wp-abilities-api

To expose plugin permissions to a front-end client, you register capabilities using the WordPress Abilities API and mark them with meta.show_in_rest. This makes permission metadata queryable via the wp-json/wp-abilities/v1 REST endpoints.

You need to use the Abilities API lifecycle hooks when registering custom categories and abilities to ensure proper initialization. Hook into wp_abilities_api_categories_init for categories and wp_abilities_api_init for abilities during plugin or theme development.

Yes, the WordPress Abilities API requires version 6.9 or higher for proper compatibility. You must ensure your plugin or theme development environment meets this version requirement to utilize the REST exposure and PHP registration hooks correctly.

The best way to structure permissions for REST exposure is to define distinct categories and abilities, then wire them into their respective lifecycle hooks. Ensure ability metadata includes show_in_rest to verify endpoints under wp-json/wp-abilities/v1 return expected data.

Abilities may not show in the REST API if the meta.show_in_rest flag is missing or if registration occurs outside the wp_abilities_api_init hook. Verify proper lifecycle hook attachment and metadata configuration to expose endpoints correctly.