A WordPress plugin requires a main PHP file with a plugin header comment containing metadata like Plugin Name, Version, Author, and Description. The file should be placed in the wp-content/plugins directory.
Use register_activation_hook() and register_deactivation_hook() functions. Example: register_activation_hook(__FILE__, 'my_activation_function'); These hooks run when the plugin is activated or deactivated.
Action hooks allow you to execute custom code at specific points during WordPress execution. Use add_action() to hook your functions into WordPress core actions, like 'init', 'admin_menu', or 'wp_head'.
Use add_menu_page() or add_submenu_page() functions in an admin_menu action hook to create a settings page. Then use the Settings API to register and manage plugin settings.
Use wp_enqueue_script() and wp_enqueue_style() within a wp_enqueue_scripts hook for frontend, or admin_enqueue_scripts for admin pages. Always include dependencies and version numbers.
Use dbDelta() function in your activation hook to create tables. Format the SQL statement correctly with proper syntax and use the WordPress $wpdb global object for database operations.
Filters modify data before it's displayed or saved. Use add_filter() to hook into existing filters or create custom ones. Example: add_filter('the_content', 'my_content_filter');
Use __(), _e(), or other internationalization functions for text strings. Create a POT file, and load text domain using load_plugin_textdomain() in the plugins_loaded hook.
Always validate and sanitize input data, use nonces for forms, check user capabilities, escape output data, and follow WordPress coding standards. Use wp_verify_nonce() for form submissions.
Use version numbers in your plugin header. Implement upgrade routines in activation hook or separate function. Consider using the WordPress update API for automatic updates from your server.
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2025.05.08