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wp-plugin-development

Guide WordPress plugin development with architecture, hooks, and lifecycle management.

1|Updated Jan 31, 2026
Search Tags:#architecture#security#lifecycle#coding-standards#wordpress#plugin-development#settings-api
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/javiercasares/cloudfest-wporgdownload --skill wp-plugin-development-javiercasares
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: wp-plugin-development
Source: https://github.com/javiercasares/cloudfest-wporgdownload/tree/main/.claude/skills/wp-plugin-development
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/javiercasares/cloudfest-wporgdownload --skill wp-plugin-development-javiercasares

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

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

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a practical blueprint for building robust WordPress plugins, covering architecture, hooks, activation lifecycle, admin UI, and secure data handling, to accelerate development and ensure quality.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Architecture & Bootstrap: Establish a minimal, predictable plugin skeleton with a loader class and clean separation of concerns.
  • Lifecycle & Security: Implement activation/deactivation/uninstall hooks with safe cleanup, and enforce nonces, capabilities, sanitization, and escaping.
  • Admin UI & Settings: Use the Settings API to store and validate options with proper admin-facing interfaces.
  • Data & Scheduling: Design data storage patterns and cron tasks with idempotent behavior and upgrade paths.
  • Guidance & Compliance: Refer to structured references for lifecycle, structure, and security best practices.

Quick Start

Follow these steps to begin applying the skill:

  1. Review the references/structure.md and references/lifecycle.md to understand recommended patterns.
  2. Create a minimal plugin bootstrap file with a standard header and a loader class to register hooks.
  3. Implement activation/deactivation/uninstall callbacks and ensure proper cleanup.
  4. Add a basic Settings API page with a sanitized option and nonce protection.
  5. Consult debugging.md and security.md to address common issues during development.

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 bootstrap for clean separation of concerns?▼

A WordPress plugin bootstrap should use a minimal skeleton with a loader class to register hooks and maintain clean separation of concerns. This establishes a predictable architecture by keeping initialization lightweight and isolating admin-only code gating from core logic.

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

Safe plugin lifecycle management in WordPress requires implementing activation, deactivation, and uninstall callbacks that ensure proper data cleanup. This approach enforces secure data handling and prevents orphaned options or database tables when the plugin is removed.

What is the best way to use the WordPress Settings API for secure option storage?▼

The WordPress Settings API should be used with nonce protection, capability checks, and proper data sanitization to securely store and validate options. This ensures the admin-facing interface adheres to WordPress coding standards and prevents unauthorized data modification.

How do I implement secure data storage and idempotent cron tasks in a WordPress plugin?▼

Secure WordPress plugin data storage and cron scheduling require designing patterns with idempotent behavior and clear upgrade paths. This ensures scheduled tasks execute safely without data duplication while enforcing nonces, sanitization, and escaping for security.

Why does my WordPress plugin need admin-only code gating and how does it work?▼

Admin-only code gating in a WordPress plugin restricts administrative interfaces and Settings API logic to authorized users. By checking capabilities and isolating admin code through the loader class, it reduces the attack surface and improves overall performance.

Can I refactor an existing WordPress plugin to follow a predictable architecture and lifecycle pattern?▼

Refactoring a WordPress plugin to follow a predictable architecture involves restructuring the bootstrap with a loader class, separating concerns, and implementing standard activation hooks. This process applies lifecycle management and security patterns to improve existing code quality without losing functionality.

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