Wordpress plugins, a quick guide.
Jul 3rd, 2009 | By Kevin | Category: blogging
The WordPress web application was built in such a way that other web developers could write modular code to plug into your blog giving you the ability to extend the way WordPress works. WordPress plugins are designed by volunteers and are free to the public. Most plugins are a stand alone file that does not require you to make any changes to any of the WordPress files.
If your plugin requires changes to the WordPress code!
If your plugin does require you to make changes to your WordPress code then I suggest you make a backup of this file that you can revert back to at a later date and that you document the change that you made. An experienced web developer will make a file called a changelog documenting all changes made in that application. When you upgrade WordPress or decide that you no longer wish to use the plugin, you will need to refer back to this changelog in order to reverse the changes in the code that you have made.
If you do not know how to install a plugin!
If you do not know how to upload a plugin or how to change your files, you could hire a web developer to make these changes for you. Make small changes to your website or application is called “website maintenance” and web developers usually charge an hourly rate.
Where do I get a list of plugins?
Here is a list of websites that offer links to WordPress plugins;
- WordPress Plugin Database: currently offers a wide variety of Plugins available for WordPress. This easy-to-use site categories the Plugins, also. To use the WordPress Plugin Database, click on the category titles and a pop-down list of the Plugins available will appear. Click on a specific plugin for more information. Follow the instructions from there on how to download and install the specific plugin.
- WordPress Codex Plugins List: lists hundreds of plugins by category, offering the most extensive listing of WordPress Plugins. Click on one of the different categories to see a list of the various plugins. These lists will take you to a page or website featuring more information for use, download, and installation of the plugins.
- WordPress Plugin Repository: The official WordPress Plugin Repository features the most popular WordPress Plugins. This is also a development site for authors to test drive their Plugins, so currently, it isn’t as user friendly as WordPress Plugin Database?(<em>http://www.wp-plugins.net</em>).
Additional WordPress plugin resources
- Finding Plugins
- Installing Plugins
- Troubleshooting Plugins
- Plugin Management
- Developing Your Own Plugins
About the Author
Dan Kinchen owns One Step Solutions Corp (a website design and development company) in Orlando, Florida and runs a web site to show fellow web entrepreneurs how to make money blogging.
Originally from Wisconsin, I moved out to Salt Lake City over ten years ago on a six month software development contract. I now have over 15 years in software development, and was introduced to internet marketing back in 2003. During the wild west days, our business focused on content sites for Adsense revenue. As it became harder and harder to keep up with the search engines, our business has evolved, and forced us to focus on building lists and creating products. We now have a list of about 5000 interested in goal setting, and a small internet marketing list of about 500.