What is a wordpress Plugin ?｜Selection of Wordpress plugin｜LetsSeo

What is a WordPress Plugin?

A WordPress plugin is a combination of small or large codes that are used to enhance the functionality of WordPress.

plugins create easiness for the user you do not need to write a single line of code. There are thousands of free plugins available in the WordPress repository that are used to obtain a specific functionality. 

Do you know: There are over 60,000 free plugins available in the official WordPress Plugin Repository.

There are some types of paid plugins also available in the markets that are used for specific purposes. paid plugins are used because free plugins do not fulfil the functionality purpose. you can purchase the paid plugin on Code Canyon or other third-party sources.

Where I Find Plugin Options in WordPress?

You can easily find the plugin options on the left bottom side. There are three titles you see in the plugin section. The first is to show all installed plugins on your website. The second option to show that adds a new plugin in which you can search for the new plugin in the search box pattern. you can search by keyword, author or tag. 

The other option is compassionate for beginners and is mostly used by developers. it's a plugin code editor.be careful if you are not a developer don't edit the code because it shuts down your website.

WordPress dashboard for plugins

How to install a plugin?

There are two ways to install the plugin. the first method is you can search for your required plugin in the WordPress website dashboard and when you see you can install it. 

The other method is used to download the plugin on Their Website and then upload the plugin using the upload plugin button.

Method 1

Installing plugins

Method 2

In method 2, you can download your plugin in zip format and upload it to the dashboard see fig.

Upload Plugins

This is an installed plugin section that shows the installed plugin

Activate Plugins

Update WordPress Plugins

There is a system in which when plugin developers fix the bugs or expand the functionality of their plugin they change the code and offer to update their users. Updates to the WordPress plugin are very important for security and speed optimization if you are using a plugin which is not been updated within two years it's dangerous for your website so try an alternative

Do You Know: Over 5 million active installations, making it one of the most widely used plugins for improving SEO.

Plugins section

of this plugin which is not frequently updated. when any updates happen you can see an option updates section, when you click the updates button its starts. Remember when you are updating plugins or themes you must back up your website otherwise, it may lead to the shutdown of the website.

Auto-Updates Plugin

Plugins auto-updates

Auto-updates are a new option in the WordPress plugin section. if you want to update the plugin automatically you can switch on this option.

Selection of WordPress plugin

we know that Safety is a continuous process in WordPress you can not 100 % guarantee but you try to be on the safest side. In the WordPress repository, all plugins are coming from the third-party side which complies with the standards of plugin development but you must need to attend before installing any third-party plugins.

Choosing the right WordPress plugin can enhance the functionality of your website. it's essential to select plugins that not only align with your website's needs but also maintain high standards of performance and support.

Do You Know : Around 70% of WordPress sites use at least one plugin to extend functionality.

Hackers try to hack the plugin and when they infect the plugin they can easily access the website admin board so be careful about this. Some important factors are used to select the right plugin including

• WordPress Security
• Changelog
• Free versus Premium
• Plugins Support 
• Plugin Developer
• Technical Aspects

Remember!

it's important to not overload your website with too many, as this can lead to slower performance and potential conflicts. 

WordPress Security

WordPress security is an important factor when you install any plugin first thing you need to check is their security health. The Security depends on different factors for example version, Last updated, active installations, PHP version, WordPress version etc

WordPress Updates and compatible

Changelog

The changelog is used to define which updates are used in the plugin.

changelog of plugin updates

Free vs Premium theme

When we select a particular plugin we have two choices one is free and another is a paid plugin. the free plugin has limited functionality and the paid plugin provides full functionality which is an important factor.

Plugins Support 

when we select a plugin we must see whether its support team provides support or not. its support team updates their plugin or not because it's also an important factor.

Technical Aspects of WordPress Plugins

When selecting WordPress plugins, it's crucial to consider several technical aspects to ensure they meet your website's performance, security, and functionality needs. Here are the key technical aspects to evaluate:

1. Compatibility

• WordPress Version: Check if the plugin is compatible with your version of WordPress. Most plugin pages in the repository indicate the last updated version.
• PHP Version: Ensure the plugin is compatible with the PHP version your server is running. Plugins should ideally support at least PHP 7. x, as older versions may have security vulnerabilities.

2. Performance Impact

• Resource Usage: Analyze how the plugin affects your website's loading time. Some plugins can add significant overhead, impacting performance. Use tools like GTmetrix or Pingdom to measure the site’s speed before and after installing a plugin.
• Database Queries: Investigate how many database queries the plugin performs. Plugins that use excessive queries can slow down your site. A good plugin should minimize database interactions and use caching where possible.

3. Code Quality

• Clean Code: Examine the plugin's code quality, looking for adherence to WordPress coding standards. Clean, well-documented code is easier to maintain and less prone to bugs.
• No Bloat: Choose plugins that do not add unnecessary scripts, styles, or features that could bloat your site. Check for options to disable features you don’t use.

4. Security Features

• Regular Updates: Opt for plugins that are actively maintained and regularly updated. Frequent updates indicate the developer's commitment to security and compatibility.
• Vulnerability Reports: Research if the plugin has a history of vulnerabilities or security issues. Websites like WPScan can help identify known vulnerabilities.

5. Support and Documentation

• Support Channels: Check if the plugin offers support via forums, email, or live chat. Responsive support can be crucial if you encounter issues.
• Documentation: Well-written documentation is essential for understanding how to use the plugin effectively. Look for tutorials, FAQs, and setup guides.

6. Customization and Flexibility

• Hooks and Filters: If you’re a developer or plan to customize your website, choose plugins that offer hooks and filters, allowing you to extend their functionality without modifying the core code.
• Customizable Options: Evaluate how customizable the plugin is regarding settings, layouts, and styles. Flexibility can save time and improve your site's unique branding.

7. Testing and Compatibility with Other Plugins

• Conflict Testing: Before deploying a new plugin, test it in a staging environment to ensure it does not conflict with existing plugins or themes.
• Plugin Interactions: Check user reviews or forums for reports of conflicts with other popular plugins you intend to use.

8. User Reviews and Ratings

• Average Ratings: Look at the plugin’s ratings and number of installations. High ratings with a substantial number of active installations generally indicate reliability.
• User Feedback: Read through user reviews for insights into real-world performance, usability issues, or common bugs.

9. Licensing and Costs

• License Type: Determine the licensing model of the plugin. Ensure you understand whether it’s a one-time purchase, subscription-based, or free with premium upgrades.
• Site Limitations: Some premium plugins have limits on the number of sites you can use them on. Choose a licensing model that fits your current and future needs.

10. Backup and Recovery Options

• Data Handling: Check how the plugin manages data. For instance, some plugins allow for easy export/import of settings and data, which can be vital for backup and recovery.
• Rollback Options: Look for plugins that offer rollback features, enabling you to revert to a previous version if an update causes issues.

11. Local and Global Caching

• Caching Support: For performance optimization, ensure the plugin supports caching mechanisms. This is crucial for reducing load times and server strain.
• Compatibility with Caching Plugins: If you’re using a caching plugin, check for compatibility to avoid conflicts.

12. Accessibility Compliance

• WCAG Compliance: If accessibility is important, consider plugins that adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure your website is usable by all visitors.