The ExpressionEngine versus WordPress battle.
Processing
The core distinguishing factor between WordPress and Expression Engine is how publishing content is processed.
In regards to WordPress, a new post includes a content section, however these can include custom fields which are either pre-defined defined (template framework) or built instantly by the author. As a result when a post is published, it will be subsquently displayed depending on the category or its sub-category. In this whole process the author or editor will always see the same input screen.
Expression Flexibility
ExpressionEngine, processes its content on user defined channels.
For every publishing channel, it can be considered as an independent part of framework as opposed to wordpress.
Naturally, this is processing architecture is invisible to most users or well understood by editors or authors. The site editor/publisher normally only has access to the “Publish” and “Edit” sections of the website, which can also include restrictions on other components like modules.
ExpressionEngine Advantages
Many web designers choose the ExpressionEngine, as this framework allows a wider site control. It follows that many people don’t have a WYSIWYG editor on their website. The ExpressionEngine is built on codeigniter php framework which offers excellent API power.
Wordpress Advantages
Most people are capable of setting up a WordPress blog or website with very little knowledge of PHP, HTML and CSS.
New Version ExpressionEngine 2.0
The new version 2.0, new functionality was added which allows editors to upload HTML and CSS files into folders using naming conventions (blog.group, main.group, portfolio.group, etc.), and thus creating a rendering process much like wordpress.
The new versiong has a a new file named default_content.php, which is required to install a theme. In this file it specified all components such as default content, channels, custom fields, etc. The only slight concern is that the file is less logic based code but rather requires editors to understand SQL language in order to successfully build the default_content.php.
Site Theme Flexibility
With WordPress, administrators can easily change or update the design quite fast. However, the ExpressionEngine only allows a theme to be added at the point of installation. Subsquently, an administrator of an ExpressionEngine is required to maintain the HTML, custom fields and other elements and only then be able to change the CSS and images, unless they start over with all site definitions but this is an intensive job and most administrators would never do. As a result, themes in WordPress typically all handle content the same way, on the contrary themes in ExpressionEngine are less flexible.
To Sum up
WordPress is considered a core framework for PHP developers as it can be manipulated at their will or even group processes. Furthermore, custom fields can be added and modified. The other advantage is that most people can can set up a website easily, and the design flexibility allows them to change themes quite fast and easy. Also, widgets and plug-ins add instant functionality to any site running wordpress.
ExpressionEngine is most useful for designers because as there is no need use a programming language for operational flexibiliy. It is not diffcult for any competent designer to use HTML and CSS to use the simple framework and its expressions.
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