Semalt: WordPress Plugin Tips

In some cases, a WordPress beginner might need to add extra functionality to their website. Plugins come with PHP files which add features to your WordPress theme without altering the overall website code. Unlike common plugins, a Site-Specific WordPress plugin will retain your shortcodes even when you change your theme. In this case, you may need to create a custom plugin to use on your word press website. Most online guidelines do not explain how to create a site-specific WordPress plugin.

In this article, provided by Andrew Dyhan, a leading specialist from Semalt, you will learn a method to create your PHP plugin. You will also be able to create a snippet which can add a customization or two to your WordPress website.

What is a site-specific WordPress plugin

A Site-Specific WordPress plugin forms a platform which you add non-theme-related snippets. In some instances, you may stumble upon many 'how to' procedures for your WordPress website. Most of these methods involve custom snippets which may or not necessarily plugins. With this knowledge, you can be able to add these snippets to your functions.php file to get these effects. These snippets depend on your current theme stability. You stand to lose all the changes when you modify the theme, change your theme or modify some of its functions. However, a site-specific plugin retains all these changes when you make the changes.

Reasons for using a Site-specific WordPress plugin

Site-specific WordPress plugins retain significant changes when you alter substantial portions of your website. Moreover, you can include aspects which do not rely on your theme such as using Custom Post Types, Adding WordPress Thumbnail Support, Adding Shortcodes, or Redirecting visitors to a Random Post.

From the above needs, you need a plugin or codes which retain the settings even when you change your theme. Majority of the conventional methods of running shortcodes are temporary. In some cases, you may need to keep all your codes on your site, bringing the use of a Site-Specific WordPress plugin.

In some other cases, snippets can cause the failures on a WordPress website. For instance, newbies can paste a snippet into WordPress using the wrong formatting. This error can result in a white screen of death, a scenario which can lead to loss of an entire site or unsaved changes. In other cases, users edit their snippets using the WordPress backend. A Site-specific WordPress plugin is a secure method of trying out new tactics.

Creating a Site-specific WordPress plugin

This is a straightforward process. You need to create a new folder in your WP website plugins directory. Example: /wp-content/plugins/yoursitename-plugin/

On this location, create a folder and add a PHP file to it. Make sure you use a similar file name for the folder's name. For instance, for a simple plugin, you can use the code:

<?php

Plugin Name: Site Plugin for thisexample.com

Description: Site-specific code changes for thisexample.com

/* Start Adding Functions Below this Line */

/* Stop Adding Functions Below this Line */

You can then upload and save this plugin to your directory in WordPress dashboard. Remember to activate the plugin.