WordPress is one of the most preferred Content Management Systems (CMS) on the web, and it powers nearly 40% of the websites currently on the internet. WordPress offers a host of benefits that sets it apart from similar open-source platforms, and one of them is the functionality it offers.
You may be aware that the WordPress creators had intentionally kept off several functions that a regular user may need. This ensured that the website wasn’t straddled by unnecessary blather that will affect its performance. A website owner can add functionalities of his choice with the help of plugins and by using widgets.
Most people tend to confuse plugins and widgets because they discharge similar duties and are difficult to define. Nonetheless, it is imperative that you know their function so that you can look in the right place when searching for some added utilities.
Difference between widgets and plugins
What are plugins?
Plugins are pieces of code that are used to add new features or extend the functionality of a WordPress website. Plugins can be compared to apps that you can add to your smartphones. Each plugin had a set function alone.
Like we mentioned before, a vast majority of the functionalities required by an average user were kept off from WordPress to keep it light. Users could ‘plug in’ a plugin for any functionalities that they may need.
There are currently more than 58,000 plugins available on the website. Some examples of plugins are –
- Yoast SEO – to improve the SEO score of your website.
- Akismet – for spam protection.
- Wordfence – for giving security alerts regarding anything wrong with your website.
The plugins that are currently in use on a website may not be obvious to a casual visitor because they run in the background and are managed by site administrators or website owners.
What are widgets?
Widgets are content blocks that are added to the site’s sidebars, footer, and other widget-enabled areas. Widgets are connected with the design and generally are predefined by the theme used.
Widgets were designed to help non-tech-savvy users that want to customize their website design. Examples of widgets are as follows-
- Recent posts widget – for displaying a list of recent posts.
- Social icons – a tray with links of major social media platforms.
- Google maps widget – for displaying the map of a business location.
What is the difference between plugins and widgets?
In simple terms, plugins predominantly work behind the scenes and provide powerful functionalities. It is not associated with the aesthetics of the website, although there are certain exceptions.
On the contrary, widgets help control the appearance and how certain items are displayed on the site.
However, there are instances where widgets and plugins are interconnected. For instance, the Ninja Forms plugin comes with a dedicated widget for a contact form. The Testimonials Widget plugin makes testimonials appear in a professional manner, with support for images, texts, and video feedback.
In a nutshell, widgets and plugins differ in their purposes. An average WordPress user will be using a combination of plugins and widgets to provide a smooth experience for their visitors.
