# Understanding managed WordPress installation

> The managed WordPress installation option lets you choose between deploying WordPress from a Git repository (source control mode) or storing files in a persistent volume with direct admin panel management (managed mode).

Understanding managed WordPress installation
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When creating a WordPress application, you have the option to enable "Use managed WordPress installation". This setting fundamentally changes how your WordPress site operates and stores its files.

### What it does

The managed WordPress installation option determines whether your WordPress files are stored in a persistent volume or deployed from your source code repository.

#### Source control mode (default - unchecked)

- WordPress is deployed from your Git repository
- All files are built into the application image during deployment
- Theme and plugin changes must be committed to Git
- Updates require pushing changes to your repository and redeploying
- Ideal for teams using version control and development workflows

#### Managed mode (checked)

- WordPress files are stored in a 20GB persistent volume
- Install themes and plugins directly from the WordPress admin panel
- All changes (uploads, plugins, themes) automatically persist
- No need to commit changes to Git
- SFTP access becomes available for direct file management
- Repository files are ignored during deployment

### Pros and cons

#### Source control mode pros

- Full version control history of all changes
- Code review process for theme and plugin updates
- Easy rollback to previous versions
- Consistent deployments across environments
- Better for collaborative development

#### Source control mode cons

- Requires technical knowledge of Git
- Plugin and theme updates must be committed manually
- Media uploads need separate handling
- More complex workflow for content managers

#### Managed mode pros

- Traditional WordPress experience
- Direct plugin and theme installation from admin panel
- No Git knowledge required
- All changes persist automatically
- SFTP access for file management
- Easier for non-technical users

#### Managed mode cons

- No version control for changes
- Cannot easily rollback updates
- No code review process
- Harder to maintain consistency across environments
- Manual backup management needed

### Important limitation

**This setting cannot be changed after the application is created.** Once you create a WordPress application in either source control mode or managed mode, you cannot switch between them. You would need to create a new application to use a different mode.

### Which mode should you choose?

- **Choose source control mode if:** You're a developer or agency managing client sites, need version control, want code review processes, or require consistent deployments across multiple environments.
- **Choose managed mode if:** You want a traditional WordPress experience, prefer managing everything through the WordPress admin panel, don't need version control, or are building a single site without complex deployment needs.