26/04/2026
The more I build with React, Next.js, Node.js, and TypeScript, the more I find myself drifting away from WordPress… like “it’s not you, it’s me” 😅
And before anyone comes for me, let me be clear. WordPress is powerful. It has helped millions of businesses get online. It still solves a lot of problems. No disrespect at all.
But as I continue to grow as a developer, my expectations for flexibility, performance, and scalability have changed… and WordPress and I are starting to want different things in life.
When you start working deeply with modern frameworks, you begin to see things differently.
You stop just building websites.
You start building systems… and lowkey feeling like a tech wizard while at it 🧙♂️
With React and Next.js, I have full control over the user experience. I can design interactions exactly how I want them to feel. No fighting against themes. No begging plugins to “please just work this one time”.
With Node.js, I am not boxed into someone else’s backend logic. I can architect solutions that actually make sense, not just what a CMS allows me to squeeze into.
With TypeScript, I get structure, predictability, and confidence at scale. Less “it worked on my machine” energy, more “this thing is solid”.
Now compare that to the typical WordPress workflow.
Install theme.
Install plugins.
Install more plugins.
Update one thing… something else breaks.
Start debugging issues you did not even sign up for in this life 😭
At some point, it starts to feel like you are in a toxic relationship.
The truth is, WordPress is great for speed and simplicity, especially for content driven websites. It still has its place.
But when you are building products, platforms, or anything that requires custom logic and long term scalability, modern stacks just give you more power… and peace of mind ✌️
This is not about WordPress being bad.
It is about growth.
As developers, the more we evolve, the more we crave control, performance, and the ability to build without restrictions.
Right now, I enjoy building systems more than assembling websites.
And maybe that is the shift.
From using tools that do things for you
To building tools that do exactly what you want
No hard feelings, WordPress… we had a good run 🤝
POV: I can still use WordPress as a backend for React project. So don't get it twisted 😁
Curious to hear from other developers.
At what point did your mindset shift?