Shortcodes are bit like aliases or Tags. that you can use to add different elements or objects into a blog post or page. So instead of having to type all the complex code you can just use these short "tags" or short codes instead.

You can use them for things like inserting images or special boxes
that look like postit notes or Price comparison tables that sort of thing.

A shortcode for inserting a note that looks like a postit might look like this

[NOTE] This is my note[/NOTE]

Though behind the scenes the shortcode [NOTE] might have a lot of other code.

If you look at my basic resources site

http://imresourcehub.com/free-images/

and see the " + Key" button at the top of the page , Click on that.

That is called a spoiler and has been done with a shortcode.

The text box above it has also been created with a shortcode


For these sort of shortcodes you do need to use a plugin.

but NO they are not needed but can be used to add extra functionality.

Excuse me for asking- what are shortcodes and why do we need it?

Interesting. i am checking this out to.

Yes any plugin that offers some of the features this one does can slow you site down but it is all relative and you need to look at everything as a whole.

For example it includes options like sliders,carousels,display a google map in a page/post. along with numerous box styles etc.

Individual plugins that do this can be resource hungry too but on the whole it is a good plugin.and frequently updated. I have never experienced any issues with it ... YET

As PJ stated install it on a siterubix site first, although not ideal as siterubix seems to be well ....slow to say the least which is not a good start

Hey Mike, I actually haven't tested this one. If you do test it, (recommend a siterubix site for testing) please let me know your thoughts. It does seem very powerful.

Thanks,
pj