A ‘Plugin’ in website terms refer to functions that can be added to your website to provide a function or level of customisation to your website.
The most common form of ‘Plugins’ in website terms refers to additions that you can add to your website via your content management system (CMS) - learn more about what a CMS is here.
WordPress is a platform that uses ‘Plugins’ the most - learn more about WordPress here.
Sometimes plugins can help and enhance your website, its offering, and its functionality. Likewise, sometimes plugins can have a negative effect on your website.
Knowing what plug ins to use and when can often require some input from a web developer – like us :D
Some CMSs (like WordPress) will have a bank of Plugins ready for you to choose from, they can be mixed and matched as required. Some CMSs won’t use Plugins but you can still get the additional functionality of a plugin, it’s just fully integrated into your website.
Plugins, especially with open-source CMSs like WordPress, can leave websites exposed to hackers. Free plugins, and paid for plugins that have not been maintained, can have ‘back doors’ which give hackers access to your website and its content.
There have unfortunately been several insistences of sites being held for ransom or data collected/stored on the site being hacked/stolen via a plugin. Unfortunately, these cases are on the rise.
A note of caution with a Plugins – read the reviews and ensure they are maintained.
If you are looking for additional features on your website, then get in touch with the team here at Digital Nachos.
Published: 1st Feb 2024