Headless WordPress

Headless WordPress represents a paradigm shift in content management where the “head” (the front-end presentation layer) is decoupled from the “body” (the back-end content management system). In a traditional WordPress setup, the software handles both the storage of content and the rendering of that content using a PHP-based theme. In a headless configuration, WordPress serves purely as an administrative interface and a data repository. Content is accessed via the WP REST API or GraphQL, allowing developers to build the front-end using modern JavaScript frameworks like React, Next.js, or Vue. This architecture offers significant advantages for high-end developers. It provides unparalleled creative freedom, as the front-end is no longer constrained by the WordPress theme engine. It also enhances security, as the public-facing site is separated from the WordPress login and database. Furthermore, it allows for true multi-channel publishing; a single WordPress instance can feed content to a website, a mobile app, and an IoT device simultaneously. However, it introduces complexity, as features like live previews and SEO plugins must be manually rebuilt or integrated via the API.