Why Would Someone Choose to Build a Site Using Joomla Over WordPress?

I didn’t choose WordPress, I chose Joomla.

My preference for Joomla over WordPress stems from its superior power, ease of use, and extensive feature set. Joomla is designed to handle larger and more complex websites without breaking a sweat. While both platforms have their merits, Joomla's unique strengths make it an excellent choice for those looking to create dynamic and advanced websites.

Dynamic Website Functionality and Extensibility

One of the primary reasons I favor Joomla is its ability to make websites more dynamic. It allows you to easily add complex functionality and connect APIs with just a few clicks, thanks to its robust plugin and extension ecosystem. Building from scratch would require an inordinate amount of time. As a WordPress theme and plugin developer, I already have a solid base in WordPress, but I still use Joomla when the project calls for it.

Functionality and Costs

WordPress is incredibly functional and versatile. You can add virtually anything to your website, from booking systems to eCommerce, contact forms, calculators, and visual effects. In most cases, this functionality comes at no cost, thanks to the vast collection of free plugins and themes. However, when plugin development or customization is needed, the cost may escalate.

Industry Standards and Support

Over the years, WordPress has become the industry standard. Its easy installation, website building logic, powerful support, and numerous conferences make it a go-to choice for many developers. With tens of thousands of plugins available for almost any task, the platform has established itself as a leader in the content management system (CMS) market.

Historical Perspective on Joomla

My initial years as a web developer were largely spent working with Joomla. It was a robust and feature-rich CMS that enabled me to create dozens of websites. However, as time passed, I found that Joomla was overtaken by WordPress, which has since become the dominant platform. The main reason for this shift is not about complexity, but rather the ease with which developers can achieve similar results on WordPress.

Security Considerations

WordPress Security Challenges

Due to its immense popularity, WordPress is often targeted by hackers for data breaches, hacking attempts, malware, and Trojan attacks. While WordPress offers a vast array of plugins and extensions, it is impossible to ensure that every single plugin is secure and compatible with the latest platform versions. This can lead to significant security risks. Moreover, most advanced WordPress features rely on plugins, requiring modifications to core files to enable SSL connections.

Joomla Security Measures

Similar to WordPress, Joomla also faces security risks, particularly those stemming from extra extensions and plugins, which make up 84% of hacked sites on the Joomla platform. However, Joomla provides a set of security extensions and plugins to mitigate these risks. Unlike WordPress, Joomla offers an inbuilt feature called “Joomla Force SSL,” which allows users to activate an SSL certificate in their core system without the need for any additional extensions.

Conclusion

Both Joomla and WordPress have their strengths and weaknesses. Choosing one over the other depends on the specific needs of the project. For those who prioritize ease of use, extensibility, and advanced functionality, Joomla is an excellent choice. For those who value the ease of setting up, wide plugin selection, and cost-effectiveness, WordPress remains the preferred option. Understanding the nuances of both platforms can help developers make informed decisions that best suit their projects.