Step 1: Preparation

  1. Check Requirements
    • Ensure your plugin meets the minimum WordPress and PHP versions.
    • Confirm compatibility with the latest WordPress version.
  2. Code Review
    • Review your code for errors and optimize performance.
    • Ensure there are no naming conflicts with other plugins.
    • Include code comments where necessary for maintainability.
  3. Documentation
    • Update the plugin documentation, including installation instructions and changelog.
    • Ensure README files and any other documentation are clear and concise.

Step 2: Testing

  1. Local Environment Testing
    • Test your plugin in a local development environment.
    • Ensure all functionalities work as expected.
  2. Staging Environment Testing
    • Deploy your plugin on a staging site that mirrors the live environment.
    • Perform thorough testing, including edge cases.
  3. Compatibility Testing
    • Test your plugin with popular themes and plugins.
    • Ensure there are no conflicts or issues.

Step 3: Deployment

  1. Backup
    • Take a backup of the current live plugin, including files and database.
  2. Upload Plugin
    • Navigate to the WordPress admin dashboard.
    • Go to Plugins > Add New and upload your plugin zip file.
  3. Activate Plugin
    • Activate the plugin and ensure there are no errors.
    • Check the site for any immediate issues.

Step 4: Post-Deployment

Step 5: Maintenance

  1. Regular Updates
    • Release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features.
    • Ensure updates are tested before deployment.
    • Communicate update details to users and provide guidance on any changes.
  2. Support
    • Provide support to users experiencing issues.
    • Keep documentation up to date with any changes or new features.
    • Address support tickets in a timely manner and offer solutions or workarounds.

Plugin Deployment Checklist (Prioritized)

Step 1: Preparation

  • Ensure plugin meets minimum WordPress and PHP versions.
  • Confirm compatibility with the latest WordPress version.
  • Review code for errors and performance.
  • Check for naming conflicts with other plugins.
  • Include necessary code comments for maintainability.
  • Update documentation, including installation instructions and changelog.
  • Ensure README files and other documentation are clear.

Step 2: Testing

  • Test plugin in a local development environment.
  • Ensure all functionalities work as expected.
  • Deploy plugin on a staging site.
  • Perform thorough testing, including edge cases.
  • Test with popular themes and plugins.
  • Ensure no conflicts or issues.

Step 3: Deployment

  • Take a backup of the current live site.
  • Navigate to WordPress admin dashboard.
  • Go to Plugins > Add New and upload plugin zip file.
  • Activate the plugin and check for errors.
  • Check site for any immediate issues.

Step 4: Post-Deployment

  • Test all features on the live site.
  • Ensure everything works as expected.
  • Monitor site for unexpected behavior or errors.
  • Check logs for warnings or errors.
  • Collect user feedback to identify issues or improvements.

Step 5: Maintenance

  • Release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and add features.
  • Ensure updates are tested before deployment.
  • Communicate update details to users.
  • Provide support to users experiencing issues.
  • Keep documentation up to date.
  • Address support tickets timely and offer solutions.
  • Regularly review for security vulnerabilities.
  • Apply necessary security patches promptly.
  • Stay informed about WordPress security updates and best practices.
  • Regularly review and optimize performance.
  • Ensure the plugin does not impact site loading times.
  • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR).
  • Implement necessary features for compliance.
  • Develop a plan for deprecating old versions or features.
  • Notify users in advance and provide migration guidance.