Essential Plugins for Setting Up a Headless WordPress CMS

Studying Headless WordPress made me realize the importance of plugins in making the backend very flexible and API-friendly. So, a Headless CMS is basically utilizing WordPress for content creation and management only, while a different frontend technology (e.g., React or Next.js) shows the content through APIs. One of the things I did while learning was to try out some of the main plugins that assist the connection between the backend and the frontend.

1. Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)

ACF is recognized as one of the finest plugins that opens the door for working with structured content.

It allows the addition of custom fields not only to posts and pages but also to custom post types.

This leads to the fact that developers can implement various designs for different parts, such as hero sections, sliders, or blocks with products.

A well-organized backend content is an excellent advantage for the content team.

Learning note: In order for data to be obtained via API from ACF, a secondary plugin such as ACF to REST API is required. This makes it easier for React or other frameworks to retrieve those fields.

2. WP REST API (Built-in)

• The REST API does not require any action; it is there in every WordPress setup by default. It sends the content as JSON.

Example endpoint: /wp-json/wp/v2/posts

• Used for getting posts, pages, or custom data into the frontend.

 Learning takeaway: It’s vital to comprehend endpoints. Before writing the frontend connection, it’s a good practice to test and know the structure in the browser.

3. WPGraphQL

WPGraphQL offers a different option for data fetching, switching REST with GraphQL queries.

• It permits one request to retrieve different types of data.
• Prolongs the benefits with lesser calls to the API and greater efficiency.

Tip: Get familiar with both REST and GraphQL techniques to be able to tell which one is more suitable for various projects.

 4. JWT Authentication for WP REST API

A big part of learning about APIs is the security aspect. JWT Authentication is a way to secure them by issuing tokens that are hard to crack.
Commonly used when sending or updating data from the frontend.

5. Headless Mode Plugin

• This plugin disables the default WordPress frontend, keeping only the admin panel active.
• It makes WordPress act purely as a content API.

 Summary

Studying these plugins gave a clear idea of how WordPress can function as a modern content source for any JavaScript-based frontend. Each plugin serves a unique purpose-ACF structures data, REST/GraphQL deliver it, and JWT secures it. Together, they form the foundation of an efficient Headless CMS learning setup.