Backend is a technical term used to describe the configuration area of an application. In WordPress, backend is used to define the admin area of the website where you create content, install plugins, manage design settings, and more. The WordPress backend is also known as the wp-admin or WordPress admin area.
The WordPress Backend
You can login to the WordPress backend by adding /wp-admin/ at the end of your website URL.
The WordPress backend consists of the following pages:
Dashboard is the first screen you’ll see and displays an overview of your website.
Posts is where you draft, edit, publish, or delete articles.
Media permits you to upload, view, search, edit, and manage media files.
Pages is where you can view, create, and manage static pages.
Comments lets you moderate and manage visitors comments.
Appearance is where you can change themes, manage menus, and widgets.
Plugins permits you to install apps that extend your website’s capabilities.
Users allows you to add, view, edit, and define user roles on your site.
Tools lets you import and export content, and manage personal data.
Settings is the central location to configure your site’s basic settings.
Depending on the WordPress plugins and themes you use, there may be other settings and options in your WordPress backend.
In our WordPress tutorials and other articles around the web, you may see the term backend used in a few other scenarios.
Sometimes you may see the terms like backend developer, backend languages, or even backend development projects.
Let’s look at each of them and what they mean.
What is a Backend Developer?
A back-end developer creates and maintains the technology necessary to make your website operate properly. Backend developers use databases, server scripts, APIs (Application Programming Interface), and other behind-the-scenes systems.
What are Backend Languages?
Backend languages help servers, applications, and databases communicate with each other. Backend developers use special coding languages like PHP, Ruby, Python, Java, and .Net to create server-side applications. These backend languages are used to manage systems with MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server to find, save, and edit data for frontend users. WordPress uses PHP and Javascript as its backend languages. These coding languages communicate with the WordPress database used to store and organize your websites data.
What is a Backend Development Project?
Backend development is a term used in the planning process of websites. This includes market research, frontend and backend development, content creation strategy, SEO optimization, and more.
What is the Difference Between Backend vs Frontend?
The terms frontend and backend describe two primary parts of any website. In WordPress, the backend is behind-the-scenes, and your website visitors generally will not see these areas. It is only visible to administrators and registered users who have access to the Admin area. The frontend is public-facing, and it is what users see when visiting your website.
Be sure to check out the links below for more information related to the WordPress Backend.
This post was originally published in the wpbeginner glossary.
Additional Reading
- What Are WordPress Plugins? And How Do They Work?
- 14 Vital Tips to Protect Your WordPress Admin Area (Updated)
- How to Properly Update WordPress Plugins (Step by Step)
- Ultimate Guide: How to Make a Website in 2020 – Step by Step Guide (Free)
- What is the Difference Between Posts vs. Pages in WordPress
- How to Disable WordPress Admin Bar for All Users Except Administrators
