{"id":531,"date":"2024-07-18T19:23:26","date_gmt":"2024-07-18T19:23:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/?p=531"},"modified":"2024-07-18T19:52:03","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T19:52:03","slug":"is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html","title":{"rendered":"Is WordPress Code Really a Mess?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Explore the intricacies of WordPress\u2019s codebase in this in-depth article, addressing the question: Is WordPress code really a mess? Understand the history, evolution, strengths, and criticisms of WordPress code, and see how ongoing improvements shape its future.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction_%E2%80%93_Is_WordPress_Code_Really_a_Mess\"><\/span>Introduction &#8211; Is WordPress Code Really a Mess?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Introduction_%E2%80%93_Is_WordPress_Code_Really_a_Mess\" >Introduction &#8211; Is WordPress Code Really a Mess?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#The_History_and_Evolution_of_WordPress_Code\" >The History and Evolution of WordPress Code<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Early_Beginnings\" >Early Beginnings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Growth_and_Expansion\" >Growth and Expansion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Modern_Era\" >Modern Era<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Common_Criticisms_of_WordPress_Code\" >Common Criticisms of WordPress Code<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Legacy_Code_and_Backward_Compatibility\" >Legacy Code and Backward Compatibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Global_Variables_and_Functions\" >Global Variables and Functions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Mixed_Coding_Styles\" >Mixed Coding Styles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Lack_of_Object-Oriented_Programming_OOP\" >Lack of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Performance_Concerns\" >Performance Concerns<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Efforts_to_Improve_WordPress_Code\" >Efforts to Improve WordPress Code<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#WordPress_Coding_Standards\" >WordPress Coding Standards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Automated_Testing\" >Automated Testing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Modern_Development_Practices\" >Modern Development Practices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Gutenberg_and_the_Shift_to_JavaScript\" >Gutenberg and the Shift to JavaScript<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Refactoring_and_Code_Cleanup\" >Refactoring and Code Cleanup<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Analyzing_the_State_of_WordPress_Code\" >Analyzing the State of WordPress Code<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Strengths\" >Strengths<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Weaknesses\" >Weaknesses<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#The_Role_of_Plugins_and_Themes\" >The Role of Plugins and Themes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Plugins\" >Plugins<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Quality_Control\" >Quality Control<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Best_Practices\" >Best Practices<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Themes\" >Themes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Theme_Review_Process\" >Theme Review Process<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Customization_and_Child_Themes\" >Customization and Child Themes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Theme_Frameworks\" >Theme Frameworks<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Community_and_Ecosystem\" >Community and Ecosystem<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Developer_Community\" >Developer Community<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#WordCamps_and_Meetups\" >WordCamps and Meetups<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Documentation_and_Resources\" >Documentation and Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Case_Studies_Real-World_Examples\" >Case Studies: Real-World Examples<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Large-Scale_Websites\" >Large-Scale Websites<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#The_New_Yorker\" >The New Yorker<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#BBC_America\" >BBC America<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#TechCrunch\" >TechCrunch<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Small_Business_and_Personal_Blogs\" >Small Business and Personal Blogs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Small_Business_Example_The_Honest_Company\" >Small Business Example: The Honest Company<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Personal_Blog_Example_Matt_Mullenweg\" >Personal Blog Example: Matt Mullenweg<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Future_Directions_for_WordPress\" >Future Directions for WordPress<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Embracing_Modern_Development_Practices\" >Embracing Modern Development Practices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Enhancing_Performance_and_Scalability\" >Enhancing Performance and Scalability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Strengthening_Security\" >Strengthening Security<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Expanding_the_Ecosystem\" >Expanding the Ecosystem<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/is-wordpress-code-really-a-mess.html\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zalvis-Blog-3.png\" alt=\"Is WordPress Code Really a Mess?\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-543\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zalvis-Blog-3.png 1000w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zalvis-Blog-3-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zalvis-Blog-3-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zalvis-Blog-3-720x360.png 720w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zalvis-Blog-3-580x290.png 580w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zalvis-Blog-3-320x160.png 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>WordPress, the world\u2019s most popular content management system (CMS), powers over 40% of the websites on the internet. Since its creation in 2003 by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little, WordPress has grown from a simple blogging tool to a versatile platform capable of handling a wide range of web applications. Despite its widespread adoption, WordPress has often been criticized for its code quality, with some developers labeling it as messy and outdated. This comprehensive article delves into the various aspects of WordPress\u2019s codebase, examining its history, evolution, strengths, and weaknesses to determine whether these criticisms are justified.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_History_and_Evolution_of_WordPress_Code\"><\/span>The History and Evolution of WordPress Code<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Early_Beginnings\"><\/span>Early Beginnings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>WordPress began as a fork of b2\/cafelog, a blogging platform. The primary goal was to create an easy-to-use blogging tool, and the initial versions of WordPress focused heavily on user experience. The codebase was relatively small, and the development team prioritized adding features quickly to meet user demands. This focus on rapid development sometimes led to decisions that did not align with modern coding standards.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Growth_and_Expansion\"><\/span>Growth and Expansion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As WordPress gained popularity, the codebase expanded significantly. The platform evolved from a simple blogging tool into a full-fledged CMS, capable of supporting complex websites, e-commerce platforms, and more. This growth brought challenges in maintaining code quality and consistency, as new features were added by a diverse group of contributors with varying coding styles and philosophies.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modern_Era\"><\/span>Modern Era<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In recent years, the WordPress development team has made concerted efforts to improve the quality of the codebase. Initiatives such as the introduction of coding standards, automated testing, and the adoption of modern development practices have aimed to address some of the historical issues. The launch of the Gutenberg editor, built with React, marked a significant shift towards more contemporary web development practices.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Criticisms_of_WordPress_Code\"><\/span>Common Criticisms of WordPress Code<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legacy_Code_and_Backward_Compatibility\"><\/span>Legacy Code and Backward Compatibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the most significant criticisms of WordPress is the presence of legacy code. To maintain backward compatibility, WordPress continues to support older functions and coding practices. This can result in a codebase that includes outdated or deprecated functions, leading to a perception of messiness. While backward compatibility is crucial for ensuring that existing sites and plugins continue to function with new WordPress versions, it also means that the codebase carries a lot of historical baggage.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Global_Variables_and_Functions\"><\/span>Global Variables and Functions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>WordPress relies heavily on global variables and functions, which can lead to issues with scope and maintainability. Modern development practices favor encapsulation and modularity, which are not always evident in WordPress\u2019s code. The extensive use of globals can lead to naming conflicts and makes it harder to track variable state and function behavior across the codebase.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mixed_Coding_Styles\"><\/span>Mixed Coding Styles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Due to the collaborative nature of WordPress development, the codebase includes contributions from many different developers over the years. This has resulted in a mixture of coding styles and conventions, making the code harder to read and understand. While the WordPress coding standards aim to provide a consistent framework, the legacy of past contributions still affects the overall consistency of the codebase.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lack_of_Object-Oriented_Programming_OOP\"><\/span>Lack of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While WordPress does use OOP principles in some areas, much of the code remains procedural. Critics argue that a more extensive use of OOP could improve code organization and maintainability. Object-oriented code tends to be more modular and easier to extend, which can be particularly beneficial for a platform as extensible as WordPress.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Performance_Concerns\"><\/span>Performance Concerns<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The flexibility and extensibility of WordPress can sometimes come at the cost of performance. The core codebase, combined with plugins and themes, can lead to inefficiencies that affect site speed and resource usage. Ensuring that the core, plugins, and themes are optimized for performance is an ongoing challenge.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Efforts_to_Improve_WordPress_Code\"><\/span>Efforts to Improve WordPress Code<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WordPress_Coding_Standards\"><\/span>WordPress Coding Standards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To address the issue of mixed coding styles, the WordPress development team has established coding standards. These guidelines provide a consistent framework for writing code, making it easier for developers to contribute and for reviewers to maintain quality. The standards cover various aspects of code quality, including naming conventions, file organization, and documentation practices.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Automated_Testing\"><\/span>Automated Testing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Automated testing has become a crucial part of modern software development, and WordPress has embraced this practice. Unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests help ensure that new code does not introduce bugs or regressions. The WordPress core includes a suite of automated tests that run against the codebase to catch issues early in the development process.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modern_Development_Practices\"><\/span>Modern Development Practices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The adoption of modern development practices, such as version control (Git), continuous integration, and code reviews, has contributed to improved code quality. These practices help catch issues early and ensure that code changes are thoroughly vetted. The WordPress core development team uses GitHub for managing code contributions, allowing for better collaboration and code review processes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gutenberg_and_the_Shift_to_JavaScript\"><\/span>Gutenberg and the Shift to JavaScript<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The introduction of the Gutenberg editor marked a significant shift in WordPress development. Gutenberg is built using React, a modern JavaScript library, and represents a move towards more contemporary web development practices. This shift has necessitated changes in the WordPress codebase to accommodate the new editor and has driven improvements in the overall quality of the code.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Refactoring_and_Code_Cleanup\"><\/span>Refactoring and Code Cleanup<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ongoing efforts to refactor and clean up the codebase aim to address legacy issues and improve maintainability. These efforts involve updating old code, removing deprecated functions, and optimizing performance. While refactoring is a gradual process, it is essential for ensuring that the codebase remains manageable and scalable.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Analyzing_the_State_of_WordPress_Code\"><\/span>Analyzing the State of WordPress Code<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strengths\"><\/span>Strengths<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Extensibility<\/strong>: One of the key strengths of WordPress is its extensibility. The plugin and theme systems allow developers to add functionality and customize the appearance of their sites without modifying core code. This extensibility has fostered a vast ecosystem of plugins and themes, enabling users to build virtually any type of website.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Community Contributions<\/strong>: The vast community of developers contributing to WordPress brings in diverse perspectives and innovations. This collaborative environment has driven the platform\u2019s growth and success. The open-source nature of WordPress means that anyone can contribute, leading to a rich pool of ideas and solutions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Documentation<\/strong>: WordPress boasts comprehensive documentation, which helps developers understand the codebase and contribute effectively. The Codex and the Developer Handbook are valuable resources for both new and experienced developers, providing guidance on everything from basic usage to advanced development techniques.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Backward Compatibility<\/strong>: While backward compatibility can introduce legacy code issues, it also ensures that existing sites and plugins continue to function with new versions of WordPress. This stability is crucial for users relying on the platform for their businesses. Maintaining backward compatibility has been a cornerstone of WordPress\u2019s development philosophy, providing confidence to users that their investments in themes and plugins will not be rendered obsolete by updates.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Weaknesses\"><\/span>Weaknesses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Legacy Code<\/strong>: The presence of legacy code can complicate maintenance and introduce security vulnerabilities. Efforts to phase out deprecated functions and update the codebase are ongoing but challenging. Legacy code can also make it harder for new contributors to understand and work with the codebase, potentially slowing down development.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Global Scope<\/strong>: The extensive use of global variables and functions can lead to naming conflicts and make the code harder to manage. Modern practices favor more modular and encapsulated approaches, which can improve maintainability and reduce the risk of conflicts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Performance Issues<\/strong>: The flexibility of WordPress can sometimes come at the cost of performance. Ensuring that the core code, plugins, and themes are optimized is crucial for maintaining site speed and responsiveness. Performance issues can affect user experience and search engine rankings, making optimization an important focus for WordPress developers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Inconsistent Code Quality<\/strong>: The collaborative nature of WordPress development has resulted in varying levels of code quality. Ensuring consistent adherence to coding standards and best practices remains a challenge. Inconsistent code quality can make it harder to maintain and extend the platform, as well as increase the risk of introducing bugs and security vulnerabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Role_of_Plugins_and_Themes\"><\/span>The Role of Plugins and Themes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plugins\"><\/span>Plugins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Plugins are a cornerstone of WordPress\u2019s extensibility, allowing users to add functionality without modifying the core code. However, the quality of plugins can vary significantly. Poorly coded plugins can introduce security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and compatibility problems. The WordPress Plugin Directory includes guidelines for developers, but the onus is on users to choose reputable plugins and keep them updated.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quality_Control\"><\/span>Quality Control<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>To ensure the quality of plugins, the WordPress Plugin Review Team reviews all plugins submitted to the official directory. This review process helps to catch obvious issues and ensure that plugins follow basic coding standards. However, once a plugin is approved, it is up to the developer to maintain it and address any issues that arise.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Practices\"><\/span>Best Practices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Developers are encouraged to follow best practices when creating plugins, including adhering to coding standards, providing thorough documentation, and using proper security measures. Following these practices helps to ensure that plugins are reliable, secure, and easy to maintain.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Themes\"><\/span>Themes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Themes control the appearance of WordPress sites, and like plugins, their quality can vary. Well-coded themes follow WordPress coding standards and best practices, while poorly coded themes can cause issues. The WordPress Theme Directory provides guidelines and reviews to help users select quality themes.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theme_Review_Process\"><\/span>Theme Review Process<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Similar to plugins, themes submitted to the official WordPress Theme Directory undergo a review process. The Theme Review Team checks for adherence to coding standards, security practices, and proper use of WordPress features. This review process helps to ensure that themes are of high quality and provide a good user experience.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Customization_and_Child_Themes\"><\/span>Customization and Child Themes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>WordPress supports child themes, which allow users to customize existing themes without modifying the original theme\u2019s code. This practice helps to maintain the integrity of the original theme and makes it easier to update without losing customizations. By creating a child theme, developers can extend or override the functionality of the parent theme in a way that is sustainable and easy to manage.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Theme_Frameworks\"><\/span>Theme Frameworks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Theme frameworks provide a robust foundation for developing custom themes. They offer a set of standards and tools that streamline the development process and ensure consistency across projects. Popular theme frameworks like Genesis and Underscores include built-in features and hooks that simplify customization and promote best practices.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Community_and_Ecosystem\"><\/span>Community and Ecosystem<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Developer_Community\"><\/span>Developer Community<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The WordPress developer community is large and active, contributing to core development, plugins, themes, and support forums. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures that WordPress continues to evolve. Developers participate in discussions, share code, and work together on projects, creating a vibrant ecosystem.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WordCamps_and_Meetups\"><\/span>WordCamps and Meetups<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>WordCamps and local meetups provide opportunities for developers to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on improving WordPress. These events play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and driving the platform\u2019s growth. WordCamps are informal, community-organized events that bring together WordPress enthusiasts from around the world.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Documentation_and_Resources\"><\/span>Documentation and Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>WordPress\u2019s extensive documentation, including the Codex and the Developer Handbook, provides valuable resources for developers. These documents help ensure that contributors understand coding standards and best practices. The Codex is an online manual for WordPress and a living repository for WordPress information and documentation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Studies_Real-World_Examples\"><\/span>Case Studies: Real-World Examples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Large-Scale_Websites\"><\/span>Large-Scale Websites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many large-scale websites, including The New Yorker, BBC America, and TechCrunch, use WordPress. These sites demonstrate that WordPress can handle high traffic and complex functionality when properly optimized and managed. These examples highlight the versatility and scalability of WordPress in real-world scenarios.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_New_Yorker\"><\/span>The New Yorker<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8519.jpeg\" alt=\"The New Yorker\" width=\"1170\" height=\"627\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8519.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8519-300x161.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8519-1024x549.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8519-768x412.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8519-720x386.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8519-580x311.jpeg 580w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8519-320x171.jpeg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newyorker.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The New Yorker<\/a> uses WordPress to manage its vast library of articles, multimedia content, and subscriber features. The site\u2019s custom theme and plugins are optimized for performance and user experience, ensuring that visitors can easily access and engage with content.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BBC_America\"><\/span>BBC America<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8495.jpeg\" alt=\"BBC America\" width=\"643\" height=\"477\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8495.jpeg 643w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8495-300x223.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8495-580x430.jpeg 580w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8495-320x237.jpeg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 643px) 100vw, 643px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/bbcamerica.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BBC America<\/a> leverages WordPress to deliver a seamless experience across its website, integrating video content, news articles, and interactive features. The site\u2019s robust infrastructure and customizations demonstrate WordPress\u2019s capability to support large media organizations.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TechCrunch\"><\/span>TechCrunch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8492.jpeg\" alt=\"TechCrunch\" width=\"1170\" height=\"637\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8492.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8492-300x163.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8492-1024x558.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8492-768x418.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8492-720x392.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8492-580x316.jpeg 580w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8492-320x174.jpeg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TechCrunch<\/a>, a leading technology news website, uses WordPress to manage its extensive content library and high traffic volumes. The site\u2019s custom theme and plugins are tailored to meet the specific needs of the publication, ensuring fast load times and a smooth user experience.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Small_Business_and_Personal_Blogs\"><\/span>Small Business and Personal Blogs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>WordPress\u2019s flexibility makes it an ideal choice for small businesses and personal blogs. The ease of use and extensive plugin ecosystem allow users to create professional websites without extensive technical knowledge. Small businesses can leverage WordPress to establish an online presence, while bloggers can share their thoughts and engage with readers.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Small_Business_Example_The_Honest_Company\"><\/span>Small Business Example: The Honest Company<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8517.jpeg\" alt=\"The Honest Company Blog\" width=\"1170\" height=\"845\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8517.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8517-300x217.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8517-1024x740.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8517-768x555.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8517-720x520.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8517-580x419.jpeg 580w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8517-320x231.jpeg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.honest.com\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Honest Company<\/a> uses WordPress to power its blog, sharing content related to its products, company news, and lifestyle tips. The site benefits from WordPress\u2019s user-friendly interface and powerful SEO capabilities, helping to attract and retain customers.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Personal_Blog_Example_Matt_Mullenweg\"><\/span>Personal Blog Example: Matt Mullenweg<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8518.jpeg\" alt=\"Matt Mullenweg Blog\" width=\"1170\" height=\"708\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8518.jpeg 1170w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8518-300x182.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8518-1024x620.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8518-768x465.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8518-720x436.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8518-580x351.jpeg 580w, https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/IMG_8518-320x194.jpeg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ma.tt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matt Mullenweg<\/a>, one of the co-founders of WordPress, uses the platform for his personal blog. His site showcases the versatility of WordPress, featuring a clean design, multimedia content, and various customizations that enhance the reader\u2019s experience.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Future_Directions_for_WordPress\"><\/span>Future Directions for WordPress<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The future of WordPress will likely involve continued efforts to modernize the codebase, improve performance, and enhance security. The adoption of new technologies and development practices will play a crucial role in this evolution. As WordPress continues to grow, the community\u2019s commitment to improving the platform will be essential in addressing any challenges and ensuring its success.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Embracing_Modern_Development_Practices\"><\/span>Embracing Modern Development Practices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The WordPress development community is increasingly embracing modern development practices, such as dependency management, automated testing, and continuous integration. These practices help ensure that the codebase remains maintainable and that new features are added without introducing significant technical debt.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enhancing_Performance_and_Scalability\"><\/span>Enhancing Performance and Scalability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Improving performance and scalability will be a key focus for the WordPress core team. This includes optimizing the core codebase, as well as providing tools and guidelines for developers to create high-performance themes and plugins. Performance enhancements will benefit all users, from small personal blogs to large enterprise websites.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strengthening_Security\"><\/span>Strengthening Security<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As a widely-used platform, WordPress is a target for security threats. The core development team and the broader community are committed to strengthening security measures, including regular security audits, improved coding practices, and timely updates. Users are encouraged to follow best practices, such as keeping WordPress, themes, and plugins up to date, to ensure the security of their sites.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expanding_the_Ecosystem\"><\/span>Expanding the Ecosystem<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The WordPress ecosystem will continue to expand, with new plugins, themes, and integrations being developed to meet the evolving needs of users. The growth of the ecosystem will provide users with more options and flexibility, further cementing WordPress\u2019s position as a leading CMS.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The question of whether WordPress code is really a mess is not straightforward. While there are legitimate criticisms regarding legacy code, global variables, and inconsistent coding styles, there are also significant strengths. WordPress\u2019s extensibility, community contributions, and comprehensive documentation make it a powerful and versatile platform.<\/p>\n<p>Efforts to improve code quality, such as the establishment of coding standards, automated testing, and the adoption of modern development practices, are addressing many of the historical issues. The shift towards JavaScript with the Gutenberg editor represents a move towards more contemporary web development practices.<\/p>\n<p>In conclusion, while WordPress code may have its quirks and challenges, it is far from being a mess. The ongoing efforts to improve the codebase, coupled with the platform\u2019s strengths, ensure that WordPress remains a robust and viable option for powering websites of all sizes and complexities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the intricacies of WordPress\u2019s codebase in this in-depth article, addressing the question: Is WordPress code really a mess? Understand the history, evolution, strengths, and criticisms of WordPress code, and see how ongoing improvements shape its future. Introduction &#8211; Is WordPress Code Really a Mess? WordPress, the world\u2019s most popular content management system (CMS), powers [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":543,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-531","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-agency","category-wordpress-cms"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/531","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=531"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/531\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/543"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=531"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=531"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zalvis.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=531"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}