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WordPress to Hugo!

Author
Bear
I’m a bear fueled by honey, hooked on salmon, and embracing the wild world of software.
Hugo - This article is part of a series.
Part 1: This Article

Introduction #

In the battle of Hugo vs WordPress, the victor was clear—we went with Hugo. Allow us to walk you through the rationale behind choosing this underdog over the WordPress powerhouse for our website facelift.

Hugo vs WordPress: Unpacking the Dilemma #

Navigating the plethora of options in the modern website building arena can feel like choosing from an extensive menu. Yet, when it came to our website update, the contenders boiled down to Hugo and WordPress. WordPress boasts around 810 million users, but does popularity equate to necessity?

Before delving into the technicalities, let’s simplify. Both Hugo and WordPress are open-source Content Management Systems (CMS), each with its unique characteristics:

  1. Templating Hugo utilises Go templates, offering swifter page rendering compared to the PHP-laden approach of WordPress.

  2. Security Hugo stands as a bastion of security. Its absence of a database backend translates to a reduced susceptibility to security threats, while WordPress occasionally resembles an unlocked door in a questionable neighbourhood.

  3. Performance Hugo is the Usain Bolt of websites, thanks to its SSG structure and the efficiency of Go’s language features. Conversely, WordPress might feel akin to a marathon runner carrying a database on their back.

  4. Customisation While both platforms provide customisation options, Hugo’s streamlined approach is akin to assembling IKEA furniture—simple and stylish. WordPress, on the other hand, can be likened to a TV remote with too many buttons.

Why Hugo Earned Our Nod #

So, what swayed us towards Hugo instead of the WordPress behemoth? Here’s the breakdown:

  1. Security Hugo assumes the role of a security sentinel. Its absence of a database backend alleviates concerns about potential security breaches.

  2. Performance Seeking a nimble CMS capable of handling high traffic, Hugo’s swift response prevailed. Updating our site takes less than 100 milliseconds—a testament to its efficiency.

  3. Customisation In pursuit of simplicity, Hugo’s minimalist approach appealed to us. WordPress, with its plethora of plugins, can become intricate and confusing in certain scenarios.

  4. Ease of Use Our team consists of diverse talents, not all tech wizards. Hugo’s user-friendly interface streamlined content management, contrasting with WordPress, which occasionally feels like a complex puzzle.

  5. Community Support While both platforms have active communities, Hugo’s focused development-oriented community provided more accessible resources and support when needed.

Hugo Leads Our Website #

After meticulous research and testing, Hugo emerged as our preferred choice. Both platforms have their merits and drawbacks, but Hugo’s blend of style, security, speed, and a supportive community resonated with our needs. Nevertheless, tool selection should align with individual preferences. If Hugo feels too intricate, platforms like WordPress or Squarespace might offer a more suitable fit.

Hugo - This article is part of a series.
Part 1: This Article