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wp-plugin-development

Guide WordPress plugin development covering architecture, hooks, security, and packaging.

27|1|Updated Feb 16, 2026
Search Tags:#security#php#hooks#plugin development#wordpress#wp-cli#settings api
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dr-robert-li/cowork-wordpress-expert --skill wp-plugin-development-dr-robert-li
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: wp-plugin-development
Source: https://github.com/dr-robert-li/cowork-wordpress-expert/tree/main/references/wp-plugin-development
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dr-robert-li/cowork-wordpress-expert --skill wp-plugin-development-dr-robert-li

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

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

What problem does it solve?

This Skill streamlines the process of developing, securing, and packaging WordPress plugins, addressing common challenges in plugin architecture, lifecycle management, and security.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Plugin Architecture: Guides on structuring plugin code for maintainability and performance.
  • Lifecycle Management: Handles activation, deactivation, and uninstall hooks safely.
  • Admin UI & Settings: Assists in creating settings pages using the WordPress Settings API.
  • Security: Enforces best practices for nonces, capabilities, sanitization, and escaping.
  • Data & Cron: Provides guidance on data storage and scheduling tasks.
  • Packaging: Helps prepare plugins for release.
  • Use Case: Refactor an existing WordPress plugin to improve its security by implementing proper input sanitization and output escaping, and ensure its activation/deactivation hooks are robust.

Quick Start

Use the wp-plugin-development skill to refactor the plugin located at wp-content/plugins/my-custom-plugin to improve its security.

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 for maintainability and performance?▼

WordPress plugin architecture is guided by structuring code for maintainability and performance, covering hooks, admin interfaces, and lifecycle management. This approach ensures robust activation, deactivation, and uninstall processes.

What's the best way to secure a WordPress plugin against vulnerabilities?▼

Securing a WordPress plugin involves enforcing best practices for nonces, capabilities, sanitization, and escaping. Refactoring existing plugins to implement proper input sanitization and output escaping resolves common vulnerabilities.

Do I need WP-CLI to develop and maintain WordPress plugins?▼

WP-CLI is required for some workflows in WordPress plugin development, though not all tasks depend on it. The environment targets WordPress 6.9+ and PHP 7.2.24+ to facilitate development and maintenance.

How do I safely handle activation and deactivation hooks in WordPress?▼

Safely handling WordPress activation and deactivation hooks involves following structured lifecycle management guidance. This ensures robust hook implementation and secure state transitions during plugin operation.

How do I create admin settings pages using the WordPress Settings API?▼

Creating admin settings pages utilizes the WordPress Settings API to build secure admin interfaces. This provides structured assistance for managing plugin configurations and data storage.

How do I package a WordPress plugin for release?▼

Packaging a WordPress plugin for release requires preparing the finalized code, robust hooks, and secure settings. This process ensures the completed plugin is properly structured for distribution.

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