he term “WordPress core” encompasses all the foundational files that a WordPress website requires to work. In this article, we’re going to take a look in detail at the core of WordPress. By the end, you’ll know exactly what WordPress core means, what it does, how you can contribute to WordPress, and a lot more.

Now, let’s dive in.

As you’re probably already aware, WordPress as a content management system is pretty easy to use on the surface. Almost anyone with a basic understanding of websites can design and run a successful WordPress site. What makes WordPress so popular is that you can do this without needing to know what’s going on behind the scenes.

At some point, however, you’ll probably want to have a better understanding about the core files that run your website.

Knowing what’s going on under the hood of your WordPress website can help you do things like troubleshoot errors and issues beyond what you can do in the WordPress admin dashboard.

Once you’re more familiar with WordPress core files, where you can find them, and what they each do, you’ll open a new world of development opportunities for your site. You will also learn how to quickly troubleshoot your own site issues, and eventually be able to install a few custom features just like a pro.

Key Points

• ‘WordPress core’ refers to the essential files required for a WordPress site to function, including the wp-config.php and functions.php files.
• Understanding WordPress core enables users to troubleshoot issues and customize their sites beyond the admin dashboard.
• Core files are separate from themes and plugins, which are necessary for building a visible website.
• Why core modifications should be made in theme-specific functions.php files.
• How regular updates of WordPress core benefit site security.

The Four Core Parts of a WordPress Website

Before we jump in, let’s cover some basics. Every website that runs on WordPress consists of four distinct parts.

If you want to successfully work with WordPress, it’s important to understand the four basic components of all WordPress websites:

What is WordPress Core? 

WordPress core is a way of referring to all the “foundational” files that are required for WordPress to work. WordPress core is what you download from WordPress.org in the form of a zip file.

Core WordPress files allow you to do things like:

• Access the WordPress admin dashboard
• Add and edit posts and pages
• Manage users
• Upload media files
• Delete content
• Add tags and categories
• Embed videos
• Allow users to reply and comment
• … and a lot more

If you want to see exactly what the core of WordPress is, all you need to do is remove all themes and plugins from your WordPress dashboard. You now have only the core.

When you strip your website back to only the core of WordPress, the first thing you’ll notice is that you can’t build or view your website with only the core files installed. You need a WordPress theme activated in order to start creating a site for public consumption.

That’s why when you first install WordPress, you’ll notice that it automatically includes a few generic themes that you can start working with to make your site visible. But the standard themes included in a WordPress install aren’t technically a part of its core.

Without the help from a theme or plugin, the core of WordPress carries out all of these functions on its own. However, it doesn’t do everything you need it to do to build your website. Beyond WordPress core, you’ll need themes and plugins to create your website.