WordPress needs no introductions as it is one of the most popular content management systems. Whether it is customizing themes or creating out-of-the-box websites, WordPress leaves no stone unturned to provide users with a top-notch experience. But, today’s post is not entirely about WordPress, in this post, I am going to talk about WordPress vs Laravel. Are you new to Laravel? Do you want to learn more about Laravel? Well, then you have come to the right place. 

Just like WordPress, Laravel is also an open-source network, built on the PHP framework. It is used to build web applications and websites. So, which one should you choose to build a website? And when should you choose one over the other? Let us find out this in this comprehensive guide.

WordPress vs Laravel? What do You Need to Know?

Before understanding the comparison, let us first know what these two platforms are all about.

WordPress

WordPress was released in 2003, as an open-source content management system based on PHP framework and MySQL, which is available for free. 

Among its numerous set of features, plugins and template architecture, thousands of premium and free WordPress themes offer new functionalities. 

Laravel

Laravel was developed in 2011 and is also built on the PHP framework. It has a feature-rich architecture that is based on Symfony and Model View Controller architecture. Initially, Laravel was developed to ease complex tasks and build advanced web applications with ease. And soon, it gained traction in the community of web developers, as the most advanced PHP framework. Thanks to the inbuilt authentication features for authentication like models, sessions, views, localization, routing, and more. 

Besides, with the introduction of new highly advanced features like database management system, and more, it is surely a great framework. 

Why Laravel Got so Much Traction?

Laravel allows developers to achieve clean and clear results by simplifying their development process to a great extent. And that is why Laravel has gained so much popularity over the years. But how? Let’s find out in this section. 

Easy to Use

Laravel is fairly easy to use because it has clean, clear and coherent API codes. The classes and the method names are clear and the namespaces and the organization are quite straightforward. That is why simplicity is the reason why most developers prefer using it. 

Easily Available PreBuilt Components

Laravel offers many ready to use functionalities. The driver network allows the users to customize and add the framework functions and integrations from fundamental components like the template engine, routing and so on. 

Top-Notch Security

Web application security is crucial and it primarily depends upon the practices of the developers and the function he adds. Laravel provides developers with a great solution to avoid common vulnerabilities through in-built functions like cross-site scripting, cross-site request forgeries, SQL injections, and more. 

A Powerful App Testing

Laravel offers a specific set of features that allows you to perform solid unit tests on web applications and mobile applications using the PHP unit. It runs a secure test in two directories: feature and unit. While the feature tests for larger codes, the unit tests for smaller codes. 

Pros and Cons of Using WordPress:

Pros:

  • SEO friendly and can be easily optimized for the search engine
  • Easy to use, even for a non-technical user
  • Quickly deliver MVP with ready to use templates
  • Do not require HTML editing or FTP software
  • Open-Source CMS platform/ you have complete control on the site
  • 100% customizable design
  • Extend the sites functionality by using WordPress plugins
  • Have multiple users

Cons:

  • You need to add a lot of plugins for additional features
  • Need to update the themes and plugins frequently
  • Customization requires coding
  • Can be a bit on the expensive side

Pros and Cons of Laravel:

Pros:

  • Developer-friendly easy to use structure
  • Better user authentication and security features
  • Excellent website performance
  • Reasonable learning curve
  • Easy third party integrations
  • Seamless database migration
  • Simple website maintenance
  • Flexible to build simple and complex websites

Cons:

  • Does not provide in-built support’
  • Do not have continuity between the versions
  • Fewer updates may create issues
  • Need to time to grab a hold on the framework
  • Development is a bit slower

Perfect Use Cases of WordPress

WordPress, when we hear of the name the first thing that comes to our mind is blogging somehow. However, WordPress has to offer more than a blogging platform. WordPress is certainly about managing content, but because there is much flexibility and control, you can create any kind of website using WordPress. Various elements can completely transform the look and feel of your WordPress website. 

So, let us understand all of the possible use cases of WordPress.

Blogging: I know I have already said it, but we just can’t finish this post without mentioning how amazing WordPress is for blogging. And that is why currently there are hundreds and thousands of blogs managed and powered by WordPress for a reason. 

Institutional: Although WordPress is a content management system, we can design all kinds of websites using WordPress. And that is why, many educational institutes and universities like the University of Berlin, Georgia State University and more are using WordPress for their website.

Business: Whether you own a commercial firm or a non-profit, you need a website for it. With basic knowledge about the framework and how the frontend works, you can install WordPress and customize to give it a professional look. 

Wiki-Documentation and Knowledge Base: You can easily build knowledge-based hosting sites using WordPress. Yes, that is correct you can easily build wiki-style knowledge-based websites using WordPress, all you need is technical skills to create your themes and pre-built themes.

eCommerce Stores: WordPress offers a free solution to build online store websites. WooCommerce is the most widely used WordPress plugin to build an eCommerce store. It is also free and highly customizable. 

Perfect Use Cases of Laravel 

Now, I will discuss some of the places where you can use Laravel. So, let us explore the use case.

  • If you want the user to log in to the website and create an account first to use the application features. Similar to mails, registration websites, social media and so on, then Laravel is a good option. The reasons being there are only two command lines in the structure and you can have a complete authentication system in place.
  • Alerts or notifications play an important role, and in some websites these are must. Similarly, reminders, verifications and authentication messages are some of them. To enable this function Laravel offers a powerful queuing system. 
  • Laravel’s Eloquent ORM makes it a cakewalk to work with MySQL. As a result, the eloquent syntax is very easy to use whether it is for the basic functions or difficult ones.
  • Laravel has been lately used to design a lot of complex travel websites, real estate and etc.

What are the Integration Possibilities of WordPress and Laravel?

 As you can see, both WordPress and Laravel come with varied use cases along with pros and cons. Now, talking about integration possibilities with WordPress vs Laravel. Let us have a closer look at the discussion. 

WordPress or Laravel for an eCommerce Store?

Both WordPress and Laravel have built thousands of online stores, thanks to the plugins that are available. When it comes to WordPress, the most popular eCommerce plugin WooCommerce offers a great platform to build and launch a store in just a few minutes, with in-built payment gateways, themes, statistics and reports, and much more.

It has got pretty much everything that you need to run a successful online store. And just in case you are not satisfied with WooCommerce, then you can find plenty of other eCommerce plugins for WordPress.

Talking about Laravel, building an eCommerce store with it is slightly hard. But when it comes to customization, it has more to offer. Bagisto and Aimeons are the two most famous eCommerce packages offered by Laravel. Moreover, Laravel makes it easier to add features and functions to your online store while also keeping track of the business growth.

So, now the Question is Which One Should You Choose in this Scenario? 

Most website owners are likely to use WordPress to launch an online store, which is a perfect choice, as it offers pretty much everything. 

However, if you are building a very large online store, with thousands of products, using the Laravel framework for more customization is a better choice. Laravel is better at handling complex stores, and online stores built under this framework load faster. Thus providing a better user experience.

WordPress vs Laravel for Web Application?

If you are creating a web application or something completely different then choosing Laravel is certainly a better option. Why? As mentioned earlier, it makes it easier for the developer to integrate web applications, therefore, it may be able to serve you in a better way.

If you are creating a massive data management application, a unique solution for a remote team, or a global online deal, then considering Laravel for integration is a better option. 

Having said that it does not mean that you cannot build complex websites like these using WordPress. You can easily install a WordPress plugin for Progressive Web Applications, to develop unique web applications. 

Long story short, if you are developing a small to medium-sized web application, you may want to consider WordPress. However, for heavy applications, you must consider using Laravel.

Laravel vs WordPress: For Creating Blog

If you need a blog right away, quick and easy then you can choose WordPress. Why? Well, WordPress is by far the best CMS platform to manage content. Also, even if you are unfamiliar with technical skills you can use WordPress. 

Besides, you can also use the SEO plugins for WordPress, to make the content SEO friendly for the search engine. This makes WordPress certainly a better choice over Laravel. 

Conclusion… Which one is better – Laravel vs WordPress?

You do not have to confuse Laravel and WordPress with each other, as they are completely different. While WordPress is a popular Content Management System, Laravel is a framework. Therefore, to integrate Laravel the developer needs to know about Object-Oriented Programming. 

Although both the platforms are useful in their way, here is the crux of each.

You can choose WordPress if:

  • Need to create content-based websites such as blog, online portfolio, media portal and so on.
  • Creating a custom build website for someone who is not familiar with technical skills.
  • Building a website in a short time.
  • Creating an online store for small to medium-sized businesses.

You can choose Laravel if:

  • Need to build a database website such as a project management app, online booking app, payment gateway and so on.
  • Develop custom-built applications with unique features.
  • Creating large scale online stores.

If you still have doubt or any question then do let me know in the comment section below.