce?

Ans: Listed 3 important advantage of using PHP for ecommerce:

  • Customization: PHP allows for extensive customization. You can build an e-commerce website from the ground up to meet your specific needs.
  • Performance: PHP-based e-commerce sites can be optimized for performance, ensuring fast loading times and responsiveness.
  • Scalability: PHP-based applications can be scaled to handle growing customer demands and larger product catalogs.

3. What are the advantages of using WordPress for e-commerce?

Ans: Listed 3 important advantage of using Wordpress for ecommerce:

Ease of Use: WordPress is user-friendly and requires less technical expertise to get started. You can set up an online store relatively quickly.

Plugin Ecosystem: WordPress has a vast ecosystem of plugins, including e-commerce solutions like WooCommerce, that can add various features and functionalities to your site.

Themes: There are numerous e-commerce-focused themes available, making it easier to create an attractive online store.

4. Which is better for SEO? PHP Vs WordPress for ecommerce?

Ans: Indeed both PHP and WordPress can be optimized for SEO. It's more about how you implement SEO techniques, content, and on-page optimization.

5. How important is integrating cyber security in your PHP or WordPress ecommerce sites?

Ans:Security is a concern for any website, but it depends on how well you implement security measures. 

WordPress ecommerce sites are often targeted by attackers, so it's crucial to keep everything up to date and use security plugins or practices.

6. What should I consider when choosing between PHP or WordPress for e-commerce?

Ans: Points you should consider when choosing between PHP or WordPress for e-commerce are the:

  • Technical expertise
  • Budget
  • Customization needs
  • Scalability requirements 

Evaluate the pros and cons of each platform to make an informed decision.

Ultimately, the choice between PHP and WordPress for ecommerce depends on your specific business needs and your level of technical expertise. 

While PHP and WordPress both offer robust solutions for building e-commerce websites, it's essential to consider specific use cases to determine which platform best suits your needs. For instance, let's take a look at Examlabs, a hypothetical e-commerce startup specializing in online exam preparation materials. Examlabs required a highly customizable platform to manage its extensive catalog of study materials, quizzes, and user accounts. In this scenario, PHP emerged as the preferred choice due to its flexibility and scalability.

Both options can be viable for building an online store, and you should choose the one that aligns best with your goals and resources.

Conclusion

When comparing PHP vs WordPress for eCommerce websites, it's important to understand that they are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. 

WordPress provides a user-friendly interface for managing your website, while PHP handles the server-side processing and database interactions required for eCommerce functionality.

Your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a user-friendly and widely supported platform for eCommerce, WordPress with WooCommerce is a popular choice. 

If you have more custom requirements or want to build an eCommerce site from scratch, you might use PHP to develop a custom solution or use a dedicated eCommerce framework