Learn how to build a web app with WordPress! This easy-to-follow guide is perfect for beginners and will take you through the process in just 5 simple steps.
Thinking about building a web app with WordPress? You might be wondering:
- Can it be done?
- Is it easy?
- Is WordPress powerful enough to build apps?
The short answer: Yes to all of the above!
In this post, we'll dive into these questions and show you how to create web apps using WordPress in just five simple steps. Let's get started!
What is a web app?
At its core, a web app is essentially an application built on top of a mini website. These are often referred to as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
Users interact with the site just like any other app, typically on mobile devices. Depending on how they use it, different actions and responses occur within the web app.
Here's a simple example: a restaurant web app. This app allows restaurant owners to add their listings and update the information customers need. It also enables customers to interact by rating, leaving comments, or booking reservations.
Creating something for the iOS and Android app stores would take much more work. However, in terms of user experience, people would hardly notice they're on a website!
### Why Use WordPress to Build a Web App
Many people might not consider WordPress suitable for a web app, given its history as a Content Management System (CMS). Typically, developers use PHP libraries, external APIs, development frameworks, and countless hours of coding. But that approach isn't ideal for everyone, and perhaps not for you.
This is where WordPress comes in. By using WordPress, you can accelerate development and enjoy several benefits:
- **Quick Development**: WordPress includes features like custom post types, role managers, and content management, saving you time at the start.
- **Cost Savings**: WordPress is free and open-source, with a vast library of themes and plugins that reduce development costs.
- **Ease of Use**: Both technical and non-technical users can create a WordPress web app and add extra features.
- **Flexibility**: Originally a blogging platform, WordPress has evolved into a complete development tool thanks to its plugins and features.
Depending on your needs and goals, using WordPress for your web app can be a great choice. Plus, there's one WordPress plugin that can make developing a web app even easier.
### How to Create a Web App with WordPress
Formidable Forms is the best WordPress form plugin due to its powerful data handling capabilities.
With Formidable Views, you get a low-code WordPress application builder. This feature-rich tool is versatile and can be used for various projects, including web applications.
### Before, your forms just collected data. Now, they can power dynamic and interactive web applications!
You don't need to know much code to make it happen. The app builder allows you to create apps without PHP knowledge, whether you need a personalized dashboard for a members-only area or real-time graphs and charts to show donation amounts.
If you want to save even more time, use one of Formidable's premade WordPress web application templates.
**Try out Formidable Forms!**
### The best part? It only takes five steps to build a WordPress web app:
1. **Download and install Formidable Forms Pro**
2. **Create a custom empty app**
3. **Create the form for your application**
4. **Create your view**
5. **Create a page for your view**
### Step 1: Download and Install Formidable Forms Pro
First, install and activate Formidable Forms Pro. Since you’re planning to create an app with Formidable Views, you also need to add the Visual Views plugin. Go to Formidable → Add-Ons and activate the Visual Views plugin if it's not already active.
### Step 2: Create a Custom Empty App
Next, create the app itself. Go to Formidable → Applications. You can choose one of Formidable's app templates or click the Add New button to start from scratch. Name your app, then click on Create Empty Application to start without any forms or views.
To begin building your application, select the Add Item button at the top.
### Step 3: Create the Form for Your Application
You need a form to collect data. Under the Add Item dashboard, click the New Form button. This will take you to Formidable's drag-and-drop form builder, where you can create a blank form or use a pre-made template.
For example, I created a sports schedule web app where users can view the upcoming schedule of their favorite sports team. I added fields for the game day, opponent, opponent's logo, game location, and game time. Additionally, I included a conditional logic field to enter scores if the game has been played. Save your form and give it a name.
### Step 4: Create Your View
Go to Formidable → Views and click the Add New button. Choose your View type (e.g., Grid view), name your view, select your form from the Use Entries from Form dropdown, and your application from the Insert view into application dropdown. Click Create a View to start building your layout.
Customize your layout to display your form data dynamically. For example, I created a sample entry to display the sports schedule data.
### Step 5: Create a Page for Your View
Create a page for your web app on your WordPress website. Go to Formidable → Applications, select your application, and click Add Item. Under Add a Page, click New Page. Name your page, add a new WordPress block, and search for the Formidable Views block. Choose your view, and it will appear on the page. Update the page to publish your web app.
### Ready to Build Your WordPress Web App?
With Formidable Forms, creating custom applications is quick and easy. Whether you want to build testimonials, directories, recipes, or more, Formidable Forms Pro is the tool you need.
So, if you're ready to start building, grab Formidable Forms Pro today!
Comments
Post a Comment