When shouldn't I use Wordpress and why

I like to write scripts myself for the sake of learning, but I know that if I was to build a client website I wouldn't bother writing it entirely from scratch!

I think we should know how to write the code, but in practice, if you can reuse code snippets or plug-ins then do so :)

There is no substitute for knowing how to do things yourself. That being said, creating your own CMS is a huge undertaking. The security considerations alone would put off all but the most advanced engineers. I use WordPress because I'm a developer and a designer, not a security expert or sys admin. This actually gives me more time to do the things I do better.

When it comes to frameworks, plugins, etc. I almost always alter them to suit my own needs. So I'm still using HTML, CSS and PHP on a daily basis. So WordPress is as lazy, or advanced, as you make it, I think.

It isn't the best option for every project but it does work for many. If the default structure (posts, pages, categories and tags) doesn't work for you, though, you should look elsewhere.

Just look at how many multi-billion dollar international companies use WordPress and ask yourself if you know better then these companies with all their resources? I looked at making a CMS, its a ridiculous idea when you realise you can use Wordpress as just a CMS and build whatever you want on top of it. It's still essential to know PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

If you can become an expert in Wordpress, you'll be able to make very powerful sites.

I think this is the same as the "Should we use calculators" type of question. Sure knowing how to do calculations is fundamentally important and should be done before you use any time saving technology. And that is exactly what you are trying to do, save time, by using the right technology you can get more work done, more accurately and earn more money.

Of course if you do not understand the fundamentals of the technology you are using how will you know if the output is correct? Well that's were reading, practicising, discussing, and trying new things comes into play.

Wordpress people tend to live in a Wordpress bubble.

The choice isn't between Wordpress and writing a CMS from scratch but between Wordpress and another CMS. Chose the right tool for the right job.

Thank you Everyone.

I summarized the opinions here:

1. We use Wordpress depend on what we want to do. We are not CS experts (most of us I suppose), let the Wordpress do it for us and focus on what we are good at.

2. As you proudly told your mom : I know how to program. It's ok if you are more interested in Design, but as our developers we'd better become an expert in our major. Wordpress somehow, is like a giant API, yet it's not made by us, but we do know what is happening inside it. Plus, I have never thought about building a CMS from scratch.

It's a topic beyond Wordpress, my summary is not a conclusion. I'd like to hear further more discussions : )

I've found this discussion really interesting so far because I'm a complete WordPress addict. However, through seeing what other people have said, I don't think I use it in the same ways. I consider WordPress as a framework that has all the basic tools already in place, then I use PHP, CSS, etc to create something from the ground up. Sometimes I'll make use of the plug-ins but I'd much rather write my own and everything you see and interact with on my sites are pretty much hand coded by me.

Maybe I've misunderstood what others have said, but from my perspective I'd consider WordPress a skill that is there to be mastered. Although all the sites work from pages, posts, categories, etc. this gives you a plethora of ways to create something truly unique because it's only the very basics that you need to take advantage of.

I suppose I'm reiterating what Sharon Walls said; "So WordPress is as lazy, or advanced, as you make it" but I think this is so true.

Edit to add: I have yet to do Zac Gordon's WordPress lessons but am wholeheartedly looking forward to them! Hopefully I will learn a lot more. And if I've glossed over any of the points he makes there, that's why!