If you’re a plugin developer with multiple plugins in the repository, it can be hard to make sure they’re all up to date. If you aren’t regularly monitoring all of your plugins, you might get a notice like this: This plugin hasn’t been updated in over 2 years. It may no longer be maintained or supported and may have compatibility issues when used with more recent versions of WordPress If a WordPress plugin isn’t updated regularly, it may be considered abandoned. Abandoned plugins can be a security threat and will eventually stop working as it loses compatibility. Plugin abandonment can happen […]

Workflow is an important part of any WordPress developer’s job. However, some people can get stuck in the way they’ve always done things, and that can be very limiting. Some developers employ what’s called Cowboy Coding. Cowboy coding is an undisciplined approach to software development that gives programmers complete control over the development process. In this context, cowboy is a synonym for maverick — a loner who does things his own way. While that’s the official definition, this is how I define it: Non-agile No design No testing No requirements Unmaintainable code No feedback from users No schedule or deadlines No […]

WordPress is a great option for a nonprofit company. It’s easy to learn, cheap to use, and doesn’t take much management. For a small team with limited resources, it’s a great way to get online fast. Using the CMS allows a nonprofit organization to save time and money and still have a professional online presence. That said, simply adding a PayPal “donate” button can look dull and insecure. You need employ better solution to make sure people not only trust you as an organization but are excited to donate. WordPress Takes Minimal Website Management There are many complications you can […]

To have a successful product launch, it’s important to help the user get started. A good user experience (UX) ensures users stick around. During the launch of my plugin, CF7 Customizer, I encountered a very serious issue: There is a huge disconnect between the developer and the end user.The very first page you see is the welcome screen, which introduces you to the product and gets you started. In the first part of this series, I mentioned that when I handed my plugin to 10 people for beta testing, 8 of them didn’t know where to go and what to do next. […]