Do you guys actually use plugins or nah?

Help
1

Thinking about using plugins or tools for writing and other stuff, but honestly, I’m just so busy I haven’t tried any yet. Are they really worth it, or should I skip them? What do you guys think?

2

I use plugins and make them too. Sure, you could use functions.php, but I only put theme-related stuff there. Anything that changes how the site works or adds functionality belongs in a plugin. For custom plugins that are essential to the site, they should go in mu-plugins.

3

@Charlie
Quick tip: Anything added to functions.php can get wiped out if the theme gets updated (unless it’s your own custom theme or you’re using a child theme).

Edit: Not sure why I’m getting downvoted—this is solid advice. Just making it clearer.

4

@Jin
True, but that only happens with third-party themes. If it’s a child theme or a custom one, you’re safe.

5

Fifer said:
@Jin
True, but that only happens with third-party themes. If it’s a child theme or a custom one, you’re safe.

Exactly. I already mentioned child themes. From what I’ve seen on this forum, a lot of people use commercial themes that need updates. Not sure why this is controversial.

6

@Jin
Most people here are WordPress users, not developers. It’s probably just a misunderstanding.

7

@Jin
I don’t get the downvotes either. You’re just trying to help beginners understand.

8

@Jin
We use a custom theme that I made, so this doesn’t apply to us, but it’s still good advice.

9

@Jin
This is why Code Snippets is a great alternative.

10

@Charlie
What kind of plugins do you make?

11

Gracen said:
@Charlie
What kind of plugins do you make?

I make all kinds. Right now, I’m building a custom Klaviyo plugin because their default one doesn’t let customers manage email preferences the way we need. The API is limited, so it’s been a challenge. The only thing I haven’t done is a payment gateway plugin, though I’ve done similar projects outside WordPress.

12

I’m not a coder, but I use WordPress for its plugin options. Plugins save time and money because you don’t need custom coding for everything. Custom sites might be ideal, but they’re way more expensive. Plugins make WordPress stand out because you can tweak functionality at a much lower cost.

13

I use 5-6 plugins regularly.

14

Kim said:
I use 5-6 plugins regularly.

Same here. I once worked on a site with 51 plugins… it was a nightmare!

15

Plugins are awesome but choose wisely. Some are poorly written and will slow down your site. Stick to ones that are well-maintained with lots of users. Those are usually the good ones—or at least the only option.

16

Do you really need a plugin? If you don’t have a specific use for one, don’t worry about it for now.

That said, you should at least install a security plugin (like Wordfence) and a backup plugin if your host doesn’t offer backups. Those are lifesavers.

17

Using WordPress without plugins is like getting a plain cheesesteak… you’re missing the good stuff. Plugins are what make WordPress great.

18

Fifer said:
Using WordPress without plugins is like getting a plain cheesesteak… you’re missing the good stuff. Plugins are what make WordPress great.

That’s the best analogy I’ve heard in a long time. Spot on.

19

I use plugins all the time. Over time, you figure out which ones are useful and which ones are just bloat. Security, backup, SEO, and speed optimization plugins are my go-tos.

20

A lot of plugins aren’t maintained well. Also, speed is critical—if your site is slow, people will leave. For writing, you might want to look at offsite tools instead of adding extra stuff to your site.