Plugin Development from Scratch: Directory and File Structure of a Plugin

WordPress is an incredibly flexible platform, largely due to its wide range of plugins. Plugins are tools that extend the functionality of WordPress, allowing you to customize your website to meet your specific needs. In this chapter, we'll cover how to develop a plugin from scratch, starting with the structure of directories and files that form the basis of any plugin.

Plugin Structure Introduction

The structure of a plugin is fundamental to its correct functioning. A well-organized plugin is easier to understand, maintain, and debug. The basic structure of a WordPress plugin includes a main directory, which contains all the files necessary for its operation. Let's detail each component of this structure.

Plugin Main Directory

Your plugin's main directory is the starting point. It must have a unique name to avoid conflicts with other plugins. By convention, the plugin name is used, in lowercase letters and without spaces, as the directory name. For example, if your plugin is called "My Awesome Plugin", the directory could be named "my-awesome-plugin".

Plugin Main File

Within the main directory, there should be a PHP file that serves as the entry point for the plugin. This file usually has the same name as the plugin directory. It is in this file that you will place the plugin header, which is a comment block that tells WordPress the details of the plugin, such as the name, version, description, author and other relevant metadata.

Plugin Header Example:

        
/*
Plugin Name: My Awesome Plugin
Plugin URI: https://exemplo.com/meu-plugin-incrivel
Description: This is an amazing plugin to add extra functionality to your website.
Version: 1.0
Author: Your Name
Author URI: https://example.com
License: GPLv2 or later
Text Domain: my-incredible-plugin
*/
        
    

This header is essential, as without it, WordPress will not recognize the file as a plugin.

Class and Function Directories

To keep your plugin organized, it is a good practice to separate your classes and functions into specific directories. For example, you might have a directory called "includes" for PHP files that contain general plugin functions and another called "classes" for files that define PHP classes.

Template Files

If your plugin requires its own templates, for example, to display information in the public area of ​​the website, you can create a directory called "templates". Inside this directory you will store the PHP files that will be included in other parts of WordPress to display custom content.

Static Resources

Other common directories in a plugin include "css" for stylesheet files, "js" for JavaScript files, and "images" for images. Keep files related to these resources in their respective directories for easier maintenance and updating.

Language Files

If you intend to internationalize your plugin, it is important to include a "languages" directory, which will contain the translation files. This allows users of different languages ​​to use your plugin in their native language.

Version Management

As you update and improve your plugin, you need to manage versions effectively. This is usually done through semantic versioning, where each plugin update has a version number that indicates the type of change made (major, minor or patch).

Completion of the Basic Structure

With this basic structure, you already have a good foundation to start developing your plugin. Remember that each plugin is unique and may require a more complex structure depending on its functionality. However, the structure we describe here is a good starting point for most plugins.

Building the Plugin

With the directory and file structure established, it's time to start building the plugin. This involves writing code that defines what the plugin does and how it interacts with WordPress. Plugin programming can be complex, but by following WordPress best practices and coding standards, you can create a robust and secure plugin.

In short, a plugin's file and directory structure is the skeleton upon which you will build functionality. Keep your structure organized and well-documented, and you'll be on your way to creating a successful plugin.