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, websites are like digital fingerprints, each uniquely crafted yet often built on familiar frameworks. Determining the platform a website is built on can be akin to solving a mystery, where clues are scattered across the code, design, and even the behavior of the site itself. Whether you’re a curious developer, a digital marketer, or just someone who loves to peek behind the digital curtain, this guide will walk you through the various methods to uncover the platform behind any website. And, because the internet is a place of endless surprises, we’ll also explore some whimsical, less logical ways to guess a website’s platform—because why not?

1. Inspect the Source Code

The most straightforward way to identify a website’s platform is by examining its source code. Right-click on any webpage and select “View Page Source” (or use Ctrl+U on Windows or Cmd+Option+U on Mac). Look for telltale signs in the HTML, CSS, or JavaScript:

• Meta Tags: Platforms like WordPress often include meta tags such as <meta name="generator" content="WordPress">.
• File Paths: Look for directories like /wp-content/ (WordPress) or /static/ (common in React-based sites).
• Comments: Some platforms leave comments in the code, such as <!-- Built with Shopify -->.

2. Check the Website’s Footer

Many websites proudly display their platform in the footer, often with a “Powered by” statement. For example:

• “Powered by WordPress”
• “Built with Wix”
• “Created using Squarespace”

While not all websites do this, it’s a quick and easy way to identify the platform if the information is present.

3. Use Online Tools

There are several online tools designed to detect the platform a website is built on. Some popular options include:

• BuiltWith: Enter a URL, and it will provide detailed information about the technologies used, including the CMS, hosting provider, and even analytics tools.
• Wappalyzer: A browser extension that analyzes websites and displays the technologies they use in real-time.
• WhatCMS: Specifically designed to identify content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal.

4. Analyze the URL Structure

The structure of a website’s URLs can reveal its platform. For example:

• WordPress often uses URLs like example.com/category/post-name/.
• Shopify URLs typically include /products/ or /collections/.
• Custom-built sites might have more unique or less standardized URL structures.

5. Examine the Website’s Design and Features

Certain platforms have distinct design elements or features that can give them away:

• WordPress: Often uses themes with recognizable layouts, such as the default Twenty Twenty-Three theme.
• Wix: Known for its drag-and-drop editor, Wix sites often have a polished but somewhat generic look.
• Shopify: E-commerce sites with product pages, shopping carts, and payment gateways are often built on Shopify.

6. Look for Platform-Specific Plugins or Widgets

Many platforms have unique plugins or widgets that are easily identifiable. For example:

• WordPress sites might use plugins like Yoast SEO or WooCommerce.
• Shopify sites often include Shopify-specific apps like Product Reviews or Currency Converter.

7. Check the Cookies

Websites often store cookies that can hint at their platform. Use your browser’s developer tools (F12 or Ctrl+Shift+I) to inspect the cookies. Look for names like wp_, shopify_, or squarespace_.

8. Analyze the JavaScript Libraries

Different platforms use different JavaScript libraries. For example:

• WordPress often includes jQuery.
• React-based sites might include react.js or next.js.
• Shopify uses its own custom JavaScript libraries.

9. Look for Platform-Specific Errors

Sometimes, error messages can reveal the platform. For example:

• A “404 Error” page on a WordPress site might include the default WordPress styling.
• Shopify sites often have custom error pages that include the Shopify logo.

10. Ask the Website Owner

If all else fails, you can always reach out to the website owner or administrator. They might be willing to share information about the platform they used to build their site.

Whimsical Ways to Guess a Website’s Platform

Now, for some less logical but fun methods to guess a website’s platform:

• The Font Test: If the website uses Comic Sans, it’s probably not built on a professional platform like WordPress. (Or maybe it is, and the owner just has a unique sense of style.)
• The Loading Time: If the site takes forever to load, it might be built on a platform with heavy plugins or poor optimization. Or maybe it’s just hosted on a potato server.
• The “About Us” Page: If the “About Us” page is written in the third person and includes phrases like “passionate about leveraging synergies,” it’s probably built on a corporate CMS like SharePoint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I determine a website’s platform if it uses a custom domain? Yes, a custom domain doesn’t hide the platform. Tools like BuiltWith or Wappalyzer can still detect the underlying technology.

Q2: Are there platforms that are harder to detect than others? Custom-built websites or those using headless CMS setups can be more challenging to identify, as they often lack obvious platform-specific markers.

Q3: Why would someone want to know what platform a website is built on? Knowing the platform can help with competitive analysis, troubleshooting, or even deciding which platform to use for your own website.

Q4: Can a website hide its platform? While it’s possible to obscure some platform-specific details, determined users or tools can often still uncover the underlying technology.

Q5: Is it legal to check a website’s platform? Yes, inspecting a website’s code or using tools to analyze its platform is generally legal, as long as you’re not attempting to exploit or hack the site.

By combining technical analysis with a dash of creativity, you can uncover the secrets behind any website’s platform. Whether you’re solving a digital mystery or just satisfying your curiosity, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Happy sleuthing!