WordPress as a CMS #WordPress #CMS Way back in 2003, WordPress released its first version as a simple blogging platform and continued to improve until it became the most popular blogging tool. Later, it continued to improve as a CMS and now has a reputation for being the most popular CMS for over 5 years. These days everyone sees WordPress as a CMS rather than just a blogging tool. Now the question is, where will it go next? Recent versions of WordPress have included popular web development libraries such as Backbone.js and Underscore.js and developers are building different types of applications with WordPress. Also the most recent introduction of REST API is a major indication that WordPress is moving towards the direction of building web applications. The combination of REST API and modern JavaScript frameworks will enable developers to build complex web applications with WordPress. Before we consider the application development aspects of WordPress, it’s ideal to figure out the reasons for it being such a popular CMS. The following are some of the reasons behind the success of WordPress as a CMS: Plugin-based architecture for adding independent features and the existence of over 40,000 open source plugins Ability to create unlimited free websites at wordpress.com and use the basic WordPress features A super simple and easy-to-access administration interface A fast learning curve and comprehensive documentation for beginners A rapid development process involving themes and plugins An active development community with awesome support Flexibility in building websites with its themes, plugins, widgets, and hooks Availability of large premium theme and plugin marketplaces for developers to sell advanced plugin/themes and users to build advanced sites with those premium plugins/themes without needing a developer. These reasons prove why WordPress is the top CMS for website development. However, experienced developers who work with full stack web applications don’t believe that WordPress has a future in web application development. While it’s up for debate, we’ll see what WordPress has to offer for web development. Once you complete reading this article, you will be able to decide whether WordPress has a future in web applications. I have been working with full stack frameworks for several years, and I certainly believe the future of WordPress for web development.

BRIT awards to host 4,000 audiences as part of COVID research A live audience of 4,000 people will attend the BRIT awards on 11 May in London as part of a government-led research program into how crowds can safely return to mass participants’ events. It would be the first major indoor music event with a live audience as the country emerges from COVID19 lockdown. The awards will be held on next month which is pushed back from the traditional February date because of the pandemic. The hope of organizers was always to have some kind of live audience for a show which will feature performances by Dua Lipa, Headie One and Arlo Parks. 2,500 tickets are being made available to key workers from greater London, who can apply via a ballot system. They will not have to wear face masks inside the arena but will have to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test result to enter the venue. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced on Thursday that the Brits will be joining events such as the current world’s snooker championships in Sheffield’s Crucible theatre as a pilot in the government’s events research program. Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the British Phonographic Industry and the BRITs said, “not only will we be celebrating the brilliant music and artists that have helped us through the pandemic, but we hope it will provide a path for the return of live music that fans and artists have so sorely missed.” The awards are due to be hosted by Jack Whitehall for the fourth year running and will be broadcast live on ITV.