How to Tell What Platform a Website is Built On: A Journey Through Digital Footprints and Whimsical Clues

In the vast expanse of the internet, every website is a unique entity, a digital fingerprint that tells a story not just of its content, but also of its creation. The platform upon which a website is built is like the foundation of a house—it determines the structure, the capabilities, and often, the aesthetic of the site. But how does one discern the underlying platform of a website? This article delves into the myriad of methods, both technical and whimsical, to uncover the secrets of a website’s construction.
1. The URL Tells a Tale
The first clue often lies in the URL itself. Certain platforms have distinctive URL structures. For example, WordPress sites often have URLs that include /wp-admin/
or /wp-content/
. Similarly, Shopify sites might have /collections/
or /products/
in their URLs. These patterns can be a dead giveaway.
2. View Source: The Digital DNA
Right-clicking on a webpage and selecting “View Page Source” can reveal a treasure trove of information. The HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files often contain comments or meta tags that indicate the platform. For instance, WordPress sites might have meta tags like <meta name="generator" content="WordPress 5.8">
.
3. The Power of Browser Extensions
There are several browser extensions, such as Wappalyzer or BuiltWith, that can instantly analyze a website and provide detailed information about the technologies used, including the platform. These tools are like digital detectives, sniffing out the platform with just a few clicks.
4. The Robots.txt File
The robots.txt
file, located at the root of a website (e.g., https://example.com/robots.txt
), can sometimes reveal the platform. For example, WordPress sites often have entries like Disallow: /wp-admin/
or Disallow: /wp-includes/
.
5. The Login Page
Many platforms have distinctive login pages. WordPress, for instance, has a login page at /wp-login.php
. Joomla has /administrator/
, and Drupal has /user/login
. If you can access the login page, the design and URL can often give away the platform.
6. The Footer: A Subtle Clue
Sometimes, the footer of a website contains a small line of text that credits the platform, such as “Powered by WordPress” or “Built with Shopify.” While not all sites display this, it’s a quick and easy way to identify the platform if it’s present.
7. The Use of CDNs and Libraries
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and JavaScript libraries can also hint at the platform. For example, if a site uses Bootstrap, it might be built on a platform that commonly uses this framework, such as WordPress or Joomla. Similarly, the use of specific CDNs like cdn.shopify.com
can indicate a Shopify site.
8. The Database Structure
For the more technically inclined, examining the database structure can reveal the platform. Each platform has a unique way of organizing its database tables. For example, WordPress uses tables prefixed with wp_
, while Joomla uses jos_
.
9. The Theme and Plugin Ecosystem
Themes and plugins are often platform-specific. If a site uses a theme or plugin that is only available for a particular platform, this can be a strong indicator. For example, if a site uses the “Divi” theme, it’s almost certainly a WordPress site.
10. The API Endpoints
Some platforms expose API endpoints that can be queried to reveal information about the site. For example, WordPress has a REST API that can be accessed at /wp-json/
. If you can access this endpoint, it’s a clear sign that the site is built on WordPress.
11. The Use of Specific File Types
Certain platforms use specific file types that can be a clue. For example, WordPress uses .php
files extensively, while static site generators like Jekyll use .html
and .md
files. The presence of these file types in the source code can indicate the platform.
12. The Use of Specific Frameworks
Some platforms are built on specific frameworks. For example, Laravel is a PHP framework often used for custom-built sites, while Ruby on Rails is used for sites built with that framework. Identifying the framework can often lead you to the platform.
13. The Use of Specific Hosting Providers
Certain hosting providers are closely associated with specific platforms. For example, WP Engine is a hosting provider that specializes in WordPress sites, while Shopify hosts all Shopify sites. If you can identify the hosting provider, it can give you a clue about the platform.
14. The Use of Specific CMS Features
Content Management Systems (CMS) often have unique features that can be identified. For example, WordPress has a built-in blog feature, while Shopify has a built-in e-commerce platform. If a site has these features, it can be a strong indicator of the platform.
15. The Use of Specific Security Measures
Some platforms have specific security measures that can be identified. For example, WordPress sites often use plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security, while Shopify sites use Shopify’s built-in security features. Identifying these measures can give you a clue about the platform.
16. The Use of Specific Analytics Tools
Certain platforms are often associated with specific analytics tools. For example, WordPress sites often use Google Analytics, while Shopify sites use Shopify’s built-in analytics. If you can identify the analytics tool, it can give you a clue about the platform.
17. The Use of Specific Payment Gateways
E-commerce platforms often use specific payment gateways. For example, Shopify sites often use Shopify Payments, while WooCommerce (a WordPress plugin) often uses PayPal or Stripe. Identifying the payment gateway can give you a clue about the platform.
18. The Use of Specific Social Media Integrations
Some platforms have built-in social media integrations that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins for integrating with Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms, while Shopify has built-in social media integrations. Identifying these integrations can give you a clue about the platform.
19. The Use of Specific SEO Tools
Certain platforms are often associated with specific SEO tools. For example, WordPress sites often use Yoast SEO or All in One SEO, while Shopify sites use Shopify’s built-in SEO features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
20. The Use of Specific Content Delivery Networks
Some platforms use specific Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) that can be identified. For example, WordPress sites often use Cloudflare, while Shopify sites use Shopify’s built-in CDN. Identifying the CDN can give you a clue about the platform.
21. The Use of Specific Caching Mechanisms
Certain platforms have specific caching mechanisms that can be identified. For example, WordPress sites often use caching plugins like W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache, while Shopify sites use Shopify’s built-in caching. Identifying these mechanisms can give you a clue about the platform.
22. The Use of Specific Image Optimization Tools
Some platforms use specific image optimization tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress sites often use plugins like Smush or ShortPixel, while Shopify sites use Shopify’s built-in image optimization. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
23. The Use of Specific Email Marketing Tools
Certain platforms are often associated with specific email marketing tools. For example, WordPress sites often use Mailchimp or Constant Contact, while Shopify sites use Shopify Email. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
24. The Use of Specific Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tools
Some platforms use specific CRM tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress sites often use HubSpot or Salesforce, while Shopify sites use Shopify’s built-in CRM. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
25. The Use of Specific E-commerce Features
E-commerce platforms often have specific features that can be identified. For example, Shopify sites have built-in product pages, shopping carts, and checkout processes, while WooCommerce (a WordPress plugin) has similar features but with more customization options. Identifying these features can give you a clue about the platform.
26. The Use of Specific Blogging Features
Some platforms have specific blogging features that can be identified. For example, WordPress has a built-in blog feature with categories, tags, and comments, while Shopify has a more limited blogging feature. Identifying these features can give you a clue about the platform.
27. The Use of Specific Membership Features
Certain platforms have specific membership features that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like MemberPress or Restrict Content Pro, while Shopify has built-in membership features. Identifying these features can give you a clue about the platform.
28. The Use of Specific Forum Features
Some platforms have specific forum features that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like bbPress or BuddyPress, while Shopify does not have built-in forum features. Identifying these features can give you a clue about the platform.
29. The Use of Specific Event Management Features
Certain platforms have specific event management features that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like The Events Calendar or EventON, while Shopify does not have built-in event management features. Identifying these features can give you a clue about the platform.
30. The Use of Specific Portfolio Features
Some platforms have specific portfolio features that can be identified. For example, WordPress has themes and plugins specifically designed for portfolios, while Shopify does not have built-in portfolio features. Identifying these features can give you a clue about the platform.
31. The Use of Specific Landing Page Builders
Certain platforms have specific landing page builders that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Elementor or Beaver Builder, while Shopify has built-in landing page features. Identifying these builders can give you a clue about the platform.
32. The Use of Specific Form Builders
Some platforms have specific form builders that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Gravity Forms or WPForms, while Shopify has built-in form features. Identifying these builders can give you a clue about the platform.
33. The Use of Specific Survey Tools
Certain platforms have specific survey tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Survey Funnel or WPForms, while Shopify does not have built-in survey features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
34. The Use of Specific Quiz Tools
Some platforms have specific quiz tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Quiz And Survey Master or WP Quiz, while Shopify does not have built-in quiz features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
35. The Use of Specific Polling Tools
Certain platforms have specific polling tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Poll, Survey, Questionnaire & Voting System or WP Poll, while Shopify does not have built-in polling features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
36. The Use of Specific Chat Tools
Some platforms have specific chat tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Tidio Live Chat or WP Live Chat Support, while Shopify has built-in chat features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
37. The Use of Specific Live Streaming Tools
Certain platforms have specific live streaming tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like WP Live Streaming or Stream, while Shopify does not have built-in live streaming features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
38. The Use of Specific Video Hosting Tools
Some platforms have specific video hosting tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Presto Player or Video Embed & Thumbnail Generator, while Shopify does not have built-in video hosting features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
39. The Use of Specific Audio Hosting Tools
Certain platforms have specific audio hosting tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Seriously Simple Podcasting or PowerPress, while Shopify does not have built-in audio hosting features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
40. The Use of Specific Image Hosting Tools
Some platforms have specific image hosting tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Envira Gallery or NextGEN Gallery, while Shopify does not have built-in image hosting features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
41. The Use of Specific File Hosting Tools
Certain platforms have specific file hosting tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like WP File Download or File Manager, while Shopify does not have built-in file hosting features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
42. The Use of Specific Document Management Tools
Some platforms have specific document management tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like WP Document Revisions or Document Library, while Shopify does not have built-in document management features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
43. The Use of Specific Knowledge Base Tools
Certain platforms have specific knowledge base tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Heroic Knowledge Base or WP Knowledgebase, while Shopify does not have built-in knowledge base features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
44. The Use of Specific FAQ Tools
Some platforms have specific FAQ tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Ultimate FAQ or WP FAQ, while Shopify does not have built-in FAQ features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
45. The Use of Specific Testimonial Tools
Certain platforms have specific testimonial tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Strong Testimonials or WP Testimonial Slider, while Shopify does not have built-in testimonial features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
46. The Use of Specific Review Tools
Some platforms have specific review tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like WP Customer Reviews or Site Reviews, while Shopify has built-in review features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
47. The Use of Specific Rating Tools
Certain platforms have specific rating tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like WP Post Ratings or Rating Widget, while Shopify does not have built-in rating features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
48. The Use of Specific Commenting Tools
Some platforms have specific commenting tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has built-in commenting features, while Shopify does not have built-in commenting features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
49. The Use of Specific Social Sharing Tools
Certain platforms have specific social sharing tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Social Warfare or ShareThis, while Shopify has built-in social sharing features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
50. The Use of Specific Affiliate Marketing Tools
Some platforms have specific affiliate marketing tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like ThirstyAffiliates or Pretty Links, while Shopify does not have built-in affiliate marketing features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
51. The Use of Specific Dropshipping Tools
Certain platforms have specific dropshipping tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like AliDropship or WooDropship, while Shopify has built-in dropshipping features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
52. The Use of Specific Print-on-Demand Tools
Some platforms have specific print-on-demand tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Printful or Printify, while Shopify has built-in print-on-demand features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
53. The Use of Specific Subscription Tools
Certain platforms have specific subscription tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like WooCommerce Subscriptions or MemberPress, while Shopify has built-in subscription features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
54. The Use of Specific Recurring Payment Tools
Some platforms have specific recurring payment tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like WooCommerce Subscriptions or Stripe Subscriptions, while Shopify has built-in recurring payment features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
55. The Use of Specific Donation Tools
Certain platforms have specific donation tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like GiveWP or Charitable, while Shopify does not have built-in donation features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
56. The Use of Specific Crowdfunding Tools
Some platforms have specific crowdfunding tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like IgnitionDeck or WP Crowdfunding, while Shopify does not have built-in crowdfunding features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
57. The Use of Specific Auction Tools
Certain platforms have specific auction tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Ultimate Auction or WP Auctions, while Shopify does not have built-in auction features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
58. The Use of Specific Booking Tools
Some platforms have specific booking tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Booking Calendar or Amelia, while Shopify does not have built-in booking features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
59. The Use of Specific Appointment Scheduling Tools
Certain platforms have specific appointment scheduling tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like BirchPress or Bookly, while Shopify does not have built-in appointment scheduling features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
60. The Use of Specific Reservation Tools
Some platforms have specific reservation tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Restaurant Reservations or Bookly, while Shopify does not have built-in reservation features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
61. The Use of Specific Event Ticketing Tools
Certain platforms have specific event ticketing tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like Event Tickets or Tickera, while Shopify does not have built-in event ticketing features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
62. The Use of Specific Membership Site Tools
Some platforms have specific membership site tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like MemberPress or Restrict Content Pro, while Shopify does not have built-in membership site features. Identifying these tools can give you a clue about the platform.
63. The Use of Specific Course Creation Tools
Certain platforms have specific course creation tools that can be identified. For example, WordPress has plugins like LearnDash or LifterLMS,