In this session, I will introduce using WordPress as a backend application through a combination of using the WP REST API and a shared database with a Laravel application as a use case. I will explain how developers can harness the advantages of using a modern PHP framework based on MVC principles, coupled with the ‘wp-admin’ interface and database structure of the WordPress CMS for a more rapid and satisfying development experience.
With use cases from a real example of a recent project to illustrate the focus of my talk, I will explain these concepts which settled a debate in my development team between using a CMS or framework for a specific project by combining the best of both worlds in a way that worked best for the project and the development team’s methodology. I will show through my real-world example, how the WP REST API was so important to the evolution of WordPress into more than just a CMS and how it makes the use of WordPress as a headless CMS so advantageous.
WordPress is a rapidly evolving CMS to the point where it is no longer simply a CMS but has serious potential uses as an application framework, data source and/or headless CMS for a PHP or JavaScript framework for increased performance and yet unrealised potential uses. Laravel is just one framework that PHP can be used with and in this talk I will give a brief introduction to the concepts of Laravel being used with WordPress in building complex web applications to show that there is no need to firmly choose between the two and that the strong advantages of both options can be fully realised in our development projects no matter the purpose.