To submit a plugin to the WordPress repository, follow these simple steps:
-
Prepare Your Plugin
- Ensure it’s licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL)
- Create a comprehensive
readme.txtfile with plugin details, installation instructions, and FAQs
-
Create a WordPress.org Account
- Register for an account at wordpress.org
- Provide accurate contact information
-
Submit for Review
- Log in to your account and go to the "Add Your Plugin" page
- Fill out the required fields and upload your plugin’s zip file
- The WordPress team will review your plugin based on security, naming, and functionality
-
Use Subversion (SVN)
- Set up a local SVN repository for your plugin
- Add and commit your plugin files to the SVN repository
- Tag your plugin files with version numbers
-
Post-Submission
- Keep your plugin up-to-date and compatible with the latest WordPress versions
- Manage support questions from users
- Engage with the WordPress community to ensure your plugin remains relevant
By following these steps, you can successfully submit your plugin to the WordPress repository and share your creation with millions of WordPress users.
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What is the WordPress Plugin Repository?
The WordPress Plugin Repository is a trusted source for users to find and download free plugins. With over 60,000 plugins available, it’s a central hub where developers can share their creations with the WordPress community, and users can discover new plugins to enhance their WordPress experience.
Benefits for Developers and Users
The repository offers several benefits for both developers and users:
- Developers:
- Showcase their work
- Receive feedback
- Improve their plugins
- Users:
- One-stop-shop to find and download plugins
- Extend the functionality of their WordPress website
Having a plugin listed in the WordPress Plugin Repository can increase its visibility and credibility. It also provides a way for developers to give back to the WordPress community, as all plugins in the repository are free and open-source.
In the next section, we will discuss the steps to prepare your plugin for submission to the WordPress Plugin Repository.
Step 1: Get Your Plugin Ready
Before submitting your plugin to the WordPress Plugin Repository, make sure it meets the required standards. In this section, we’ll cover the preliminary requirements for a plugin.
GPL License Compatibility
The WordPress Plugin Repository requires all plugins to be licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 or later. This license ensures that your plugin is open-source and free for users to modify and distribute. Review your plugin’s license agreement to ensure it’s compatible with the GPL.
Write a Readme.txt File
A well-crafted Readme.txt file is essential for user understanding and plugin usability. This file should include:
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Plugin name and version | Identify your plugin and its current version |
| Description of the plugin’s functionality | Briefly explain what your plugin does |
| Installation instructions | Provide step-by-step instructions for installing your plugin |
| Screenshots or other visual aids | Include images or videos to help users understand your plugin |
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Answer common questions users may have |
| Changelog | List changes made to your plugin over time |
The Readme.txt file should be written in Markdown syntax and follow the official WordPress Plugin Directory guidelines. A well-structured Readme.txt file helps users quickly understand your plugin’s capabilities and how to use it effectively.
By ensuring your plugin meets these preliminary requirements, you’ll be well-prepared for the submission process and increase the chances of your plugin being approved by the WordPress Plugin Repository.
Step 2: Create a WordPress.org Account
To submit your plugin to the WordPress Plugin Repository, you need to create a WordPress.org account. This account will serve as your identity in the WordPress community and allow you to manage your plugin’s presence in the repository.
Registering for a WordPress.org Account
To create a WordPress.org account, follow these steps:
1. Visit the WordPress Plugin Directory and click on the "Register" link at the top right corner of the page. 2. Fill in the required information, including your username, email address, and password. 3. Once you’ve completed the registration process, you’ll receive an email to confirm your account.
Confirming Your Account
Check your email inbox for a confirmation link from WordPress.org. Click on this link to activate your account. You’ll be prompted to create a secure password and provide some basic information about yourself.
Importance of Accurate Contact Information
When creating your WordPress.org account, make sure to provide accurate contact information, including your email address. This information will be used by the WordPress review team to communicate with you about your plugin submission.
By creating a WordPress.org account, you’ll be able to manage your plugin’s presence in the repository and receive important updates about your plugin’s status. In the next step, we’ll cover the process of submitting your plugin for review.
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Step 3: Submit Your Plugin for Review
Now that you have a WordPress.org account, it’s time to submit your plugin for review. This process involves uploading your plugin’s zip file and providing some basic information about your plugin.
Review Criteria
The WordPress team will evaluate your plugin based on the following criteria:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Security | Your plugin must not contain any malicious code or vulnerabilities that could compromise the security of WordPress users. |
| Plugin naming | Your plugin’s name must be unique and not conflict with any existing plugins in the repository. |
| Functionality | Your plugin must function as described and not cause any issues with WordPress or other plugins. |
Submitting Your Plugin
To submit your plugin for review, follow these steps:
1. Visit the Add Your Plugin page and log in with your WordPress.org account. 2. Fill out the required fields, including your plugin’s name, description, and version number. 3. Upload your plugin’s zip file by clicking on the "Select File" button. 4. Check all the boxes that apply to your plugin, such as the license type and compatibility with WordPress versions. 5. Click on the "Upload" button to submit your plugin for review.
Once you’ve submitted your plugin, the WordPress review team will review it based on the criteria mentioned above. If your plugin meets all the requirements, it will be approved and made available in the WordPress Plugin Repository.
Step 4: Use Subversion (SVN)
Subversion (SVN) is a version control system that helps you manage changes to your plugin files over time. To submit your plugin to the WordPress Plugin Repository, you need to use SVN to upload and manage your plugin files.
Set Up SVN Repository
To set up a local SVN repository for your plugin, follow these steps:
- Create a new folder on your computer and initialize it as an SVN repository using an SVN client like TortoiseSVN (for Windows) or Versions (for Mac).
- Check out a copy of your WordPress plugin’s repository from the WordPress SVN server. This will create a new folder in your local repository with the same structure as the WordPress plugin repository.
Add and Commit Plugin Files
To add your plugin files to the SVN repository, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the
trunkdirectory in your local repository and add your plugin files using the SVN client. - Commit your changes to the SVN repository with a descriptive commit message that explains what changes you’ve made.
Tagging Your Plugin Files
To tag your plugin files with a version number, use the SVN tag command. This will create a new version of your plugin in the SVN repository, which will be used to track changes and updates to your plugin over time.
Why Use SVN?
Using SVN helps you manage changes to your plugin files and ensures that your plugin is properly versioned and tracked in the WordPress Plugin Repository.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to successfully use SVN to upload and manage your plugin files in the WordPress Plugin Repository.
Step 5: After Submission
After submitting your plugin to the WordPress Plugin Repository, there are a few important steps to consider:
Updating Your Plugin
Once your plugin is approved, you’ll need to keep it up-to-date to ensure it works with the latest WordPress versions and to fix any bugs that may arise. You can update your plugin by committing changes to your SVN repository and tagging a new version.
Managing Support Questions
As your plugin gains popularity, you may receive support questions from users. You can manage these questions by responding to comments on your plugin’s page in the WordPress Plugin Repository or by creating a support forum on your website.
Engaging with the Plugin Community
The WordPress plugin community is active and supportive. You can engage with other plugin developers and users by participating in online forums, attending WordPress meetups, and sharing your expertise through blog posts or tutorials.
Post-Submission Checklist
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Update your plugin | Keep your plugin up-to-date to ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress versions and to fix bugs. |
| Manage support questions | Respond to user questions and comments on your plugin’s page or through a support forum on your website. |
| Engage with the community | Participate in online forums, attend WordPress meetups, and share your expertise through blog posts or tutorials. |
By following these post-submission steps, you can ensure your plugin remains relevant, useful, and well-maintained, which can lead to increased adoption and a positive reputation in the WordPress community.
Remember to stay active, respond to user feedback, and continuously improve your plugin to provide the best possible experience for your users.
Conclusion: Key Points
In conclusion, submitting a plugin to the WordPress repository requires careful preparation and adherence to guidelines. To recap, here are the essential points to keep in mind:
Preparation
- Ensure your plugin is compatible with the GNU General Public License (GPL).
- Prepare a comprehensive
readme.txtfile that includes plugin details, installation instructions, and FAQs.
Submission
- Create a WordPress.org account and submit your plugin for review.
- Follow the review criteria outlined by the WordPress Plugin Review Team.
Version Control
- Use Subversion (SVN) to manage your plugin’s codebase and commit changes regularly.
Post-Submission
- Keep your plugin up-to-date to ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress versions and to fix bugs.
- Manage support questions from users.
- Engage with the WordPress community to ensure your plugin remains relevant and useful.
By following these key points, you can increase your chances of a successful plugin submission and provide a valuable resource to the WordPress community.
FAQs
How do I submit a plugin to the WordPress repository?
To submit a plugin to the WordPress repository, follow these steps:
1. Get a clear idea of plugin structure. 2. Follow the community guidelines. 3. Set a unique plugin name. 4. Validate the Readme file. 5. Submit your plugin for approval. 6. Store your plugin in WordPress Subversion (SVN) repository.
How do I publish a plugin to WordPress?
To publish a plugin to WordPress, go to https://wordpress.org/plugins/add/, log in with your WordPress account (or create one), and fill out the short form. Note: Avoid using "WordPress" in the plugin name, as it will be rejected.