multiwebsite

A multiwebsite, also known as a multisite network or simply multisite, is a feature found in certain content management systems (CMS) that allows a single installation of the CMS to power multiple distinct websites. This means that one core installation can manage a collection of websites, each with its own domain or subdomain, its own set of themes, plugins, and content, but sharing the same underlying database and core software.

The primary benefit of a multiwebsite setup is efficiency. Administrators can manage all the websites from a single dashboard, simplifying updates, security patches, and backups. New websites can be created rapidly without the need for separate installations, saving time and resources. This makes it ideal for organizations that need to manage multiple brands, departments, or client sites from a centralized location.

When a multiwebsite network is established, a super administrator has control over the entire network. They can create and manage individual sites, install themes and plugins for the entire network, and set network-wide configurations. Individual site administrators typically have control over their specific site's content, appearance, and certain settings, but not over the network as a whole or other sites within the network.

Common use cases for multiwebsite include educational institutions managing sites for different departments or student organizations, agencies building websites for multiple clients, or businesses creating distinct online presences for different product lines or regional markets. While offering significant advantages in terms of management and scalability, multiwebsite setups can also introduce complexities in terms of resource allocation and potential conflicts between plugins or themes across different sites.