The best thing about plugins is that you don't need any specific programming knowledge in order to use them. Essentially, they are just like standard applications for iOS or Android--you can install them and enjoy the things they have to offer without knowing what's going on inside. This being said, not all plugins are safe to use in terms of data security or code quality. We will discuss this topic later in the chapter.
Furthermore, the right combination of plugins can make your site more optimized, more user-friendly, more attractive, more social-media-friendly, properly backed up, protected against spam, and, ultimately, unique. Plugins really are one of the best things about WordPress.
You see, before content management systems like WordPress were popularized, there was no easy way for site owners to introduce new functionalities to their sites. Doing...