Flexibility and scalability with headless WordPress: what, why and how

What is headless WordPress?

Headless WordPress is a concept that describes the separation between the frontend (the user interface) and the backend (the server part and the database) of a WordPress site. In other words, in headless WordPress, only the CMS (Content Management System) is used to create and manage the content, which can then be delivered to any frontend using an API.

Why use headless WordPress?

Flexibility

Headless WordPress provides extreme flexibility. Developers can use their favorite programming language, such as JavaScript, to create the user interface instead of being limited by PHP and WordPress theme structures.

Scalability

Thanks to the separation between frontend and backend, site speed can be improved and scalability facilitated. You can set up and optimize the frontend and backend independently of each other, making it easier to manage traffic and handle requests.

Omnichannel

Headless WordPress allows content to be delivered to various devices and platforms – websites, mobile apps, IoT devices, and even AR/VR apps, thanks to the REST API or GraphQL API.

Future compatibility

Because the front-end is separated from the back-end, you can change or update the design of your site without affecting the content or database.

How to use headless WordPress?

1. WordPress installation and configuration: First, you'll need to install WordPress on your server and configure it as usual. You can use the built-in WordPress REST API or install a plugin like WP GraphQL for a more powerful and flexible API.
2. Content creation: You can then create and manage the content through the WordPress CMS.
3. User Interface Development: For this step, you can use your favorite development stack. For example, you can use React, Vue.js or Angular to create SPA (Single Page Applications), or use a static site generator like Gatsby or Next.js.
4. Using the Content Delivery API: Your frontend will communicate with WordPress through an API that can deliver the content to any platforms and devices.

Conclusion: Headless WordPress is a powerful tool that offers flexibility, scalability, omnichannel and future compatibility. It is an ideal solution for projects that require a high level of customization, speed and the ability to integrate with different platforms and devices.