Devrims #TechTalk 059: Mizanur Rahaman Mizan Discusses WordPress Optimizations

Mizanur Rahaman Mizan (call him “Mizan” or “Miz”) is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the realm of Computer Science and Engineering. His journey into web development began during his university days, captivated by the digital transformations led by industry giants like Yahoo and Google. This fascination led him to pursue a career as a web application developer, a role in which he thrives and continually seeks to innovate and improve.

Mizanur’s career took an entrepreneurial turn in 2015 when he founded TechnoCrews, a venture that allowed him to channel his expertise and passion for technology into creating robust web solutions. His commitment to education and skill development is evident from his time as a lecturer and his ongoing involvement in creating educational resources through initiatives like Theme Rally and WP Boffins.

A prominent figure in the WordPress community, Mizanur’s enthusiasm for the platform began in 2009, and since then, he has been an active contributor, speaker, and organizer at WordCamps. He is deeply invested in fostering community engagement, promoting education, and supporting the professional development of others in the field.

With a strong focus on community building and innovation, Mizanur continues to be a driving force in the evolution and growth of the WordPress community, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering others through technology.

Devrims: Hi Mizan, how are you doing these days? You have an extensive background in web application development and technology. What originally drew you to this field and how has it evolved over your career?

Mizan: Hey there! Thanks a bunch for inviting me to join this interview series—it’s a real pleasure to be here and share my story with your audience. So, how am I doing? Well, I’m doing just swell, thanks for asking!

Let me introduce myself a bit further—I’m Mizanur Rahaman Mizan, but you can just call me “Mizan” or “Miz” for short. I’ve been knee-deep in the world of Computer Science and Engineering for about 15 years now. Yeah, programming has been my jam ever since my university days.

You know, what really got me hooked was the fascinating world of web development. Back then, I was totally mesmerized by how giants like Yahoo and Google were shaping the digital landscape. It was like peeking behind the curtains of the internet’s magic show, and I just had to be a part of it. So, here I am, living out my dream as a web application developer, and loving every minute of it!

Devrims: What inspired you to start your own venture, TechnoCrews, and how has it evolved over the years?

Mizan: Ah, let me take you on a bit of a journey through my career! So, while I was studying for my Bachelor in Computer Science and Engineering, I decided to dive into the world of part-time jobs to gain some hands-on experience. After graduation, I landed a gig as a lecturer at the University of Information Technology and Sciences, teaching eager minds all about CSE.

But you know, life is all about exploring different avenues, right? So after a few years in academia, I dipped my toes into the freelance pool for a good three years. It was an exhilarating ride, let me tell you!

Then, in 2015, I had this lightbulb moment—I thought, “Hey, why not take the plunge and start my own agency?” And just like that, I ventured into the exciting world of entrepreneurship. It’s been a wild ride filled with ups, downs, and everything in between, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

Devrims: Can you share your experience and involvement with WordPress, and what sparked your enthusiasm for the platform?

Mizan: It’s been quite the adventure! Back in 2009, I got my first taste of WordPress when I used it for my own website. But it wasn’t until 2012 that I really dove headfirst into it, using it for all my projects and really getting into the nitty-gritty of developing themes and plugins.

You know what drew me in? It’s the sheer simplicity of developing anything within WordPress. I mean, the possibilities are endless, and that’s what kept me hooked! Plus, let’s not forget about the amazing community support—I’ve never seen anything quite like it. It’s like having a whole team of cheerleaders backing you up every step of the way.

Honestly, WordPress and its vibrant community have been absolute game-changers for me, both professionally and personally. They’ve opened doors I never even knew existed and helped me achieve things I once only dreamed of. It’s safe to say, I’m forever grateful for the WordPress world and all the opportunities it’s brought my way!

Devrims: How do you approach optimizing WordPress websites for speed and performance, and what are some common pitfalls to avoid in this process?

Mizan: That’s a good question. When we develop a website we only, mostly think of the look and feel of the website. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about making sure your visitors have a lightning-fast experience every time they stop by. Here’s how you can make it happen:

• Start Light: Pick a theme that’s as light as a feather, with clean code and only the essentials. No one likes waiting for a bloated theme to load!
• Image Magic: Compress those images like a pro to cut down on loading times. Tools like WP Smush can be your best friend here.
• Cache in on Cache: Use caching plugins to serve up static HTML versions of your pages. It’s like having a shortcut to speedy page delivery!
• Size Matters: Minify your CSS and JavaScript to shed those extra bytes. With plugins like Autoptimize, it’s as easy as pie.
• Global Reach: Implement a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to spread your content far and wide, reducing wait times for visitors across the globe.
• Database TLC: Keep your database tidy by clearing out the clutter regularly. WP-Optimize can lend a hand here.
• Squeeze it Tight: Enable GZIP compression to shrink your files and speed up loading. Most caching plugins have this nifty feature built-in.
• Cut Down on Requests: Streamline your site by minimizing HTTP requests. Merge CSS and JavaScript files, use CSS sprites, and keep external scripts to a minimum.
• Server Supercharge: Optimize your server settings for top-notch performance. From PHP versions to server configurations, every tweak counts!
• Keep an Eye Out: Regularly monitor your site’s performance with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. Stay on top of any snags and iron them out pronto.

Now, let’s steer clear of some common speed bumps:

• Plugin Overload: Don’t weigh down your site with unnecessary plugins. Keep it lean and mean with only the essentials.
• Update, Update, Update: Don’t snooze on those updates! Keep everything—from WordPress core to themes and plugins—up to date for optimal performance and security.
• Heavy Media: Watch out for hefty images and videos—they can really slow things down. Optimize them for the web and consider offloading videos to platforms like YouTube.
• Mobile Must-Have: Don’t forget about mobile users! Make sure your site shines on all devices for a seamless experience.
• Security First: Last but definitely not least, keep those security measures tight. SSL certificates, strong passwords, and security plugins are your best pals in keeping the bad guys out.

With these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll have a WordPress site that’s not just fast but blazing fast—keeping your visitors happy and your search engine rankings soaring!

Devrims: When it comes to security, what measures do you recommend implementing on a WordPress site to prevent vulnerabilities and attacks?

Mizanur: Security is no joke when it comes to your online presence, so here are some top-notch tips to keep those pesky hackers at bay:

Stay Updated: Keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated like clockwork. Those updates aren’t just for new features—they patch up security holes too!

Lock Down Those Passwords: Don’t mess around with weak passwords! Enforce strong ones for all user accounts, and consider using a trusty password manager to keep things super secure.

Put a Limit on Logins: Slam the door on brute-force attacks by limiting login attempts from a single IP address. Too many failed tries? Lock ’em out!

Double Up with 2FA: Add an extra layer of security with two-factor authentication. It’s like having a secret handshake before anyone gets access!

File Protection Mode: Make sure your file permissions are on point to keep unauthorized snoops out. Only give access where it’s absolutely necessary!

Encrypt Everything: Secure your site with SSL/TLS encryption to keep data safe and sound as it travels between browsers and your server. No more eavesdropping!

Call in the Reinforcements: Beef up your security with top-notch plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri Security. They’re like your site’s personal bodyguards, scanning for malware and keeping the bad guys out.

Bye-Bye XML-RPC: Shut down XML-RPC unless you absolutely need it. It’s like leaving a back door open for hackers, so slam it shut to keep them out!

Fortify with WAF: Install a web application firewall to stand guard against sneaky attacks. It’s like having a bouncer at the door, only letting in the good stuff!

Backup, Backup, Backup: Don’t forget your safety net! Regularly backup your site so you can bounce back in case of trouble. Store those backups somewhere safe, far away from prying eyes.

Keep an Eye Out: Watch those security logs like a hawk for anything fishy. Spot something odd? Investigate and take action pronto!

Join our group for security updates: I have created a group to help the WordPress community where I share security updates and also help each other.

With these security measures in place, you can sleep easy knowing your WordPress site is as safe as houses. No more sleepless nights worrying about hackers—just smooth sailing ahead!

Devrims: Let’s do a quick rapid-fire.

Devrims: As a WordCamp speaker and organizer, what inspired you to become actively involved in the WordPress community, and what do you enjoy most about participating in WordCamps?

Mizanur: I’ve always loved WordPress and all the amazing things it can do for making websites. As I learned more about how to use the site, I became more interested in the active community that surrounded it. The willingness of people to share their knowledge for free, the spirit of collaboration at WordCamps, and the sense of belonging in the community all made me want to get involved. Also, the WordPress community’s networking possibilities have been very helpful. Meeting people with similar interests, exchanging ideas, and forming professional connections has not only made my experience better, but it has also led to new possibilities. Also, the fact that WordPress is always changing makes me want to keep learning. Participating in the community helps me keep up with the latest events, learn new skills, and share my thoughts with people who are interested in the same things I am. Participating in WordCamps makes my enjoyment even greater by giving me a variety of ways to learn, a place to share my knowledge, a way to make friends and work together, a strong sense of community, and inspiration and motivation to push the limits and come up with new ideas in the WordPress ecosystem.

Devrims: How do you believe WordCamps contribute to the growth and development of the WordPress ecosystem, both for users and developers?

Mizanur: WordCamps play a crucial role in the growth and development of the WordPress ecosystem by:

Education and Learning: Offering diverse sessions and workshops for users and developers to learn new skills and explore best practices.

Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: Providing a platform for sharing expertise, fostering innovation, and driving the evolution of WordPress.

Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections among attendees, leading to collaborations, partnerships, and career growth.

Community Building: Nurturing a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie, encouraging active participation and contribution.

Inspiration and Motivation: Serving as sources of inspiration and motivation, sparking creativity and driving continuous improvement within the WordPress ecosystem.

Devrims: As a founder of various WordPress-related initiatives, such as Theme Rally and WP Boffins, what motivated you to start these projects, and what goals do you hope to achieve with them?|

Mizanur: “As a founder of Theme Rally and WP Boffins, my motivation stems from a passion for WordPress and a desire to address specific needs within the community. Theme Rally was born out of the recognition of a gap in resources for WordPress theme developers, aiming to provide a platform for collaboration, learning, and support. WP Boffins, on the other hand, was founded with the goal of offering comprehensive WordPress education and training for users and developers alike. With these initiatives, I aim to:

1. Empowerment Through Education: Provide valuable resources, tutorials, and training to empower WordPress users and developers to create better websites and applications.
2. Community Engagement: Foster a sense of community among WordPress enthusiasts, encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support.
3. Innovation and Growth: Drive innovation within the WordPress ecosystem by facilitating the exchange of ideas, best practices, and techniques among developers and users.
4. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensure that WordPress education and resources are accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill levels, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the community.
5. Professional Development: Support the professional growth and advancement of WordPress developers and users by offering opportunities for skill development, networking, and career advancement.

Overall, the goal of Theme Rally and WP Boffins is to contribute to the growth, development, and success of the WordPress ecosystem by providing valuable resources, education, and support to its community members.”

Devrims: As someone deeply involved in the WordPress ecosystem, what are your thoughts on managed WordPress hosting?

Mizanur: Managed WordPress hosting is a valuable solution for website owners prioritize convenience, performance, and security. Providers handle technical aspects like server optimization, automatic updates, and security monitoring, freeing up time for content creation. They offer performance optimization with server-level caching and CDN integration, ensuring fast website speed. Robust security measures, expert support, scalability, and flexibility make managed hosting a reliable choice. Though it may cost more, the benefits justify the investment for many users. Researching providers and comparing features is crucial before making a decision.

Devrims: Our readers would love to have a look at your workspace.

Devrims: As we wrap up, who would you recommend for our next interview?

Mizanur: For your next interview, consider speaking with a prominent WordPress developer who can share insights into best practices, emerging trends, and experiences working with clients or contributing to the WordPress community. They could offer valuable perspectives on WordPress development, optimization, and the future of the platform. And all of these traits are available none other than Mr. Hasin Hayder from Bangladesh. He is an internationally recognized person in this area. Your audience is gonna love hearing his story.