What is LearnDash and Should You Learn It?
If you’re a developer who has been tinkering with the idea of developing an e-learning website, you must have heard about LearnDash and all the good things said about it.
But what exactly is LearnDash? How does it help with e-learning website development? What makes it better than others? And should you learn it?
In this article, we’ll find answers to these questions and more. Read on to learn more about LearnDash.
What is LearnDash?
In a nutshell, LearnDash is a WordPress plugin that developers use to build online courses. The core function is to provide a Learning Management System (LMS).
Around the world, LearnDash is popular among companies, schools, and other businesses for creating and selling their online courses
What’s included in the LearnDash Software?
The software itself offers a plethora of options that developers and website owners can leverage for the best results.
When you avail LearnDash through a premium WordPress website, you gain access to a broad range of plugins and add-ons.
To optimize your website’s performance, it’s wise to install and take advantage of these plugins, add-ons, and features.
How is it Unique?
Other LMS plugins exist and they offer the same core functionality. However, LearnDash boasts unique offerings that include:
- Easy-to-use course builder
- Drip-feed course lessons
- Exclusive video progression features
- Exclusive modern learner experience (with Focus Mode)
And more.
The downsides, however, include a slow, methodical development process. Some design features (very few) also lack flexibility.
But a good LearnDash developer often finds ways to work around these downsides.
At the same time, LearnDash has special qualities, such as integration with any WordPress theme, that provide more value and convenience to developers.
Should You Learn LearnDash?
Is LearnDash the best tool to use? Should you learn it?
Justin Ferriman, co-founder and CEO of LearnDash, offers some tips when deciding whether you should use LearnDash or not.
Here are some of them.
Consider your Timeline
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According to Ferriman, LearnDash and WordPress take more time to configure than using something “off the shelf.”
So consider if your timelines can accommodate the process of learning the plugin and using it on your project.
Consider Your Budget
Ferriman also advises developers to consider their budget seriously. Although WordPress is cost-effective, you should expect to invest in other plugins or themes other than just LearnDash.
In simpler terms, the more unique your needs are, the more you will spend on the project.
Consider Your WordPress Knowledge
Lastly, Ferriman notes that not all developers enjoy WordPress and/or LearnDash. It may be that you don’t enjoy WordPress because of your experience, background, and project requirements.
In other words, WordPress may not be for you so you might not be able to use LearnDash effectively or at all.
So, When to Use LearnDash?
LearnDash offers powerful capabilities to those who know how to use it. It’s a tool that offers everything from great user experience and flexibility to cost-effectiveness and monetization.
You can use LearnDash for any project you have that relates to e-learning and online courses if you want these benefits.
