If you are a developer ready to share your innovative plugin with the WordPress community, this guide is your roadmap to a successful submission. In this post, we’ll walk through all the required steps and detailed guidelines to ensure your plugin not only meets WordPress.org standards but also provides a solid, secure experience for your users. Read on to learn best practices and avoid common pitfalls.

Step 1: Understand the GNU General Public License

Before you submit your plugin, make sure it is compatible with the GNU General Public License (GPL). While any GPL-compatible license is acceptable, it is strongly recommended to use “GPLv2 or later”—the same license that WordPress uses. This ensures that all code, data, images, and third-party libraries included in your plugin maintain license consistency.

Step 2: Take Responsibility for Your Plugin

You are fully responsible for your plugin’s contents. Double-check that every file complies with established guidelines. Confirm that each file’s licensing is proper and that you never attempt to bypass established protocols. A responsible approach increases user trust and security.

Step 3: Ensure a Stable Version Is Available

It is imperative that a stable version of your plugin is available on its dedicated WordPress Plugin Directory page. Remember, WordPress.org only distributes the version hosted on its directory. Maintain an up-to-date, stable release so that users always have access to the best version available.

Step 4: Write Human-Readable Code

Your plugin’s source code must be largely human-readable. Avoid practices like code obfuscation (for example, using tools similar to p,a,c,k,e,r or aggressive mangle settings from uglify). Clear, well-documented code not only helps community reviewers but also ensures easier maintenance and future development by other developers.

Step 5: Avoid Trialware Practices

Your plugin must deliver full, unrestricted functionality immediately upon installation. Never restrict features behind payment, trial periods, or quotas. If your plugin includes paid features, consider packaging them as separate add-ons hosted outside of WordPress.org to comply with the guidelines.

Step 6: Understand Software as a Service Rules

Plugins that interface with third-party services are encouraged. However, the primary functionality of your plugin should remain self-sufficient and robust enough for independent use. Ensure that all paid or third-party services are clearly documented in your plugin’s readme file.

Step 7: Respect User Privacy

User privacy is non-negotiable. Do not track users without explicit consent. Incorporate an opt-in mechanism for any data collection, and clearly articulate in your readme how user data is handled. Including a privacy policy adds transparency and builds trust with your user base.

Step 8: Avoid Sending Executable Code Externally

Any external execution of code via third-party systems must be avoided unless these services are secure and thoroughly documented. Ensure that your plugin only loads external code when its security can be confidently guaranteed.

Step 9: Stay Within Ethical Standards

Your plugin should never engage in practices that are illegal, dishonest, or morally questionable. Avoid tactics such as manipulating search results, misleading users about paid versus free features, or falsifying review support. Ethical practices are essential for maintaining a strong reputation and compliance with WordPress.org policies.

Step 10: Respect External Links and Credits

If your plugin includes credit displays or external links, make sure they are strictly optional. Users should always have the choice to opt in or opt out without any forced display. This transparent approach respects user autonomy and adheres to best practices.

Step 11: Maintain an Intuitive Admin Experience

Your plugin must be designed to coexist harmoniously with the WordPress admin dashboard. Avoid intrusive alerts, aggressive upgrade prompts, or any behavior that might hijack the admin interface. Notifications should be subtle and self-dismissible, ensuring a smooth user experience.

Step 12: Keep Readmes Free from Spam

Ensure that your public-facing readme files are created for human readability. Avoid including spammy content or excessive affiliate links. Steer clear of SEO manipulation tactics by focusing on clear, useful instructions and guidelines that help developers and end users alike.

Step 13: Utilize Default WordPress Libraries

Whenever possible, rely on the libraries already included in WordPress (such as jQuery or PHPMailer) instead of bundling your own versions. Using WordPress’ default libraries helps maintain better security, compatibility, and overall performance.

Step 14: Limit Commit Frequency

Keep your plugin’s SVN repository commits to a minimum. Frequent, unnecessary commits can strain the system and complicate version control. Commit only finalized code that is ready for release, and always provide descriptive commit messages.

Step 15: Increment Version Numbers

Regularly update your plugin by incrementing its version number with every release. This practice not only helps users stay informed about new updates but also ensures the readme.txt accurately reflects the current version, maintaining synchronization between your code and documentation.

Step 16: Submit a Complete Plugin

Your submission must contain a complete, fully functioning plugin. Names cannot be reserved on WordPress.org, so ensure that your complete plugin is ready at the time of submission to avoid losing your preferred plugin name.

Step 17: Respect Trademarks and Copyrights

Avoid using trademarks, copyrighted material, or project names without proper authorization. A common pitfall is the misuse of the term “WordPress,” which must only be used if you are an official representative. Adhering to these restrictions prevents legal complications and maintains community trust.

Step 18: Follow the Directory’s Maintenance Rights

WordPress.org reserves the right to maintain its Plugin Directory for safety and quality. This means your plugin may be removed if it violates any guidelines or if standards are updated. Stay current with the detailed plugin guidelines to ensure ongoing compliance.

Bonus Tips: Naming Conventions and Further Reading

To avoid naming collisions, adopt unique prefixes when naming functions, classes, and variables. This practice prevents conflicts with other plugins and the core functionality of WordPress.

For additional insights, be sure to check out the Detailed Plugin Guidelines and the Best Practices for Plugin Development.

Final Thoughts

Adhering to these guidelines ensures that your plugin not only meets WordPress.org standards but also provides a consistent, secure experience for users. Emphasizing clarity, responsibility, and ethical practices is key to a smooth plugin submission process. Happy coding and best of luck on your WordPress development journey!