How to Make a WordPress Plugin 2025 (Step by Step for Beginners)

Category: Blog

Introduction

What Is a WordPress Plugin?

A WordPress plugin is a small program that adds new features to your WordPress site. It can do many things—like add forms, boost speed, create custom post types, or connect to third-party tools. Think of it like an app for your website.

Why You Might Want to Create One in 2025

In 2025, WordPress powers millions of websites. But not every site is the same. Sometimes you need something custom—something no plugin in the marketplace can do. That’s where creating your own plugin helps. You can:

  • Solve a specific need on your site

  • Offer it to others and make money

  • Learn new skills and grow as a developer

Creating your own plugin gives you full control and helps your website stand out.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for:

  • Beginner developers who know some PHP and want to learn plugin development

  • Website owners who want to customize their WordPress site

  • Freelancers or agency developers who want to build plugins for clients or sell them online

If you’ve built WordPress themes or used custom code before, you’ll feel right at home.

Prerequisites Before You Start

Basic Knowledge Needed (PHP, WordPress, etc.)

Before creating a plugin, it’s good to know:

  • Basic PHP: The language used to write WordPress plugins

  • How WordPress works: Especially themes, plugins, and admin areas

  • Some HTML/CSS: For adding forms or styles

You don’t need to be an expert, but knowing the basics will help a lot.

Tools You’ll Need

To build a plugin, you’ll need:

  • A code editor like VS Code or Sublime Text

  • A local server like XAMPP, LocalWP, or MAMP

  • A clean WordPress installation for testing

  • A web browser to view your site and test features

Optional but helpful tools include:

  • Git (for version control)

  • Postman (for testing APIs)

  • ChatGPT (for help with code and ideas )

Setting Up a Local WordPress Environment

A local setup means running WordPress on your computer instead of online. To do this:

  1. Download and install LocalWP (easy for beginners).

  2. Create a new WordPress site with a name like plugin-demo.

  3. Log in to the WordPress dashboard and keep your code editor open nearby.

Now you're ready to build and test your plugin safely!

Understanding How WordPress Plugins Work

How Plugins Interact with WordPress Core

WordPress is made to be extended. It loads plugins at certain points while running. Your plugin code “hooks” into these points to add or change features.

Plugins don’t change core files. They sit on top of WordPress and use special events, called hooks, to do their work.

Hooks: Actions vs. Filters

Hooks are the magic that lets your plugin interact with WordPress. There are two kinds:

  • Actions: Do something at a certain time. Example: send an email when someone registers.

    • Code: add_action('user_register', 'my_function');

  • Filters: Change something before it shows. Example: change a post title.

    • Code: add_filter('the_title', 'my_custom_title');

You’ll use these a lot while building your plugin.

The Role of functions.php vs. Plugins

Many beginners start by pasting code into the theme’s functions.php file. That works—but it’s not ideal for long-term use. Here's why plugins are better:

  • Plugins stay active even if you change themes

  • Easier to reuse, share, or sell

  • Cleaner code structure

Use functions.php for theme-specific tweaks. Use a plugin when your feature is useful beyond just one theme.

Planning Your Plugin

Before writing code, plan what your plugin will do.

Define the Problem You Want to Solve

Start with a real problem. Good plugins solve a need. Ask:

  • What feature is missing from my site?

  • Is there a slow or manual task I can automate?

  • Can I improve something that already exists?

Example ideas:

  • A plugin that sends SMS when someone comments

  • A plugin that hides the admin bar for non-admin users

  • A custom login message plugin

Decide on Features

Write down the features you want. Keep it simple at first. You can always add more later.

For example:

  • Show a custom message on every post

  • Add a button to the admin dashboard

  • Block users from certain pages

Choose a Unique Plugin Name

Pick a name that:

  • Describes what your plugin does

  • Isn’t already used on WordPress.org

  • Uses dashes or underscores if needed

Examples:

  • simple-admin-message

  • custom-welcome-banner

  • myplugin-extra-buttons

Try to avoid names like test-plugin or plugin-1—they aren’t helpful!

Setting Up Your Plugin Folder and Files

Creating the Plugin Folder in wp-content/plugins

In your WordPress installation, go to:

wp-content/plugins/

Create a new folder for your plugin. Name it after your plugin idea. Example:

/wp-content/plugins/my-custom-message

Making the Main PHP File

Inside your folder, create a file with the same name as the folder:

my-custom-message.php

This is your main plugin file. WordPress looks for this to activate the plugin.

Writing the Plugin Header Comment

Open your PHP file and add this code at the top:

<?php /* Plugin Name: My Custom Message Plugin URI: https://yourwebsite.com Description: Shows a custom message after each blog post. Version: 1.0 Author: Your Name Author URI: https://yourwebsite.com License: GPL2 */

This tells WordPress about your plugin. After saving, go to the Plugins menu in the WordPress dashboard. You’ll see your plugin listed. You can now activate it and start adding code.

Writing Your First Plugin Code

Adding Simple Functions

Let’s add your first function! In your plugin’s main PHP file (my-custom-message.php), add this below the header:

function show_custom_message() { echo '<p style="color:green;">Thanks for reading this post!</p>'; }

This function will show a message. But right now, it doesn’t do anything. We need to “hook” it in.

Using Action Hooks

Now let’s use a WordPress action hook. We’ll add our message after the post content.

add_action('the_content', 'show_custom_message');

But wait! This won’t work perfectly yet. The the_content hook expects a return value, so we need to switch to a filter.

Using Filter Hooks

Here’s the correct way to show the message after post content:

function show_custom_message($content) { if (is_single()) { $content .= '<p style="color:green;">Thanks for reading this post!</p>'; } return $content; } add_filter('the_content', 'show_custom_message');

Now the message shows after each blog post. ????

Activating and Testing the Plugin

Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins and activate your plugin. Visit a blog post to see your custom message. That’s your first working plugin!

Creating a Plugin Settings Page

Adding Menu Items in the WordPress Admin

Most plugins need a settings page. Here’s how to add one:

add_action('admin_menu', 'my_plugin_menu'); function my_plugin_menu() { add_menu_page('Custom Message Settings', 'Message Settings', 'manage_options', 'custom-message', 'custom_message_settings_page'); }

This will create a new menu in your WordPress dashboard.

Using WordPress Settings API

Now let’s create a simple form:

function custom_message_settings_page() { ?> <div class="wrap"> <h2>Custom Message Settings</h2> <form method="post" action="options.php"> <?php settings_fields('custom_message_group'); do_settings_sections('custom-message'); submit_button(); ?> </form> </div> <?php }

Register the settings like this:

add_action('admin_init', 'custom_message_settings'); function custom_message_settings() { register_setting('custom_message_group', 'custom_message_text'); add_settings_section('section1', 'Main Settings', null, 'custom-message'); add_settings_field('custom_message_text', 'Message Text', 'custom_message_input', 'custom-message', 'section1'); } function custom_message_input() { $value = esc_attr(get_option('custom_message_text', 'Thanks for visiting!')); echo "<input type='text' name='custom_message_text' value='$value' />"; }

Now users can set a custom message in the admin!

Saving and Retrieving Options

To show the saved message on the front end, update your filter like this:

function show_custom_message($content) { if (is_single()) { $msg = esc_html(get_option('custom_message_text', 'Thanks for reading!')); $content .= "<p style='color:green;'>$msg</p>"; } return $content; }

Now your plugin is dynamic!

Using JavaScript and CSS in Your Plugin

Enqueueing Scripts Properly

Never add <script> or <style> tags directly in your plugin. Use this method instead:

add_action('wp_enqueue_scripts', 'load_plugin_scripts'); function load_plugin_scripts() { wp_enqueue_style('my-plugin-style', plugin_dir_url(__FILE__) . 'style.css'); wp_enqueue_script('my-plugin-js', plugin_dir_url(__FILE__) . 'script.js', array('jquery'), null, true); }

Make sure style.css and script.js are inside your plugin folder.

Adding Style Files

Create a file called style.css in your plugin folder:

.custom-message { font-weight: bold; color: #008000; margin-top: 10px; }

Now add the class in your message output:

$content .= "<p class='custom-message'>$msg</p>";

Making the Admin Area Look Clean

You can also style the admin area:

add_action('admin_enqueue_scripts', 'load_admin_styles'); function load_admin_styles() { wp_enqueue_style('my-plugin-admin-style', plugin_dir_url(__FILE__) . 'admin.css'); }

Then create an admin.css file for dashboard styling.

Working with WordPress Database

Creating Custom Database Tables (If Needed)

If your plugin stores complex data, you might need a custom table:

register_activation_hook(__FILE__, 'create_plugin_table'); function create_plugin_table() { global $wpdb; $table = $wpdb->prefix . 'custom_data'; $sql = "CREATE TABLE $table ( id INT AUTO_INCREMENT, data_value TEXT, PRIMARY KEY (id) )"; require_once ABSPATH . 'wp-admin/includes/upgrade.php'; dbDelta($sql); }

Only do this if you really need it.

Using $wpdb Safely

WordPress has a built-in way to query the database:

global $wpdb; $results = $wpdb->get_results("SELECT * FROM {$wpdb->prefix}custom_data");

Always use prepare() for safe SQL:

$data = 'Hello'; $wpdb->query($wpdb->prepare("INSERT INTO {$wpdb->prefix}custom_data (data_value) VALUES (%s)", $data));

Storing and Retrieving Custom Data

You can also use WordPress’s built-in options system:

add_option('my_plugin_value', 'Hello'); update_option('my_plugin_value', 'Updated Hello'); $value = get_option('my_plugin_value');

This works well for small pieces of data.

Making Your Plugin Secure and Efficient

Validating and Sanitizing Inputs

When saving user input, always clean it:

$input = sanitize_text_field($_POST['custom_input']);

Use functions like:

  • sanitize_text_field()

  • esc_html()

  • esc_attr()

  • intval()

These keep your plugin safe from bad inputs.

Avoiding Common Security Issues

  • Don’t trust any input (from forms, URLs, etc.)

  • Use nonce fields to stop hackers from submitting forms

  • Escape all output before displaying it on the page

  • Use capability checks like current_user_can('manage_options') before showing admin settings

Following WordPress Coding Standards

Follow the official WordPress coding standards for:

  • PHP

  • HTML

  • JavaScript

  • CSS

It makes your plugin easier to read and safer to use.

Preparing Your Plugin for Distribution

Testing on a Staging Site

Before sharing your plugin with the world, test it on a staging site.
A staging site is a copy of your website where you can try things safely.

  • Use a tool like LocalWP, WP Staging, or your host’s built-in staging.

  • Check for errors, warnings, or broken pages.

  • Test it with different themes and plugins to make sure it works well.

Never release a plugin without testing. Bugs make users angry.

Writing Good Documentation

Explain how your plugin works in simple steps.

Include:

  • What the plugin does

  • How to install and activate it

  • How to use the settings

  • Screenshots (optional but helpful)

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Good docs = happy users + fewer support requests.

Adding a Readme File

WordPress uses a special file called readme.txt to show your plugin info.

Here’s a basic version:

=== Plugin Name === Contributors: your-wp-username Tags: message, custom, simple Requires at least: 5.0 Tested up to: 6.5 Stable tag: 1.0.0 License: GPLv2 or later == Description == A simple plugin that shows a custom message after each blog post. == Installation == 1. Upload to the plugins folder 2. Activate from the WordPress dashboard 3. Go to "Message Settings" to set your message == Frequently Asked Questions == = Can I change the color? = Yes, use CSS in the plugin settings. == Changelog == = 1.0.0 = * First version released

Licensing Your Plugin (GPL)

WordPress plugins must use a GPL license (General Public License).
It lets others use, share, and modify your plugin freely.

Add this line in your plugin header:

License: GPLv2 or later

Also add a short license notice at the top of your PHP files.

Submitting to the WordPress Plugin Repository

Creating a WordPress.org Account

Go to https://wordpress.org/plugins/
Click “Add New Plugin” and log in or sign up.
Use your real name and email.

Guidelines You Must Follow

Before they accept your plugin, WordPress checks it for:

  • Security (no unsafe code)

  • No spam or ads

  • Clean, working code

  • GPL license

  • No data tracking without permission

Read the Plugin Guidelines before submitting.

Using Subversion (SVN) to Upload Your Plugin

After approval, you’ll use SVN (Subversion) to upload your files.

Simple steps:

  1. Install an SVN tool like TortoiseSVN (Windows) or use command line (svn checkout).

  2. Upload your plugin to the repo they give you.

  3. Include your plugin code + readme.txt

  4. Tag it with 1.0.0 (or your version)

WordPress will then list it on the plugin directory.

Updating and Supporting Your Plugin

How to Push Plugin Updates

When you fix bugs or add features:

  1. Update your version in the main plugin file and readme.txt.

  2. Use SVN again to upload the new version.

  3. Tag it (like 1.0.1, 1.1, etc.)

  4. WordPress will show an update for users.

Responding to Support Requests

Users might post questions in the Support tab of your plugin page.

  • Be kind and helpful.

  • Thank them for using your plugin.

  • Fix issues quickly if possible.

Support = Trust. Trust = More installs.

Managing User Feedback

Watch reviews, GitHub issues (if public), and your inbox.
Use feedback to:

  • Improve your plugin

  • Fix bugs you missed

  • Add helpful features

Also reply to reviews—especially negative ones—politely. ????

Bonus Tips for 2025 Plugin Success

Using AI Tools to Speed Up Development

In 2025, you can use tools like:

  • GitHub Copilot for writing code faster

  • ChatGPT (like me!) for help with logic or error fixing

  • CodeWP (a WordPress-specific AI assistant)

These tools save time but always test the code yourself.

Adding Compatibility with Full Site Editing (FSE)

WordPress now has Full Site Editing with blocks everywhere.

Make your plugin work with the Block Editor:

  • Use block.json to register blocks

  • Learn the basics of React/JSX for custom blocks

  • Offer a block version of your plugin’s feature if possible

This future-proofs your plugin.

Making Your Plugin Multilingual-Ready

Support multiple languages with these steps:

  • Use __() and _e() functions for all text

__('My Message', 'my-plugin')

  • Create a .pot file using a tool like Poedit

  • Add support for WPML or Polylang (optional)

This helps users from around the world use your plugin.

You Made It!

By now, you’ve:

  • Built your first WordPress plugin

  • Created a settings page

  • Used hooks, scripts, and the database

  • Learned how to test, publish, and support your plugin

  • Got tips to make it even better in 2025

Want This Guide as a Free PDF or Blog Post?

Let me know if you want:

  • A branded PDF (with your logo, CTA, styled layout)

  • A long-form SEO blog post version

  • A video outline/script to teach this on YouTube

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