WordPress, created in 2003 from the b2 blogging system by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little, is a free and open-source platform that powers over 33% of the top 10 million websites. It offers two variations: WordPress.com, a hosted solution with limitations ideal for beginners, and WordPress.org, allowing full control and customization for advanced users. The platform features a permission system for user roles, organizes content through posts and pages, and supports a wide range of plugins and themes for diverse website needs.