When it comes to creating a website, you have two main options: using a page builder under the confines of WordPress (a website builder), or manually coding your website.
While both approaches have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, it can be challenging to decide which method is the right fit for your project.
In this blog post, we will delve into the differences between WordPress page builders and coding.
We’ll explore the unique benefits and drawbacks of each approach and provide examples of when one method may be more suitable than the other.
Moreover, we’ll discuss key factors to consider when deciding between page builders and code, such as your budget, level of technical expertise, and desired website functionality.
So, let’s dive in and explore these two approaches in more detail!
Summary
| Similarities | Unique to Page Builder | Unique to Coding |
|---|---|---|
| Build websites on WordPress | Drag-and-drop interface | Complete design and functionality control |
| Allow unique designs | Pre-built templates and modules | Highly customized and unique websites |
| Add features and functionality | User-friendly interface | No reliance on third-party tools |
| Integration with other WordPress tools | Optimized code for performance | |
| Flexibility for changes and updates |
What are WordPress page builders?
WordPress page builders are plugins that can be installed within the WordPress dashboard and provide a visual, drag-and-drop interface for designing and customizing website pages without the need for coding skills.
These plugins allow users to create complex page layouts, add and customize elements such as text, images, and forms, and create animations and interactive features.
WordPress page builders come with a variety of pre-built templates that can be easily customized to match the look and feel of your website.
Some of the most popular WordPress page builders include Elementor, Divi Builder, and Seedprod.
Advantages of using page builders
- User-friendly interface: Page builders offer a visual drag-and-drop interface that allows users to design and customize website pages.
- Saves time: With pre-built templates and drag-and-drop functionality, page builders can save time compared to manual coding.
- Cost-effective: Page builders are often more affordable than hiring a developer or purchasing a pre-built website theme.
- Flexibility: Page builders allow users to easily customize and update website pages as needed.
Disadvantages of using page builders
- Limited customization: While page builders offer flexibility, there are still limitations on the level of customization possible.
- Code bloat: Page builders generate a significant amount of code, which can slow down website performance and cause issues with website speed and user experience.
- Limited functionality: Some advanced website features may not be available in page builder plugins and may require manual coding to achieve.
What is coding?
Coding, also known as programming, refers to the process of creating software applications, websites, and other digital products using programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
With coding, developers have complete control over the design and functionality of a website, allowing for unlimited customization and advanced functionality.
Manual coding involves writing lines of code from scratch to create a website or application. Unlike page builders, coding requires a certain level of technical expertise and knowledge.
Coding allows developers to create complex and highly customized websites that can’t be achieved with page builders alone.
Find out: Do Web Developers Use Page Builders?
Advantages of coding
- Complete control: Manual coding allows developers to have complete control over the website’s design, functionality, and performance.
- Highly customizable: With manual coding, developers can create highly customized websites that offer unique and advanced functionality.
- Fast loading speed: Websites created with manual coding tend to load faster since they don’t have the extra code bloat that comes with page builder plugins.
Disadvantages of coding
- Steep learning curve: Coding requires a certain level of technical expertise and coding knowledge, which can be time-consuming to learn.
- Time-consuming: Creating a website from scratch with manual coding can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially for complex websites.
- Expensive: Hiring a developer to manually code a website can be expensive, especially for custom websites.
- Less flexibility for non-developers: Manual coding may not be a practical option for non-developers who need to update and maintain a website regularly.
The Differences Between WordPress Page Builders and Coding
Here are the main differences between the two:
Ease of Use
One of the main advantages of WordPress page builders is their ease of use. Page builders typically use a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for non-technical users to create a website.
On the other hand, manual coding requires a certain level of technical expertise and coding knowledge, which can be time-consuming to learn.
Customizability
While WordPress page builders offer a certain level of customizability, manual coding allows for complete customization of a website’s design and functionality.
With manual coding, developers can create highly customized websites that offer unique and advanced functionality.
Page builders, on the other hand, may have limitations on what can be customized.
Performance
Websites created with manual coding tend to have faster loading speeds since they don’t have the extra code bloat that comes with page builder plugins.
However, page builders have made improvements in recent years to improve their performance.
Design Flexibility
Manual coding offers unlimited design flexibility since developers have complete control over the design and layout of a website.
Page builders, on the other hand, may have limitations on design flexibility, especially when it comes to advanced design features.
Responsiveness
Website responsiveness, or the ability for a website to adjust to different screen sizes and devices, is crucial for user experience and SEO.
WordPress page builders usually have built-in responsiveness features, which can save time and ensure a website is optimized for all devices.
However, with manual coding, developers have complete control over responsiveness and can create highly optimized and customized websites that are tailored to specific devices.
Cost
When it comes to cost, using a WordPress page builder is often more cost-effective than manual coding since it can save time and reduce the need for hiring a developer.
However, page builders often come with an annual subscription fee, which can add up over time. In contrast, manual coding may require more upfront costs for hiring a developer, but there are no ongoing subscription fees.
Should you use a page builder or code? Factors You Need to Consider
Choosing between a page builder and manual coding ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
Budget
If you have a limited budget, using a page builder may be the more cost-effective option, as it can save time and money on hiring a developer.
However, if you have the budget to hire a developer, manual coding can provide complete control and flexibility over your website.
Technical Skill
Page builders are designed for users with little to no technical skills, making them an accessible option for beginners.
On the other hand, manual coding requires technical expertise, and you’ll need to have a good understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
Design Flexibility
If you require a highly customized and unique design, manual coding is the way to go.
However, if you’re satisfied with pre-built templates and modules, a page builder may be the quicker and more efficient option.
Website Performance
If website performance is a top priority, manual coding can provide a more optimized and faster-loading website.
However, page builders have made significant improvements in performance in recent years and can still offer fast-loading websites.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, page builders often require less upkeep since they receive regular updates and support from the developer.
Manual coding, on the other hand, may require more ongoing maintenance to ensure the website is up-to-date and functioning properly.
Final Thoughts on the Differences Between WordPress Page Builders and Coding
WordPress page builders offer a user-friendly way to build a website quickly and easily. They come with pre-built templates, modules, and drag-and-drop functionality, making them accessible to beginners with little technical expertise.
However, they may have limitations on customization and can create code bloat, which can slow down your website.
Manual coding, on the other hand, offers complete control and customization over your website. It requires technical expertise, but it provides the ability to create a highly unique and optimized website. However, it can be time-consuming and expensive.
When choosing between a page builder and manual coding, consider your budget, technical skills, design flexibility, website performance, and maintenance needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
We recommend starting with a page builder if you’re new to website development and have a limited budget. As your website grows, you can consider hiring a developer or learning how to code to gain more control and customization over your website.
We encourage you to share your own experiences with WordPress development and let us know which approach you prefer.
If you’re interested in trying out a page builder, we recommend checking out Elementor or Divi. For those interested in learning how to code, we recommend checking out Codecademy or Udemy for online courses
Take action today to improve your WordPress development skills and build a website that meets your unique needs and goals!
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