Ananta Code Academy
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MODULE 01 · FOUNDATIONS

Introduction to WordPress & Setup

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. Before touching a single setting, understand what it actually is, how it works, and what you'll need to get a site running.

Day 1 of 30 Beginner ~15 min
01 · OVERVIEW

What Is WordPress, Really?

WordPress is a content management system (CMS) — software that lets you build and manage a website without writing code for every page. Instead of hand-editing HTML files, you work through an admin dashboard: write posts, add pages, upload images, and control the site's design through themes and plugins.

It started in 2003 as a blogging tool and has since grown into a full platform capable of running blogs, business sites, online stores, portfolios, and more — all through the same core system.

02 · .ORG VS .COM

Two Different Things Called "WordPress"

This trips up almost every beginner, so get it settled early: WordPress.org and WordPress.com are not the same product. This course is entirely about WordPress.org — the self-hosted, fully customizable version.

PLATFORM WHAT IT MEANS
WordPress.org

Free software you install on your own hosting. Full control over themes, plugins, and code — this is the industry-standard WordPress developers mean by default.
WordPress.com

A hosted service run by Automattic. Easier to start with, but limited plugin/theme access on lower-tier plans and less control overall.
RULE OF THUMB

If someone says "I built it in WordPress" and mentions installing plugins or editing theme files, they mean WordPress.org. That's what you'll be doing throughout this course.

03 · WHAT YOU'LL NEED

The Three Ingredients of a WordPress Site

Every WordPress site — no matter how simple or complex — is built from the same three pieces. You'll set these up properly on Day 2, but it's worth knowing them now.

requirements.txt 
// What every WordPress install needs
1. Domain name     // your site's address, e.g. yoursite.com
2. Web hosting      // a server running PHP + MySQL/MariaDB
3. WordPress core   // the free software itself, from wordpress.org
04 · HOW A REQUEST WORKS

From Visitor to Page Load

Understanding this flow now will make debugging much easier later in the course.

  • Visitor requests a URL — their browser sends a request to your hosting server.
  • PHP runs on the server — WordPress core, your active theme, and any plugins execute together.
  • MySQL supplies the content — posts, pages, and settings are pulled from the database.
  • HTML is assembled and sent back — the visitor's browser renders the finished page.
    • 05 · LOCAL VS LIVE

    Where You'll Actually Practice

    You have two reasonable options for following this course, and either is fine to start with.

    LOCAL ENVIRONMENT Install a tool like LocalWP on your own computer. Free, fast to reset, but not visible on the internet until you migrate it.
    LIVE HOSTING Get real hosting and a domain from Day 2 onward. Slightly more setup, but your site is live and shareable immediately.
    06 · CORE VOCABULARY

    Terms You'll See Constantly

    GLOSSARY CHECK
    DASHBOARD The admin area (wp-admin) where you manage every part of your site.
    THEME Controls how your site looks — layout, colors, typography.
    PLUGIN Adds functionality — forms, SEO tools, e-commerce, and more.
    07 · BREAKDOWN

    Breaking Down What You Just Learned

    1

    WordPress is a CMSSoftware that manages content through a dashboard instead of hand-coded files.

    2

    .org vs .comThis course uses WordPress.org — the free, self-hosted, fully customizable version.

    3

    Three ingredientsA domain name, web hosting, and the WordPress core software.

    4

    Request flowPHP and MySQL work together on the server to assemble each page you see.

    5

    Local or liveYou can practice on your own computer or on real hosting — both are valid starting points.

    08 · TRY IT

    Try It Yourself

    EXERCISE

    Visit three websites you use often and guess whether they're likely built on WordPress (hint: look for "wp-content" in the page source via View Source). Write down what you found.

    09 · TODAY'S PRACTICE

    Decide Your Setup Path

    HANDS-ON EXERCISE

    Preparing for tomorrow's installation

    Day 2 is a hands-on WordPress install, so today's practice is about getting ready rather than writing anything.

    1. Decide: will you practice locally (e.g. LocalWP) or on live hosting?
    2. If going live, research one beginner-friendly hosting provider and note its pricing.
    3. Write down three website ideas you could realistically build across this course.
    4. Pick one idea as your capstone project target for Day 30.
    5. Bookmark wordpress.org so it's ready for tomorrow's install.
    10 · RECAP

    Recap

    WORDPRESS.ORG

    The free, self-hosted platform this entire course is built around.

    THREE INGREDIENTS

    Domain name, hosting, and the WordPress core software itself.

    DASHBOARD

    The wp-admin area where every part of the site is managed.

    THEMES & PLUGINS

    Design and functionality are added on top of the WordPress core.

    11 · SUMMARY

    Key Takeaways

    • WordPress is a CMS that manages content through a dashboard instead of raw code edits.
    • This course uses WordPress.org — the free, self-hosted, fully customizable version.
    • Every install needs a domain name, hosting, and the WordPress core software.
    • Pages are assembled on the server through PHP and MySQL working together.
    • You can practice locally or on live hosting — pick one before Day 2's install.
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