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wp-plugin-development

Build WordPress plugins with structured architecture, lifecycle hooks, and Settings API integration.

9|1|Updated Sep 10, 2022
Search Tags:#architecture#security#packaging#plugin development#lifecycle#wordpress#settings-api
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/WPdoaction/animal-shelter --skill wp-plugin-development
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: wp-plugin-development
Source: https://github.com/WPdoaction/animal-shelter/tree/main/.claude/skills/wp-plugin-development
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/WPdoaction/animal-shelter --skill wp-plugin-development

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps WordPress plugin developers overcome the complexity of building robust plugins by providing a structured approach to architecture, lifecycle hooks (activation, deactivation, uninstall), admin UI with the Settings API, data storage strategies, security best practices (nonces, capabilities, sanitization/escaping), and release packaging.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Bootstrap a minimal plugin: single bootstrap file and a loader/class pattern to initialize plugin code.
  • Lifecycle management: handle activation, deactivation, and uninstall hooks with safe migrations.
  • Admin UI & Settings API: create settings pages, register settings with validation and sanitization.
  • Security & data handling: implement nonce checks, capability checks, and safe data storage/escaping.
  • Release packaging: prepare a clean build, docs, and assets for distribution.

Quick Start

Create a basic WordPress plugin scaffold in wp-content/plugins/your-plugin with a bootstrap file and a loader, then implement the activation hooks, a Settings API page, and a simple security review following the guidelines in this skill.

Frequently Asked Questions about wp-plugin-development

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I structure a WordPress plugin architecture with a bootstrap file and loader?▼

A coherent WordPress plugin architecture uses a single main bootstrap file paired with a loader class to initialize code. This pattern separates initialization from logic, ensuring reliable lifecycle management and maintainable data handling.

How do I handle WordPress plugin activation, deactivation, and uninstall hooks safely?▼

WordPress plugin lifecycle management requires top-level activation, deactivation, and uninstall hooks. You implement these hooks with safe data migrations and cleanup routines to prevent orphaned settings or database errors.

What's the best way to integrate the WordPress Settings API for plugin admin pages?▼

Integrating the WordPress Settings API involves creating settings pages and registering settings with validation and sanitization. This ensures secure data handling and proper admin UI rendering for your plugin configuration.

How do I implement security best practices like nonces and capability checks in WordPress plugins?▼

WordPress plugin security requires implementing nonce checks, capability checks, and strict data sanitization and escaping. These practices prevent unauthorized access and secure data storage against common vulnerabilities.

How do I prepare a WordPress plugin for release packaging and distribution?▼

WordPress plugin release packaging involves preparing a clean build, documentation, and assets for distribution. This ensures your plugin archive is stable, secure, and ready for deployment to the repository.

Do I need prior WordPress development experience to build a plugin with a coherent architecture?▼

Building a WordPress plugin with a coherent architecture requires intermediate development knowledge. You need familiarity with the Settings API, lifecycle hooks, and security practices to manage bootstrap patterns and data storage effectively.

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