Hello everyone,

I want to briefly address a somewhat silly question, although it doesn't really matter. I am a young adventurer who has decided to pursue full-cycle web development. However, I lack the knowledge and resources to do it on my own, so I'm looking to assemble a small team. Although I haven't completed my higher education yet, I am currently studying Business Informatics in Nemecia. I have a clear understanding of the tasks and principles of Frontend and Backend development, and I can program essential elements in JS and PHP. Database management is not an issue for me, and I am also starting to explore SPA development and practice React.

I have devised a plan for myself to find people who share the same enthusiasm for this idea as I do. The market seems vast, and with enough effort, there will always be a place for us. Personally, I plan to take on the role of project manager and also actively participate in the programming of both the client and server sides of our projects. This is how I envision our team:

- UI/UX Designer (we already have a potential candidate)
- Frontend Developer (who will also handle initial layout design)
- Backend Developer
- SEO specialist (though we're still unsure if we need one at the start)

We already have some potential candidates for the programming positions, but now let's move on to the most important question. Nowadays, there is an increasing trend of advertising platforms like Wix. While I don't fully understand their purpose beyond creating simple blogs, they don't interest me personally.

It seems that 90 percent of the development studios I've looked up use WordPress (WP), which is one of the most popular CMS options available today. It feels like everywhere I go, I encounter WordPress. Some say that developing websites using CMS is more convenient, cheaper, and better. Others argue that it's just a marketing ploy and that sites built on ready-made CMS platforms can be heavy due to various modules, poorly optimized for search engines, and inconvenient when it comes to hosting and transferring the site. It's difficult for me to discern where the truth lies.

There are two sides to this matter. On one hand, clients receive a website built on a CMS (such as WP), which allows them to update content without relying on developers. On the other hand, with any changes or amendments, clients would need to seek help from developers. Clearly, the first option is more preferable.

Unfortunately, I don't have the necessary resources (experience and knowledge) to create our own CMS from scratch. And honestly, I'm not sure which direction to take. Here are a few questions that I would like to find answers to, although I wouldn't mind a more detailed explanation in general:

1. Is it possible to develop websites without using a CMS in today's reality? If so, what does the web development process look like?
2. If I were to build a website using WordPress, for example, what role does the layout play, what can frontend developers program, and what tasks fall under the responsibility of backend developers? I've seen many claims that with WordPress, one can build a website without knowing much programming, but where do programmers come into play?
3. Is it possible, for instance, to write a website in a text editor like Notepad and then transfer it to WordPress?

I apologize if my questions sound naive. I could have asked a more general question, but my thoughts are scattered, and I'm unsure about what steps to take next. I am eager to find like-minded individuals for our team but struggle to comprehend how web development works in today's landscape. I would greatly appreciate any clarifications or explanations.

 It is absolutely possible to develop websites without using a CMS in today's reality. In fact, many websites are built this way, especially those that require custom functionality or have specific performance requirements. The web development process typically involves designing the user interface (UI), writing front-end code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to create the visual and interactive elements of the website, and developing the back-end code (server-side scripting, database management) that powers the website's functionality.

 When building a website using WordPress, the layout is usually handled through themes or templates. Front-end developers can customize and modify these themes to create the desired look and feel of the website. They can also extend the functionality of WordPress by creating custom plugins or adding custom code snippets. Backend developers, on the other hand, are responsible for developing custom functionality, integrating third-party systems or APIs, and ensuring the website's performance, security, and scalability.

While it's true that WordPress allows users to build websites without much programming knowledge, programmers play a crucial role in customizing and extending its capabilities to meet specific requirements.

 While it is technically possible to write a website in a text editor like Notepad and then transfer it to WordPress, it's not a common approach. WordPress has its own content management system where you can create posts, pages, and other content types. It also provides a user-friendly interface for managing the website's appearance, plugins, and settings. Most developers would work directly within the WordPress environment, utilizing its features and tools to build and manage the website efficiently.

In summary, while CMS platforms like WordPress offer convenience and flexibility for managing website content, there is still a significant role for developers in customizing and extending these platforms to meet unique requirements. The choice between using a CMS or building a website from scratch depends on factors such as project complexity, specific needs, and available resources.

Back in the day, everyone used to wonder about Napoleon's plans for world domination. Even now, some people are curious about it. But instead of dismissing it as a childish question, I'll take the opportunity to answer it. Having been immersed in this topic since 2001, I believe I have a good understanding of what the question entails.

Today, the majority of businesses do not require a website. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are excellent for selling physical goods and services. More than half of the entrepreneurs I previously made websites for are now successfully selling through VK, Instagram, or Facebook and have no interest in having their own website.

For those who still need a website, a complex multi-page site is often unnecessary. In fact, statistics show that simple single-page sites can outsell multi-page sites by 2-5-10 times. By providing the most important information about the product and a clear "order" button, the user has everything they need to make a purchase promptly. Wandering around a website can lead to fatigue and decision delay. To address this need, platforms like Vix, LPgenerator, Tilda, and others offer easy-to-use "website builder" tools that even a schoolboy can use. Therefore, professional website development studios are not necessary for these entrepreneurs.

What should businesses do if they need to sell multiple products? Another category that poses a challenge is potential online store owners. Previously, there was a strong focus on developing online stores from scratch. However, these services have also been largely replaced by existing solutions.

There are still areas where development opportunities exist. Creating modules for platforms like OpenCart, integrating with Woocommerce, or using convenient SaaS services like Shopify with its API and support for third-party modules are viable options.

Many development studios specialize in creating unique website designs, which used to be a profitable niche. However, with the abundance of ready-made templates available on the internet, 98% of businesses choose a design and customize it slightly to achieve a unique website. While it's still possible to find clients in this space, it may require significant effort.

The real opportunity lies in the development of large software products, although there are fewer orders compared to micro-businesses. This includes SaaS development, marketplaces, services, and similar projects that are less likely to be taken over by website builders. Technologies like Symfony, WordPress, CodeIgniter, Node.js, or even Go can be utilized for these projects. However, it's important to note that the scope of work may vary and require different technologies, such as React, Vue, Angular, and mobile application development. Being prepared for these challenges is essential, as customers are often well-informed and expect the best solutions.

In conclusion, it's important to aim beyond simple orders if you want to succeed in the IT industry. Schoolchildren can easily handle basic projects with their free time and lack of salary obligations. Instead, IT companies should focus on areas that require a combination of modern technologies, as that is where the potential for success lies.

To test the idea, it would be best to start with something simpler.
If I understood correctly, the main questions are:

    Self-employment, hobby, or starting a company
    Deciding between making a product or taking on a project (with options for outsourcing)
    Choosing the technologies you want to work with

These questions and ideas all revolve around one important aspect - money, right?

If your goal is to assemble a team and practice coding without earning money, then open source projects would be suitable for you.

If you're interested in self-employment, start by taking on freelance projects similar to those you already know how to do, and try to scale from there.

For those who want to develop a product, create a minimum viable product (MVP) yourself, search for a team, and seek investment for the MVP. You may not get a lot of money on favorable terms, but you'll gain valuable experience.

If you're interested in project-based work, find clients and sell your services. Then, look for professionals to work under you (preferably those whose skills complement your own). Once you start profiting, draw conclusions and adjust accordingly.

1. Yes, it is possible to develop websites without using a CMS in today's reality. This approach is commonly known as "custom development." In this case, the web development process would involve designing the website's layout and user interface (UI/UX), coding the frontend using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and implementing server-side logic using frameworks like Node.js or PHP.

2. If you choose to build a website using WordPress, the layout plays a significant role in defining the visual appearance of the site. Frontend developers can customize and modify the layout using predefined themes or by creating custom templates. They can also enhance the functionality and interactivity of the site by programming custom features using PHP, JavaScript, and CSS.

Backend developers play a crucial role in building WordPress websites. They handle tasks related to server-side logic, such as developing custom plugins or themes, integrating APIs or databases, implementing complex business logic, and optimizing the performance of the website. Backend developers can also extend the functionalities of WordPress by writing custom code.

While it's true that building a website with WordPress may require less programming knowledge compared to custom development, programmers are still needed to handle specific customization requests or to create unique functionalities that are not readily available through existing plugins or themes.

3. It is technically possible to write the website code in a text editor like Notepad and then transfer it to WordPress. However, this approach goes against the purpose and benefits of using a CMS like WordPress. The main advantage of using a CMS is its ability to manage content easily, allowing non-technical users to update and edit the website without relying on developers. By writing the website code externally and transferring it to WordPress, you would lose this dynamic content management capability and make it harder for non-technical users to maintain the site.

Instead, it is recommended to leverage WordPress' built-in features and templating system to create and manage the website content efficiently. You can still customize the design and functionality of the site within the WordPress framework by creating themes, templates, and custom plugins.


When considering whether to use a CMS like WordPress or pursue custom development, it's crucial to evaluate the specific requirements and scope of your project. CMS platforms like WordPress are well-suited for content-driven websites, blogs, and small to medium-sized businesses that require regular content updates with minimal technical knowledge.

Using a CMS can provide benefits such as a wide range of ready-made themes and plugins, a user-friendly interface for content management, and a supportive community that offers extensive dоcumentation and resources. It allows clients to have control over their website's content without depending on developers for every update.

However, there are trade-offs. CMS platforms often come with additional overhead due to the modules and plugins they rely on, which can affect website performance. They may also limit flexibility, making it more challenging to implement complex customizations or unique design elements. Additionally, security can be a concern, as popular CMS platforms are often targeted by hackers.

On the other hand, custom development offers greater flexibility and control over every aspect of the website. You have the freedom to design and implement features according to your specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and security. However, custom development requires a higher level of programming expertise and can be time-consuming and costly.

In terms of your team setup, as a project manager involved in programming roles, you should have a good understanding of both frontend and backend development. This will allow you to communicate effectively with your team, coordinate tasks, and ensure the project's success.

Additionally, having a UI/UX designer is essential to create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces. The frontend developer will work closely with the designer to bring those designs to life using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The backend developer will handle server-side logic, database management, and integrating different systems or APIs.

Regarding your last question, while you technically can write website code externally in a text editor and transfer it to WordPress, it is not the recommended approach. WordPress provides a powerful ecosystem with themes, templates, plugins, and an administration interface that makes managing content easier. It's best to leverage these features and customize within the WordPress framework.

This post, we'll explore the current state of web development and discuss strategies to thrive in this dynamic field