What is a plugin? Code which is not part of the base package of software, with the purpose of extending functionality. Plugins are also called add-ons, extensions or modules. In most cases, using plugins leads to a phenomenal amount of complexity, fragmentation, duplication and overlap. They evolve each in their own way and create many issues and instabilities. WordPress, Drupal and Joomla! all work with plugins that are a hassle to choose from, integrate and update.
How do web applications compare?
| WordPress | Drupal | Joomla! | Tiki | |
| Web site | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Social Networking | Different project: BuddyPress, which has its own plugins | Many plugins to choose from | Many plugins to choose from | Built-in and configurable |
| Forums | Different project: bbPress, which has its own plugins | Many plugins to choose from | Many plugins to choose from | Built-in and configurable |
| Shopping cart | Many plugins to choose from | Many plugins to choose from | Many plugins to choose from | Built-in and configurable |
| Wiki | They use MediaWiki | Many plugins to choose from | They use MediaWiki | Built-in and configurable |
| Long Term Support (LTS) | WordPress doesn't offer an LTS version because the project leader is "philosophically opposed" to LTS versions. | No, but several years between major releases | At least 4 years | 5 years |
| WordPress | Drupal | |||
| Web site | Yes | Yes | ||
| Social Networking | Different project: BuddyPress, which has its own plugins | Many plugins to choose from | ||
| Forums | Different project: bbPress, which has its own plugins | Many plugins to choose from | ||
| Shopping cart | Many plugins to choose from | Many plugins to choose from | ||
| Wiki | They use MediaWiki | Many plugins to choose from | ||
| Long Term Support (LTS) | WordPress doesn't offer an LTS version because the project leader is "philosophically opposed" to LTS versions. | No, but several years between major releases | ||
| Joomla! | Tiki | |||
| Web site | Yes | Yes | ||
| Social Networking | Many plugins to choose from | Built-in and configurable | ||
| Forums | Many plugins to choose from | Built-in and configurable | ||
| Shopping cart | Many plugins to choose from | Built-in and configurable | ||
| Wiki | They use MediaWiki | Built-in and configurable | ||
| Long Term Support (LTS) | At least 4 years | 5 years | ||