{"id":10813406,"date":"2018-10-24T23:14:50","date_gmt":"2018-10-24T23:14:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/support\/?post_type=helphub_article&p=10813406"},"modified":"2023-06-18T14:02:05","modified_gmt":"2023-06-18T14:02:05","slug":"manage-plugins","status":"publish","type":"helphub_article","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/documentation\/article\/manage-plugins\/","title":{"rendered":"Manage Plugins"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What are plugins?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

WordPress Plugins<\/a> are PHP scripts that extend the functionality of WordPress. They enhance the features of WordPress or add entirely new features to your site. Plugins are often developed by volunteers and are usually free to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plugins are available via the WordPress Plugin Directory<\/a>. Although plugins you find here are thoroughly tested and considered safe to use, they are of varying quality and are often works in progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do they relate to WordPress core?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The WordPress content management system software, or WordPress core, provides the primary functionality for publishing content and managing users. Each WordPress plugin is an additional piece of software that can be easily installed to extend the functionality of WordPress core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This allows you to customize your WordPress site with your desired functionality. Since so much functionality is provided through plugins, WordPress core is full-featured and customizable, without having to include everything for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are some examples?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some of the more popular plugins in the WordPress Plugin Directory<\/a> fall into these categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n