Imagine working on a WordPress project and needing to add a custom code or a WordPress snippet for enhanced functionality. Perhaps you’ve thought about adding it to your Theme’s functions.php file, creating a Child Theme, or even installing a plugin to allow the addition of custom code. But have you considered creating your own plugin? This 2021 tutorial by Jakson will guide you and empower you to create your own “project-specific” plugin, helping you keep all your custom code in a single place, negating the need for a child theme.
The course takes you right from the beginning – creating your own simple custom plugin. It can be as straightforward as coding a custom plugin for WordPress is. Jakson breaks down the process of adding personalized functions to your future website builds. From discussing a project-specific plug-in to showing how easy it is to disable the admin bar on the frontend, Jakson gives it to you straight. There’s no better time to elevate your WordPress skills and create your own exemplary plugin.
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Understanding the Need for Custom WordPress Plugin
When working on a WordPress project that requires custom functionality, it would be ill-advised to add the custom code to your theme’s functions.php file. Why?
Why custom code should not be added to Theme’s functions.php file
The reason is simple: your modifications could be lost each time the theme is updated. Now, while you could add a child theme and put the code there or install a plugin allowing you to add custom code, developing a unique plugin is a far more effective solution.
Advantages of creating your own plugin vs using a child theme
Creating your project-specific plugin simplifies the process and keeps all your custom code organized in one place, eliminating the need for a child theme. This is a more sustainable, highly scalable solution that ensures your modifications remain intact despite theme updates.
Overview of project-specific plugin creation
Creating a WordPress plugin, especially when it’s project-specific, can seem daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. Despite its seemingly complex nature, plugin creation is incredibly straightforward once you nail the basics.
Introduction to Custom Plugin Creation
Before we delve into plugin creation, let’s understand why it’s necessary first.
Why you need to add custom code snippets in plugin
Adding your custom code snippets to plugins is a safer alternative than tweaking the functions.php file. It offers an organized, accessible, and edit-friendly way of adding and managing custom functions across your site.
The relative ease of creating custom plugins in WordPress
Though plugin creation might seem complex at first glance, it’s surprisingly simple. The WordPress ecosystem is designed to be user-friendly, even when it comes to creating and managing plugins.
The scope of this tutorial in creating a simple custom plugin
This tutorial aims to guide you through creating a basic, project-specific custom plugin where you can add custom functions for your website. You don’t require a deep understanding of PHP or WordPress inner workings here—in fact, it’s a beginner-friendly guide.
How to add functions for your website in the plugin
We’ll go through adding functions to your plugin later on in this tutorial. Functions can range from simple tweaks, like disabling the admin bar, to complex additions, like creating custom post types.
Preparing for Plugin Creation
Before we start, there are two essential sources at your disposal.
Getting a code editor
A code editor is necessary for creating your plugin. Visual Studio Code is an excellent, and free, choice. Alternatively, you can also use a basic text editor.
Familiarizing with WordPress.org Plugin Developer Handbook
The Plugin Developer Handbook on WordPress.org, while ultimately detailed, has one essential section for creating a plugin header, which we’ll use. Don’t be intimidated by its length; you just need a single snippet.
Understanding Plugin Header Requirements
Creating a WordPress plugin involves coding a plugin header.
How to make WordPress recognize a plugin
For WordPress to recognize your file as a plugin, you need to scaffold a proper plugin header.
Key structure of the plugin header
To create a plugin, copy the plugin header code typography from the Handbook. The header structure is simple, and you’ll understand it in no time.
The requirement for basic plugin creation
Once you’ve set your plugin header in place, you’re all set! Your WordPress plugin is technically prepared.
Creating the Plugin File
Before you can start adding custom functions to your plugin, you must create the plugin file first.
Deciding a name for the plugin
Naming your plugin is an essential step. Try to pick a name that reflects your project to keep things organized.
Saving the new file with a .php suffix
Once named, save your file with a .php suffix. You’ve just created your basic plugin file!
Adding Basics to Your Plugin
Now that your plugin file is ready, we can start adding some basics.
Embedding the PHP tags
First, you need to include the opening PHP tag at the beginning. There’s no need to close the tag.
Pasting the plugin header code
After inserting the PHP tag, paste the plugin header code you copied from the Handbook.
Customizing Your Plugin
Next, you need to customize the header for your specific project.
Naming your plugin based on project
Plug in the name of your project into the header.
Adding a description to the plugin
Add a brief description specifying the plugin’s purpose. This aids future understanding and preserves the context of your code.
Importance of descriptor for future reference
Knowing what your plugin does at a glance is crucial, especially when other developers look at your code down the line. A detailed descriptor ensures your code remains clear and understandable.
Inputting Functionality Into Your Plugin
Now the fun part: adding custom functionality to your plugin.
Taking a working example of disabling admin bar
Let’s take disabling the WordPress admin bar on the front-end as an example.
Incorporating the code snippet into the plugin
For any functionality you add to your plugin, always include a description so future modifiers can understand what your code snippets do.
Importance of adding a description for your function
Including a description with each function ensures that any developer who comes across your code can understand its purpose immediately.
Deploying Your Plugin
Finally, once your plugin is complete, you need to deploy it to your WordPress site.
Preparing a zip file for uploading
To upload your plugin, you need to compress your plugin file into a .zip file.
Uploading and activating the plugin through wp-admin
Once compressed, log into your WordPress admin dashboard to upload and activate your plugin.
Checking the functionality of the deployed plugin
After activation, test your website to confirm that your plugin is functioning correctly.
Conclusion
Overview of the process of custom plugin creation
Creating a simple WordPress plugin is a relatively straightforward process. With planning and a bit of practice, it becomes second nature. So get involved, start small, and happy coding!
Encouraging audience participation in the comment section
Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or any questions you might have about WordPress plugin creation in the comment section below. Any feedback or discussion is welcome!