How To Develop A WordPress Plugin With An API

There are several steps to develop a WordPress plugin with an API. For many developers, it’s more efficient to create a WP plugin than to add custom functionality to a site. Indeed, developers can still use a plugin if they decide to change themes. In addition, this can streamline projects where multiple themes need to share custom functionality. As a WordPress developer, you need to know the right steps to build a plugin with a WP API. This way, you can deliver on your clients’ custom requests. Read on to learn about how to develop a WordPress plugin with an API.

Choose An API

First, you need to choose an API to start building your WP plugin. As you choose your API, look at quality of the API’s software development documentation. Ideally, it should be thorough and easy to understand for any developer. If the documentation seems sparse or outdated, you may have to sift through source code to answer questions you have. In addition, consider the maturity of the API as well. Look for a clear versioning system in the endpoint URLs. This way, you can prevent breaks due to changes in the upstream API. Absolutely, choose a well-documented API before you start building your WordPress plugin.

Test Your API

Next, test your API to ensure proper configuration. Download a scalable API testing tool that you can integrate into your CI/CD pipeline. Once you install the program, you may need to sign up for an account to access an API workspace. Next, you can customize your workspace by choosing from different tools you need. For example, some API test tools offer automated testing, API documentation, and monitoring feature. After you set up your workspace, import your API collection or environment. Then, you can add requests for test scripts. With this, you can set up checkpoints to verify your response status. Definitely, test your API using a testing tool to ensure proper configuration for your plugin.

Code The Plugin Basics

In addition, you need to code the plugin basics to use it on your WordPress site. To get started, create a fold with the name of your plugin. Next, make a new php file within the folder. At the top of the file, you should place code for the plugin name, URI, and description. Of course, include the author of the plugin and the version number as well. For more complex plugins, you might need to load a language file and create additional parameters. In addition, you should also code in features to prevent security breaches. Once you have the file, place the plugin folder inside your WordPress install. Then, you can include the library that handles your API requests by writing “$ composer require” followed by the name of your package. Undoubtedly, code the plugin basics to see it on your WP site.

Run The Plugin

Once you code the basics, you need to run your WordPress plugin. If you were unable to upload the file, at /wp-content/plugins, you can zip it and upload it from the plugins section. To do this, go to your WP admin page. Under plugins, click add new. Then, choose your zip file and click Install Now. After you have your plugin uploaded, click on the activate plugin button. Now, your plugin should be activated and running. With your functional code in this folder, you should now see the changes on your WP site. To double-check, click on the installed plugins list. In short, run the plugin to activate it on your WordPress website.

Create A Plugin Settings Page

Furthermore, create a plugin settings page for your WP site. To create this, you can go inside the WordPress admin pages to remove wp_enqueue_style() inside the enqueue styles function. In addition, you can call to wp_enqueue inside the enqueue scripts function. Importantly, this approach works best if you don’t plan to add any CSS/JS to the admin screen. If you want to add some styling, you should load the files only to the settings page of your plugin. To do this, place the code “tools_page” with the slug of your plugin settings page. Then, you’ll be able to create a setting page on the tools screen. Of course, don’t add the code if you want your plugin to look like a native WP screen. This way, you can custom develop one of the best plugins for WordPress. Certainly, create a plugin settings page for your WordPress website.

There are several important steps to develop a WordPress plugin with an API. First, you should choose a well-documented API. Next, test your API to ensure proper configuration. In addition, code the basics of your plugin with the name of your API package. Moreover, run the plugin to activate it on your WP site. Furthermore, create a plugin settings page depending on how much custom styling you want. Follow these steps to learn about how to develop a WordPress plugin with an API.