If you need to install a forum on a site running CMS Worpress, first of all, you need to seriously think about the optimal choice of an engine suitable for these purposes.
Wordpress is a universal content management system that allows you to create a wide variety of resources on a simple basis: from a business card site to a serious information portal. Among the modules that can be implemented using CMS Worpress, there is also a forum. To create a conference, you can use both third-party and independent engines that are integrated into the content management system, and your own Wordpress plugins.
How to make a choice
When choosing an engine for a forum, one should proceed from specific needs, taking into account the potential for the development of the site. Each forum management system has its own functionality. In some cases, it may not be enough, especially if there is a need for flexible customization and unique visual design. The other side of the issue is the simplicity of the system, its speed and ease of maintenance. If users are ready to be content with the simplest forum that has the basic function of exchanging public and private messages, supported by a few simple themes, it is enough to install one of the standard plugins for Wordpress. If you need more fine tuning, partial functionality of a social network and delights of graphic design, it is better to purchase an independent paid platform and an integrator plugin for Wordpress, as well as take care of increasing the hosting speed.
Forum plugins for Wordpress
Standard Wordpress plugins are suitable for sites with traffic up to 2 thousand people and the number of users up to 20 thousand. Naturally, this rule is not immutable: there are quite a few large-scale resources on the network that use light and free forum engines. One of the most popular and lightweight representatives of such control systems is the Mingle Forum. It is very easy to install and manage, looks good and is distributed free of charge. Unfortunately, there are rumors about the end of support for this plugin and the phasing out of the development team. An alternative to the Mingle Forum is the Simple Press plugin, which is quite common in Western countries. Its basic configuration is completely free, if you wish, you can purchase an extended version with additional skins and themes. Another acceptable option is a forum from WP Symposium. The full version of the plugin is an adaptation of the site for a social network, but if you wish, you can use only the functionality of the conference.
Independent engines
When integrating a third-party forum engine into Wordpress, you will need not only to have the platform itself, but also an integrator plugin. Engines such as phpBB, SimpleMachines or Vanilla forum can be installed absolutely free, while industry giants like Invision Pover Board or XenForo will have to shell out a certain amount. An obvious plus of independent engines is flexibility in customization and complete freedom of action in graphic design. The other side of the issue is the complexity of management and high requirements for hosting resources.
