A developer’s life beyond the screen.

8. Packaging and Releasing Your Plugin

Once your plugin is working properly, the final step is to prepare it for release.
This doesn’t mean you have to upload it to WordPress.org, even if you’re sharing it with a client or keeping it private, it’s important to package it cleanly.

In this article, we’ll look at the basic steps involved in preparing a plugin for others to use.

Organize Your Plugin Folder

A clean folder structure makes the plugin easier to understand and maintain.

A simple format:

my-plugin/
  my-plugin.php
  inc/
  assets/
  templates/
  readme.txt

Make sure:

  • File names are clear
  • Only necessary files are included
  • Temporary or development files are removed

This makes your plugin lighter and easier to install.

Write a Proper readme.txt File

If you plan to release your plugin on WordPress.org, the readme file is mandatory.
Even for private plugins, a readme helps users understand how the plugin works.

A simple readme structure:

=== Plugin Name ===
Contributors: yourname
Requires at least: 6.0
Tested up to: 6.6
Stable tag: 1.0

== Description ==
Explain what your plugin does in one or two paragraphs.

== Installation ==
Write clear steps for installing the plugin.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==
Add answers to common questions.

== Changelog ==
= 1.0 =
Initial release.

Keep it simple and honest.

Add a Changelog

Every time you release a new version, update the changelog.
This helps users know what changed and helps you track progress.

Example:

= 1.1 =
Added new settings page.

= 1.0 =
Initial release.

It’s a small detail but very useful.

Version Your Plugin Properly

Whenever you make changes, update the version number in two places:

  • The main plugin header
  • The readme.txt (Stable tag)

Use a simple versioning pattern:

  • Major: big changes
  • Minor: new features
  • Patch: small fixes

Example: 1.0.2 → a small bug fix release.

Test Before Releasing

Before publishing your plugin:

  • Test on a fresh WordPress installation
  • Test with different themes
  • Disable other plugins to see if anything breaks
  • Check the admin UI on mobile
  • Verify that settings save correctly
  • Confirm there are no errors in the debug log

Beginners often skip testing, but this step prevents problems later.

Compress and Package the Plugin

When the plugin is ready:

  1. Select the entire plugin folder
  2. Compress it as a .zip file
  3. Share or upload the .zip

WordPress plugins are always installed as zip files.

Make sure your zip archive contains the plugin folder, not just the files inside it.

Releasing on GitHub (Optional)

If you want to host your plugin publicly but not on WordPress.org, GitHub is a great option.

Why GitHub?

  • Free hosting
  • Easy version control
  • Users can report issues
  • You can publish releases
  • You can get contributors

Beginners find GitHub slightly confusing at first, but it becomes easy with practice.

Uploading to WordPress.org (Optional)

If you plan to upload your plugin to the official plugin directory:

  • You need a WordPress.org account
  • Your plugin must follow coding standards
  • The readme file must be valid
  • The plugin should not contain security issues
  • The code must be clean and original

Once approved, you’ll use SVN to manage updates.
This is a good milestone but not necessary for internal or client plugins.

Final Thoughts for Beginners

Releasing a plugin isn’t just about writing code.
It’s about presenting it cleanly, documenting it well, and making it easy for others to install and use.

If you follow the basics:

  • Organized structure
  • Clear documentation
  • Proper versioning
  • Testing
  • Clean packaging

…your plugin will look professional even if it’s your very first one.

Course Completed

You’ve now finished the Modern WordPress Development Foundations course.

You’ve learned 🎉 :

  • How WordPress loads
  • How plugins are structured
  • How CPTs and taxonomies work
  • How the REST API functions
  • Basic security and performance tools
  • How to package and release a plugin