Functionality Vs Flexibility: What to choose for your web project?

At the start of every web project a decision has to be made on what platform the website is going to be built on.

The decision depends on many factors but it ultimately comes down to functionality vs flexibility and whether a client wants to be able to manage the site themselves moving forward.

Although there are many options each with their own pros and cons, the two frameworks we recommend to our clients are WordPress or Laravel.

WordPress

WordPress makes up a huge proportion of websites. In fact, 29 per cent of all websites and 60 per cent of CMS websites (content management systems) use WordPress, so it’s safe to say it’s a popular choice.

WordPress works straight out of the box, with a simple structure and theme preloaded and ready for use. With an interface as simple and familiar as Microsoft Word, users are able to login and amend and update their site without any coding knowledge. This provides novice users the flexibility to manage their website without the need for a web developer’s input after initial set up, saving both time and ongoing budget.

Along with its flexibility comes a vast plugin library adding extra functionality with just a few clicks. A great example of this is contact forms. Before the setup was relatively complex with multiple coding languages used and some knowledge of email required. However, with the availability of WordPress plugin users can download the feature and follow the process to meet their needs in a few simple steps.

If functional is what you’re after WordPress could be for you, however it does come with limitations, the main one being the constraints of following the WordPress framework. This issue doesn’t hinder the majority of web projects, but for a more customisable design it can be better to approach it with a more bespoke tool.

Laravel

When WordPress can’t meet the needs of a project and a more bespoke framework is required we look to using Laravel. Although relatively new compared to WordPress, it has become popular thanks to the flexibility it offers web developers.

Allowing web developers to start with a blank canvas, each project can be tailored without unnecessary constraints that might come with a WordPress project.

Although the flexibility that Laravel has to offer is much greater, it does require experience of using the framework. Unlike WordPress, experience of coding and setting up sites using the platform is a must. If it’s a higher level of customisation and a more bespoke functionality that you’re after then Laravel will probably be your choice. This will however mean a bigger timescale is required for build along with an increased price tag.

Which is for you?

 It’s hard to draw comparisons between WordPress and Laravel. Both are highly functional web platforms that can be used in different ways to great effect. WordPress is suitable for the majority of projects due to it’s speed of implementation, large plugin library and the support network available. Laravel however can hold the key to your custom project, where a bespoke, highly functional end result is needed.

The platform we use for your project all depends on your needs, budget and preference. If you’d like to discuss a project in more detail and hear which platform is suitable for you get in touch!