OpenCart vs Write.as

OpenCart is an open-source e-commerce platform, while Write.as is a minimalist blogging platform. OpenCart offers extensive customization options for online stores, whereas Write.as focuses on simplicity and distraction-free writing.

General information

OpenCart
Write.as
Introduction :
OpenCart is an open-source e-commerce platform that was launched in 2005. It is popular for its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and active community support. OpenCart is widely used by small to medium-sized businesses looking to set up online stores quickly and efficiently. With a range of themes and extensions available, users can easily tailor their online stores to suit their specific needs and preferences.
Introduction :
Write.as is a minimalist and privacy-focused platform launched in 2015. It offers a distraction-free writing experience with a strong emphasis on anonymity and privacy. Write.as is open source, allowing users to self-host their content if desired. Popular for its simplicity and clean design, it appeals to writers looking for a no-frills platform to share their thoughts and ideas without the distractions of traditional blogging platforms.
Advantages :
  • Easy to use and customize for beginners
  • Wide range of extensions and themes available
  • Strong SEO capabilities for online visibility
  • Multi-store functionality for managing multiple stores
  • Active community for support and updates
Advantages :
  • Clean and distraction-free writing environment
  • Privacy-focused with no ads or tracking
  • Easy to use with minimal learning curve
  • Supports Markdown for formatting
  • Ability to publish anonymously or under a pseudonym
Disadvantages :
  • Limited built-in features
  • Requires technical knowledge for customization
  • Not as user-friendly as other platforms
  • Limited support options
  • Less extensive app marketplace
Disadvantages :
  • Limited customization options compared to other platforms
  • Lack of built-in e-commerce functionality
  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Limited third-party integrations available
  • Less robust community support and resources
Website users : Hundreds of thousands
OpenCart is used by hundreds of thousands of websites worldwide, making it a popular choice for e-commerce businesses of all sizes.
Website users : Thousands
Write.as is used by thousands of websites as a simple and privacy-focused platform for blogging and content creation.
๐ŸŸก Difficulty : Average.
OpenCart has a moderate learning curve, requiring some technical knowledge to set up and customize the platform effectively.
๐ŸŸข Difficulty : Easy.
Getting started on Write.as is straightforward with its simple interface and minimal setup requirements, making it accessible for beginners and non-technical users.
Year launched : 2005
OpenCart was launched in 2005, making it one of the earlier e-commerce platforms available for online businesses.
Year launched : 2015
Launched in 2015, Write.as is a relatively newer platform compared to others in the content management space.
Official website : https://www.opencart.com/
Official website : https://write.as/


Commercial details

OpenCart
Write.as
๐ŸŸข Open source : Fully.
OpenCart is fully open source, written in PHP. Users have full access to the code for customization and development.
๐ŸŸก Open source : Partially.
Write.as is partially open source, with the code for the core platform being available on GitHub, but some features are proprietary.
๐ŸŸข Free option : Yes.
OpenCart offers a free, self-hosted option with basic features. Additional functionalities may require paid extensions or themes.
๐ŸŸข Free option : Yes.
Free option available with limited features. Hosted platform with basic functionality for personal blogging or simple websites.
๐ŸŸข Paid option : Yes.
OpenCart offers a paid option for users looking for additional features, support, and customization options beyond the free version.
๐ŸŸข Paid option : Yes.
Write.as offers a paid option with additional features such as custom domains, password protection, and priority support for users looking for more advanced capabilities.


Platform details

OpenCart
Write.as
๐ŸŸข Hosted : Yes.
OpenCart offers a hosted option through various third-party vendors, allowing users to easily set up and manage their online store without the need for self-hosting.
โšช Hosted : Unknown.
Hosted options may be available through third-party vendors, but specific details on official hosted options are unclear.
๐ŸŸข Self host : Yes.
OpenCart offers a self-host option, allowing users to choose their own hosting provider for more control over their online store.
๐ŸŸข Self host : Yes.
Self-hosting is possible with Write.as, allowing users to have full control over their platform and data privacy.
๐ŸŸก Headless CMS : Supported via plugin.
OpenCart does not natively support headless architecture but can be integrated with headless features through plugins and APIs.
๐ŸŸก Headless CMS : Supported via plugin.
Write.as does not natively support headless systems but can be integrated with headless features through its API using plugins.
๐ŸŸก Static content generation : Supported via plugin.
OpenCart does not natively support static content generation but can be achieved perhaps via a popular plugin.
๐ŸŸก Static content generation : Supported via plugin.
Static content generation is possible on Write.as perhaps via a popular plugin, offering flexibility for users who prefer this feature.


Key features

OpenCart
Write.as
๐ŸŸก Content management : Supported via plugin.
OpenCart offers content management capabilities through plugins, but it is not its primary focus compared to platforms like WordPress or Shopify.
๐ŸŸก Content management : Supported via plugin.
Write.as offers basic content management capabilities but may require plugins for more advanced features compared to other platforms.
๐ŸŸก Blogging : Supported via plugin.
OpenCart does not natively support blogging but can be enhanced with popular third-party plugins for blogging functionality.
๐ŸŸข Blogging : Support natively.
Write.as is a good platform for blogging with its simple and distraction-free interface, making it easy to focus on writing and publishing content.
๐ŸŸก E-commerce : Supported via plugin.
OpenCart offers good e-commerce capabilities, but may require additional plugins for advanced features compared to some other platforms.
๐Ÿ”ด E-commerce : Not supported.
Write.as is not specifically designed for e-commerce functionality, lacking native features or popular plugins for online selling compared to other platforms.
๐ŸŸก Community forum : Supported via plugin.
OpenCart does not have native community/forum features but can be enhanced by popular third-party plugins/extensions for this functionality.
๐ŸŸก Community forum : Supported via plugin.
Write.as can support a community/forum with third-party plugins, offering enhanced functionality for user interaction and engagement.
๐ŸŸก Content subscription : Supported via plugin.
Support for content subscriptions/paywalls can be enhanced by popular third-party plugins/extensions available in the OpenCart marketplace.
๐ŸŸก Content subscription : Supported via plugin.
Supports content subscriptions and paywalls through third-party plugins, enhancing functionality for monetization options on the platform.


Other features

OpenCart
Write.as
๐ŸŸก Multi-site : Supported via plugin.
OpenCart does not support multi-site natively but can be enhanced by popular third-party plugins/extensions for multi-site functionality.
๐ŸŸก Multi-site : Supported via plugin.
Multi-site functionality can be achieved through third-party plugins, offering flexibility and customization for managing multiple sites on Write.as.
๐ŸŸข Multi-language : Support natively.
OpenCart supports multi-language natively, allowing users to easily create and manage multiple language versions of their online store.
๐ŸŸก Multi-language : Supported via plugin.
Support for multiple languages can be achieved through plugins like Polyglot or Multi-language on Write.as, enhancing its capabilities.
๐ŸŸก XML Sitemaps : Supported via plugin.
OpenCart does not natively support XML sitemaps but can be enhanced with popular third-party plugins/extensions for this functionality.
๐ŸŸก XML Sitemaps : Supported via plugin.
Support for XML sitemaps can be added through a popular third-party plugin or extension, enhancing the platform's SEO capabilities.


When choosing between OpenCart and Write.as, consider your specific needs - if you require a robust e-commerce solution, OpenCart is the way to go. However, if you prioritize a clean and straightforward blogging experience, Write.as may be the better choice for you.