A WordPress plugin is a piece of software that “plugs into” your WordPress site. Plugins can add new functionality or extend existing functionality on your site, allowing you to create virtually any kind of website, from ecommerce stores to portfolios to directory sites.
Learn Wordpress
Creating and developing a plugin in WordPress can be very simple if you have some knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Despite this, some beginners can also complete this mission with the right instructions. You just need to have a properly configured development environment and the CMS (Content Management System) installed.
Plugins can make small tweaks on your site or massive changes, depending on their features. For example, you could use a plugin to add a WhatsApp share button to your site or to create a fully multilingual site. Or, if you run an ecommerce business, you might install a plugin to assist with payment gateways or allow visitors to book appointments online.
While many make changes to the front end of your site, some plugins make changes on the back end so maintenance is easier for your team.
Plugins allow you to add or extend the functionality of your WordPress site without changing core WordPress files.
Types of WordPress Plugin
Plugins can carry out lots of tasks. What they all have in common is that they add extra functionality to your site. Types of WordPress plugin include:
site maintenance plugins for things like security, performance, or backups
marketing and sales plugins for things like SEO, social media, or eCommerce
API plugins that work with the WordPress REST API or pull in external content from services like Google Maps
content plugins such as custom post types, widgets, shortcodes, forms, galleries, and video feeds
community plugins that add social networking features
and lots more! For an idea of what plugins can do, check out the WordPress plugin directory and the CodeCanyon marketplace.
What Goes Into a Plugin?
Before you get started building your plugin, it’s worth knowing what goes into a plugin. Exactly what the plugin code will look like will depend on your plugin: some are small, with just one plugin file, while others are massive, with multiple include files, scripts, stylesheets, and template files. And there are plenty that fall somewhere in the middle.
The elements you’ll probably have in your plugin are: