WordPress is a free, open-source Content Management System (CMS) used to build and manage websites. It is built on PHP and MySQL (or MariaDB) and powers over 43% of all websites on the internet as of 2026.
While it started as a simple blogging tool, it has evolved into a versatile platform capable of creating:
- Business Websites: Professional sites for companies.
- E-commerce Stores: Using plugins like WooCommerce.
- Portfolios: Showcasing creative work.
- Educational Platforms: Learning Management Systems (LMS).
- Forums & Membership Sites: Community-based platforms.
History of WordPress
The story of WordPress is one of the most successful examples of open-source collaboration.
The Origin (2001–2003)
Before WordPress, there was a blogging software called b2/cafelog, created by Michel Valdrighi in 2001. In 2002, Valdrighi stopped developing it. In January 2003, Matt Mullenweg (a university student at the time) and Mike Little decided to “fork” (continue the development of) b2 to create a more modern platform.
Key Milestones
Fun Fact: The Jazz Connection
Since version 1.0, every major WordPress release is named after a famous Jazz musician. For example:
- Version 1.0: Named “Davis” (Miles Davis).
- Version 5.0: Named “Bebo” (Bebo Valdés).
- Version 6.0: Named “Arturo” (Arturo O’Farrill).
WordPress is now maintained by a global community of thousands of developers and is supported by Automattic, the company founded by Matt Mullenweg.