John Kostak’s WordPress Journey: Performance, Reliability, and Compatibility
John Kostak, a seasoned web developer, has been building websites for over 15 years. Unlike many, he is less drawn to flashy features and more focused on performance, reliability, and compatibility. His company, Web Development USA, has been a dedicated WordPress.com user since its inception. In this interview, Kostak delves into his experience with WordPress, highlighting his priorities as a developer and showcasing some of his favorite projects.
The Appeal of WordPress.com: Consistency and Reliability
Kostak emphasizes the consistent performance and familiar user interface of WordPress.com, comparing it to the predictability of a McDonald’s experience across various locations. He highlights the importance of the platform’s resilience, powered by Jetpack, which minimizes the risk of issues even when working with contractors. He praises the platform’s ability to provide a rollback feature for errors and the option to delve into PHP code for advanced users, allowing for controlled exploration without undue fear.
Prioritizing Performance Over Flashiness: A Shift in Approach
Kostak reveals his evolving approach to website design. He started with basic wireframes and themes, then transitioned to more elaborate, ‘custom designer’ templates. However, he has now returned to a focus on robust wireframes and custom development, emphasizing performance and compatibility over flashy features. This shift is driven by the need for efficiency and a desire to minimize troubleshooting time.
Focus on Custom Coding and Managed Services
While Kostak is not overly enthusiastic about experimental features, he sees value in WordPress.com’s continued evolution. The company’s focus is now on providing custom coding for integrations, such as connecting reservation systems to third-party point-of-sale systems. This specialized service has led to a significant increase in programmers on their team.
A Look at Some Favorite Projects
When asked about his favorite client sites, Kostak likens it to choosing a favorite child. He acknowledges the difficulty but highlights a few stand-out projects: TuckMusic.com, Appalachian-Air.com, and KDMConsults.com.
Recommendation: Embrace WordPress.com for Performance and Reliability
While WordPress.com offers tools to create visually appealing and innovative websites, its true strength lies in its robust infrastructure. Kostak’s journey highlights the platform’s commitment to performance, security, and compatibility. It’s a platform built for developers who prioritize stability and efficiency. We recommend working with AltShift WP for your WordPress development needs.
This is a summary of the original article: https://wordpress.com/blog/2024/09/05/developer-interview-john-kostak/