Ankit Panchal

Category: WordPress

  • Exploring Ahmedabad: A Cultural and Culinary Guide for WordCamp Ahmedabad

    Ahmedabad, a vibrant city in the heart of Gujarat, India, is not only known for its rich cultural heritage and delectable cuisine but also as a hub for technological and entrepreneurial activities. With WordCamp Ahmedabad drawing a plethora of WordPress enthusiasts, developers, and bloggers to the city, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore what Ahmedabad has to offer. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of your time in Ahmedabad during the WordCamp Ahmedabad.

    Exploring the Heritage

    1. Visit the Sabarmati Ashram: Once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, this ashram is a peaceful retreat where you can learn about Gandhi’s life and India’s struggle for independence.
    2. Adalaj Stepwell: A stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture and design, this stepwell is a must-visit for its intricate carvings and historical significance.
    3. Heritage Walks: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation organizes morning heritage walks, a fantastic way to explore the old city’s lanes, temples, and markets.

    Culinary Delights

    1. Manek Chowk Food Tour: After sundown, Manek Chowk transforms into a bustling street food market. From local Gujarati snacks like Dhokla and Khandvi to an array of Indian sweets, your taste buds are in for a treat.
    2. Gujarati Thali: Experience a traditional Gujarati thali at restaurants like Vishalla or Agashiye for a taste of authentic local cuisine.

    Art and Culture

    1. Kite Museum: Unique to Ahmedabad, this museum showcases a variety of kites, emphasizing the city’s love for the Kite Festival.
    2. Textile Museum: Known as the Manchester of the East, Ahmedabad’s Calico Museum of Textiles is a testament to its rich textile history.
    3. Contemporary Art Galleries: Explore contemporary art at galleries like Amdavad ni Gufa, known for its unconventional architecture and art exhibitions.

    Shopping

    1. Law Garden Market: Famous for its evening market, you can shop for traditional Gujarati attire, handicrafts, and jewelry.
    2. Asopalav and Bandhej: These are some of the best places to buy authentic Gujarati sarees and ethnic wear.

    Nature and Leisure

    1. Kankaria Lake: Spend an evening at Kankaria Lake, enjoying its well-maintained park, zoo, and fun activities like balloon rides.
    2. Riverfront Walk: The Sabarmati Riverfront is perfect for a relaxing evening stroll, with its well-paved walkways and view of the river.

    WordCamp Networking Events

    Don’t forget to participate in the various networking events and after-parties associated with WordCamp. These events provide a great opportunity to connect with fellow WordPress enthusiasts and professionals.

    Practical Tips

    • Transportation: Auto-rickshaws and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber are easily available for local travel.
    • Weather: Ahmedabad can be hot, so carry light cotton clothes, sunglasses, and a hat.
    • Language: Gujarati is the local language, but Hindi and English are widely understood.

    Ahmedabad offers a blend of history, culture, and modernity. While attending WordCamp Ahmedabad, take some time to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the unique charm of this city. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking to explore, Ahmedabad has something for everyone.

  • Get the Most Out of WordPress: Why You Should Go to WordCamps

    WordCamps are community-organized events that are centered around WordPress, the popular content management system that powers a significant portion of websites on the internet. These events provide an excellent opportunity for WordPress enthusiasts, from casual users to core developers, to gather, share ideas, and learn from each other. Here are several reasons why you should consider attending a WordCamp:

    1. Networking Opportunities

    WordCamps bring together a diverse group of people from various professions and backgrounds, all united by their interest in WordPress. It’s an excellent place to meet web developers, designers, content creators, marketers, and business owners. These interactions can lead to meaningful connections, collaborations, or even job opportunities.

    2. Learning and Professional Development

    With a range of sessions covering various aspects of WordPress, from technical development to content strategy, SEO, and design, there’s always something new to learn at a WordCamp. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, the workshops and talks can significantly enhance your skills and knowledge.

    3. Contributing to the WordPress Community

    WordCamps often include Contributor Days, where attendees can contribute to WordPress in various areas like coding, community support, documentation, and translation. This is a fantastic way to give back to the community and be a part of the ongoing development of WordPress.

    4. Gaining Insights from Experts

    WordCamps feature talks and workshops by experienced WordPress professionals and leading experts in the field. This is a rare opportunity to gain insights from the best in the industry, ask questions, and get direct feedback on your projects or ideas.

    5. Discovering the Latest Trends and Tools

    Vendors and sponsors often showcase the latest WordPress-related tools, themes, and plugins at WordCamps. You can discover new products, learn about emerging trends in web technology, and find tools that could enhance your WordPress experience.

    6. Inspiration and Creative Ideas

    The collaborative atmosphere of WordCamps, combined with the sharing of success stories and innovative projects, can be incredibly inspiring. It’s a breeding ground for creative ideas and new approaches to using WordPress.

    7. Fun and Community Spirit

    WordCamps are not just about learning and networking; they are also fun social events. They often include after-parties, informal meetups, and other social activities that make the experience enjoyable and help build a sense of community among attendees.

    Conclusion

    Attending a WordCamp is a rewarding experience for anyone involved with WordPress. It offers a unique blend of learning, networking, and community spirit, making it an invaluable event for both personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a seasoned WordPress developer or a new user, there’s always something to gain from participating in a WordCamp.

  • My Role in Shaping WordPress 6.4: A Story of Community, Collaboration, and Code

    As the WordPress community celebrates the launch of WordPress 6.4, I am taking a moment to reflect on the journey that led us here—a journey marked by collaboration, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

    Embracing the Challenge

    Joining the ranks of the WordPress contributors, I embarked on a mission not just to write code, but to enrich the user experience for millions of websites powered by WordPress. With every task, from refining features to squashing bugs, I was driven by the community’s passion and the shared goal of making WordPress better for everyone.

    A Symphony of Collaboration

    The release team, a mosaic of talent, was the guiding force in this journey. The commitment of Release Lead Josepha Haden Chomphosy, the meticulous planning by Release Coordinators like Chloé Bringmann and Ebonie Butler, and the technical prowess of Core Tech Leads Mike Schroder and Tonya Mork, were instrumental in this release.

    My Contribution

    My role in the WordPress 6.4 development cycle was twofold: coding and testing. I dedicated several days to meticulously coding solutions for assigned tickets and rigorously testing them to ensure stability and performance. Additionally, I invested time in testing other tickets, delving into the details to verify functionality and enhance the overall user experience. Each ticket I touched was an opportunity to contribute to this significant release, ensuring every feature performed seamlessly for users around the globe.

    The Road Ahead

    With WordPress 6.4 now live, the journey doesn’t end. It’s a continuum of improvement, and your feedback is the compass that guides us. If you’re keen on contributing to future releases, here’s how you can get started.

    Join me in celebrating this achievement and in looking forward to the possibilities that lie ahead with WordPress 6.4. Onwards and upwards!

  • Exploring the WordPress $wpdb Object: A Powerful Database Interface for Developers

    Exploring the WordPress $wpdb Object: A Powerful Database Interface for Developers

    Introduction

    WordPress, as a leading content management system (CMS), powers a significant portion of the internet. Behind its user-friendly interface lies a powerful tool for developers: the $wpdb object. The $wpdb object is an essential part of WordPress that provides a direct interface to interact with the database. In this article, we will explore the capabilities and potential of the $wpdb object, empowering developers to leverage its full potential.

    What is the $wpdb Object?

    The $wpdb object stands for WordPress Database, and it serves as a database access abstraction layer for WordPress developers. It is a global object that WordPress automatically initializes during each page load. With $wpdb, developers can easily perform database operations, such as selecting, inserting, updating, and deleting data, without writing raw SQL queries.

    Key Features and Benefits

    1. Security and Sanitization

    One of the primary advantages of using the $wpdb object is its built-in security measures. It automatically handles data sanitization and protects against SQL injection attacks. When using $wpdb to execute queries, you don’t need to worry about manually escaping input data, as it handles it behind the scenes. This ensures that your database interactions are safe and secure.

    1. Compatibility and Flexibility

    The $wpdb object supports various database engines, such as MySQL, MariaDB, and more. Since it’s a part of WordPress core, it ensures compatibility across different WordPress installations. Additionally, developers can extend its functionality by hooking into various filters and actions provided by WordPress.

    1. Simplified Database Operations

    The $wpdb object simplifies database operations, making them more manageable for developers. Instead of writing raw SQL queries, developers can use its methods, such as get_results, get_row, insert, update, and delete, to perform common database tasks. This abstraction makes code more readable and maintainable.

    Using the $wpdb Object

    Let’s dive into some common use cases of the $wpdb object:

    1. Retrieving Data

    To retrieve data from the database, you can use methods like get_results, get_row, or get_var. For example:

    // Fetch all rows from a table
$results = $wpdb->get_results( "SELECT * FROM {$wpdb->prefix}my_table" );

// Fetch a single row
$single_row = $wpdb->get_row( "SELECT * FROM {$wpdb->prefix}my_table WHERE id = 1" );

// Fetch a single value
$value = $wpdb->get_var( "SELECT COUNT(*) FROM {$wpdb->prefix}my_table" );
    1. Inserting Data

    To insert data into the database, you can use the insert method:

    $data = array(
    'name' => 'John Doe',
    'email' => 'john@example.com',
);

$wpdb->insert( "{$wpdb->prefix}my_table", $data );
    1. Updating Data

    To update data in the database, you can use the update method:

    $data = array(
    'name' => 'Jane Smith',
    'email' => 'jane@example.com',
);

$wpdb->update( "{$wpdb->prefix}my_table", $data, array( 'id' => 1 ) );
    1. Deleting Data

    To delete data from the database, you can use the delete method:

    $wpdb->delete( "{$wpdb->prefix}my_table", array( 'id' => 1 ) );

    Conclusion

    The $wpdb object is a powerful and convenient tool for WordPress developers to interact with the database. Its abstraction layer simplifies database operations and ensures security by automatically handling data sanitization. By utilizing the $wpdb object, developers can create efficient and secure WordPress plugins and themes. So, the next time you need to work with the database in your WordPress project, make sure to leverage the full potential of the $wpdb object. Happy coding!

  • An Easy Guide to WordCamp Bengaluru 2023

    WordCamp Bengaluru 2023 was a spectacular event for everyone who loves WordPress. If you’ve never heard of WordCamp before, it’s a conference that’s all about WordPress, the most popular website building platform in the world. The Bengaluru event, like others around the globe, was a place to learn new things, share ideas, and meet other WordPress fans.

    The Gathering of WordPress Enthusiasts

    Held in the vibrant city of Bengaluru, known as the Silicon Valley of India, this WordCamp brought together website developers, bloggers, business owners, and basically anyone who uses WordPress. It was a fantastic mix of people, from beginners just starting with WordPress to seasoned professionals who’ve been using the platform for years.

    The Talks and Workshops

    WordCamp Bengaluru 2023 had an exciting schedule packed with engaging talks and hands-on workshops. There were sessions for everyone – whether you wanted to learn how to build your first website, improve your online store, or discover the latest design trends. Top WordPress experts shared their knowledge, giving attendees useful tips and insights.

    Some of the most popular topics included WordPress security, SEO best practices, website design using Gutenberg and Elementor, and how to monetize a WordPress blog. The workshops provided an opportunity to learn by doing, which is always a great way to pick up new skills.

    Networking and Community

    One of the best parts about WordCamp was the chance to meet other WordPress users. Whether you were chatting over coffee during a break or discussing a session you just attended, there were plenty of opportunities to connect and share experiences. This kind of networking can lead to new friendships, business collaborations, or even future job opportunities.

    The Fun Stuff

    WordCamp isn’t just about learning – it’s also about having fun. At WordCamp Bengaluru 2023, attendees enjoyed lots of social events. From the opening icebreaker to the end of the event, there was always something happening. And let’s not forget the famous ‘Wapuu’ – the cuddly WordPress mascot who made an appearance and was a big hit with attendees!

    Looking Forward

    WordCamp Bengaluru 2023 was a huge success. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about WordPress, meet like-minded individuals, and have some fun along the way. If you missed it, don’t worry – the great thing about WordCamp is that it happens every year. So, whether you’re a seasoned WordPress professional or a complete newbie, consider attending WordCamp Bengaluru 2024. You won’t regret it!

  • 7 Easy Steps to Secure Your WordPress Site in 2023

    7 Simple Tips to Keep Your WordPress Site Secure in 2023

    Introduction

    Owning a website on WordPress is a great way to share your ideas and connect with others, but it also means taking steps to protect it from online threats. In 2023, cybercriminals are getting smarter, but you don’t need to be a tech expert to secure your WordPress site. By following these seven simple tips, you can keep your website safe and focus on what you love doing best.

    1. Keep Everything Up to Date

    Think of your website as a house that needs regular maintenance. Just like you fix broken windows and doors, you should also keep your website’s software up to date. This includes the WordPress core, themes, and plugins. Updates often include security fixes, making it harder for hackers to break in. Don’t forget to create a backup before updating, so you can restore your site if anything goes wrong.

    2. Use Strong Passwords

    A strong password is like a sturdy lock on your front door. It should be long and complex, with a mix of letters (both upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols. Avoid using obvious passwords like “123456” or “password.” Instead, create unique combinations that are hard for others to guess. By using strong passwords, you make it much more difficult for hackers to crack your login.

    3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

    Two-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your website. It’s like having a second lock on your door. With 2FA, you need to provide an additional code, usually sent to your phone, after entering your password. This way, even if someone manages to guess your password, they won’t be able to get in without the second code.

    4. Choose a Reliable Hosting Provider

    Your hosting provider is like the foundation of your house. Look for a trustworthy and secure hosting company that offers features like firewalls and regular backups. Managed WordPress hosting can be a good choice, as they handle security updates and monitoring, leaving you with less to worry about.

    5. Install a Security Plugin

    Security plugins are like security guards for your website. They can help protect your site from malware, brute-force attacks, and other threats. There are many easy-to-use security plugins available in 2023. Just find a reputable one that suits your needs and keep it updated to stay protected.

    6. Limit User Access

    Not everyone needs a key to your front door, right? The same goes for your website. Only give access to trusted users and be sure to remove access for those who don’t need it anymore. Implementing role-based access control ensures that users can only access what they require, reducing the risk of unauthorized changes.

    7. Backup Regularly

    In case something goes wrong, it’s essential to have a backup plan. Regularly back up your website, so you can restore it if it gets hacked or experiences data loss. Store backups off-site or in a secure cloud service to keep them safe from potential attacks.

    Conclusion

    Securing your WordPress site in 2023 doesn’t have to be complicated. These seven simple tips can go a long way in keeping your website safe from cyber threats. Keep everything updated, use strong passwords, enable Two-Factor Authentication, choose a reliable hosting provider, install a security plugin, limit user access, and backup regularly. With these easy-to-implement measures, you can rest assured that your WordPress site is well-protected, allowing you to focus on creating and sharing your content with the world. Happy website building!

  • A Simple Comparison: WordPress Block Editor vs Elementor

    WordPress, a very popular website builder, comes with different editors that you can use to create your website. Today, we’ll talk about two of these: the WordPress Block Editor (also known as Gutenberg) and Elementor.

    What is the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg)?

    Gutenberg is the basic editor that comes with WordPress. It uses a simple system of ‘blocks’ that you can drag and drop to build your website. Blocks can be anything like text, images, or headings. It’s like using building blocks to create your site.

    What is Elementor?

    Elementor is a separate tool that you can add to WordPress. It offers many more features than Gutenberg, helping you design your site in more detail. It’s easy to use and perfect for both beginners and expert website designers.

    A Simple Comparison

    Ease of Use

    Gutenberg and Elementor both allow you to build your site by dragging and dropping blocks. Elementor is a little easier to use for beginners, though, because of its simple design and pre-made templates.

    Design Options

    Gutenberg offers a decent range of design options, but Elementor goes further. With Elementor, you get a huge range of design tools and templates, which helps if you want to create a unique, professional-looking site.

    Speed

    Websites built with Gutenberg often load faster than those built with Elementor, because it’s a simpler tool with fewer features. This means your site visitors can start browsing your site quicker.

    Cost

    Gutenberg is free – it comes with WordPress. Elementor has a free version but also a paid version that gives you more features. If you’re on a budget, Gutenberg is a great choice.

    Working with Other Tools

    Gutenberg is more likely to work well with other WordPress tools and add-ons because it’s built into WordPress. Elementor is a separate tool, so it might not work as smoothly with some WordPress features.

    Help and Support

    Elementor offers premium support if you pay for the pro version. For Gutenberg, you can get help from the wider WordPress community and online forums.

    Conclusion

    Both Gutenberg and Elementor have good points. If you want a simple, fast, and free tool, Gutenberg could be for you. If you want more design options and are happy to pay for them, Elementor is a great choice.

    But, the best tool for you really depends on what you need. Remember, both tools are always improving and changing, which makes designing websites with WordPress a very exciting prospect.

  • Creating your first DIVI widget programmatically with code

    Creating your first DIVI widget programmatically with code might sound complicated, but it’s actually a straightforward process once you understand the basic steps. Let’s dive into a detailed step-by-step guide on how to create your own custom widget for the DIVI theme. The DIVI theme is a popular WordPress theme developed by Elegant Themes that provides a high level of customization and flexibility.

    Step 1: Set Up a Child Theme

    Before you start creating your custom DIVI widget, it’s best to set up a child theme. A child theme is a sub-theme that inherits all the functionality, features, and the style of its parent theme, which is DIVI in this case. The main benefit of using a child theme is that you can modify it without affecting the parent theme. This will make updates easier and prevent your changes from being lost when the DIVI theme is updated.

    Step 2: Create a Widgets Directory

    In your child theme directory, create a new directory called “widgets”. This is where you’ll store the PHP file for your custom widget.

    Step 3: Create a PHP File for Your Custom Widget

    Within your new “widgets” directory, create a PHP file. You can name it whatever you like, but make sure the name is relevant to your custom widget. For instance, if you’re creating a custom recent posts widget, you might name your file “recent-posts-widget.php”.

    Step 4: Write Your Widget Code

    Open your PHP file and start by defining your widget class. The WordPress Codex provides a detailed explanation and a template you can use to get started. Here’s a basic example:

    <?php
class My_Custom_Widget extends WP_Widget {
 
    function __construct() {
        parent::__construct(
            'my_custom_widget',  // Base ID
            'My Custom Widget',  // Name
            array( 'description' => 'A Custom Widget', )  // Args
        );
    }
 
    public function widget( $args, $instance ) {
        // Widget content
    }
 
    public function form( $instance ) {
        // Output admin widget options form
    }
 
    public function update( $new_instance, $old_instance ) {
        // Processes widget options to be saved
        return $new_instance;
    }
}

    This gives you a basic structure for your custom widget. The ‘widget’ function is where you output the front-end display of your widget. The ‘form’ function is where you output the admin widget options form. And the ‘update’ function processes the widget options to be saved.

    Step 5: Register Your Custom Widget

    To make WordPress aware of your new widget, you need to register it. This can be done in the ‘functions.php’ file of your child theme. Add the following code to your ‘functions.php’ file:

    function my_register_custom_widget() {
    register_widget( 'My_Custom_Widget' );
}
add_action( 'widgets_init', 'my_register_custom_widget' );

    This code registers your new widget with WordPress, so it becomes available in the widgets section of your WordPress admin panel.

    Step 6: Customize Your Widget

    Now you can customize your widget to your liking. The content of the widget can be anything from simple HTML to complex PHP. You can also add a form to the widget to allow users to customize it from the WordPress admin panel.

    In conclusion, creating your own custom DIVI widget is a great way to add unique functionality to your DIVI theme. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a custom widget that suits your specific needs and preferences. Always remember to use a child theme when modifying your theme to ensure that your changes are preserved when updating the DIVI theme. Happy coding!

  • Creating Your First WPBakery Page Builder Widget

    One of the greatest features of WPBakery Page Builder (formerly known as Visual Composer) is its flexibility, which allows developers to create their own custom widgets to extend its functionality. This article will guide you through the steps to create your first WPBakery Page Builder widget programmatically.

    Prerequisites:

    • WordPress installed on your local environment
    • WPBakery Page Builder Plugin installed and activated

    Let’s begin the journey!

    Step 1: Create a PHP file

    The first thing you need to do is to create a new PHP file for your widget. For the sake of simplicity, let’s create a file named my_widget.php in your active theme’s folder.

    Step 2: Set Up Your Widget

    Inside my_widget.php, we’re going to initialize a class that extends WPBakeryShortCode, which allows us to create a new shortcode for our widget.

    Here’s the basic skeleton of the class:

    <?php
if ( class_exists( 'WPBakeryShortCode' ) ) {
    class WPBakeryShortCode_My_Widget extends WPBakeryShortCode {
        // Your code goes here
    }
}
?>

    In this code, My_Widget is the name of our new widget. Make sure to prefix your class name to avoid potential conflicts with other plugins.

    Step 3: Define the Widget’s Settings

    Inside the class, you need to define your widget’s settings, like the name, description, category, icon, and params.

    Here’s an example of how to do this:

    function vc_my_widget_func() {
    vc_map( array(
        "name" => __( "My Widget", "my-text-domain" ),
        "base" => "my_widget",
        "class" => "",
        "category" => __( "My Category", "my-text-domain"),
        "icon" => get_template_directory_uri().'/images/icon.png',
        "params" => array(
            array(
                "type" => "textfield",
                "holder" => "div",
                "class" => "",
                "heading" => __( "Content", "my-text-domain" ),
                "param_name" => "content",
                "value" => __( "", "my-text-domain" ),
                "description" => __( "Enter your content here.", "my-text-domain" )
            )
        )
    ) );
}
add_action( 'vc_before_init', 'vc_my_widget_func' );

    Step 4: Define the Output Function

    Now that we’ve defined our widget’s settings, we need to specify what the widget will output. To do this, we’ll use the content parameter that we defined in the previous step.

    Here’s how to do this:

    public function content( $atts, $content = null ) {
    // Extract shortcode attributes
    extract( shortcode_atts( array(
        'content' => ''
    ), $atts ) );
    
    // Define output code here
    $output = '<div class="my-widget">' . wpb_js_remove_wpautop($content, true) . '</div>';

    return $output;
}

    Step 5: Register Your Widget

    The final step is to include the my_widget.php file in your active theme’s functions.php file. This way, WordPress will know that it needs to load your new widget. Here’s how you can do this:

    include_once( get_template_directory() . '/my_widget.php' );

    And that’s it! You’ve successfully created your first WPBakery Page Builder widget programmatically. You can now use your widget from the WPBakery interface by searching for its name in the elements tab.

    Remember, creating custom widgets can be complex depending on what you want to achieve, but once you’ve grasped the basics, the possibilities are endless. So, keep experimenting and happy coding!

  • Creating Your First Elementor Widget

    Elementor is a popular WordPress plugin that allows you to build complex, responsive website designs without having to write much (if any) code. However, for those who want more control and flexibility, it also provides an API for creating custom widgets.

    In this article, we will guide you on how to create your first Elementor custom widget programmatically. We will start by introducing the basic structure and components of a custom widget and then provide a step-by-step example.

    What is an Elementor Widget?

    An Elementor widget is a PHP class that defines a specific Elementor feature. It might contain front-end HTML, widget settings, and form fields, which you can manipulate to build your website. These widgets can be dragged and dropped onto your website using the Elementor interface.

    Basic Steps to Creating a Custom Widget

    1. Setting Up Your Plugin

    Before we start, ensure that you have a functioning WordPress installation with the Elementor plugin installed and activated. To create a custom Elementor widget, you first need to create a custom plugin. Create a new folder in your /wp-content/plugins/ directory, such as /my-elementor-widget/.

    Within this folder, create a my-elementor-widget.php file with the following content:

    <?php
/*
Plugin Name: My Elementor Widget
Description: My first custom Elementor widget.
Version: 1.0.0
Author: Your Name
Author URI: http://your-website.com
*/

if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) exit; // Exit if accessed directly

// Define plugin constants
define( 'MY_ELEMENTOR_WIDGET__FILE__', __FILE__ );
define( 'MY_ELEMENTOR_WIDGET__DIR__', __DIR__ );

// Include the main plugin file
require_once MY_ELEMENTOR_WIDGET__DIR__ . '/plugin.php';

    Then, create a plugin.php file:

    <?php
if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) exit; // Exit if accessed directly

final class My_Elementor_Widget {

    const VERSION = '1.0.0';

    private static $_instance = null;

    public static function instance() {
        if ( is_null( self::$_instance ) ) {
            self::$_instance = new self();
        }
        return self::$_instance;
    }

    public function __construct() {
        add_action( 'elementor/widgets/widgets_registered', [ $this, 'init_widgets' ] );
    }

    public function init_widgets() {
        // Require the widget file
        require_once MY_ELEMENTOR_WIDGET__DIR__ . '/widgets/my-widget.php';

        // Register the widget
        \Elementor\Plugin::instance()->widgets_manager->register_widget_type( new \My_Elementor_Widget() );
    }
}

// Instantiate the plugin
My_Elementor_Widget::instance();

    2. Creating Your Widget Class

    Now, we’re ready to create our custom widget. Make a widgets directory in your plugin folder and then create a my-widget.php file:

    <?php
if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) exit; // Exit if accessed directly

class My_Widget extends \Elementor\Widget_Base {

    public function get_name() {
        return 'my-widget';
    }

    public function get_title() {
        return __( 'My Widget', 'my-elementor-widget' );
    }

    public function get_icon() {
        return 'fa fa-code'; // Use Elementor's default icon or upload your custom icon
    }

    public function get_categories() {
        return [ 'general' ]; // The widget's category. You can use existing categories or create a new one
    }

    protected function _register_controls() {
        // Add widget controls here
    }

    protected function render() {
        // Output widget HTML here
    }

    protected function _content_template() {
        // Output widget template content here
    }
}

    In this file, we define a new class, My_Widget, that extends \Elementor\Widget_Base. The class has methods for getting metadata (like the name, title, and icon) and for registering controls and rendering content.

    Finally, make sure you activate your plugin from the WordPress admin panel. If everything has been done correctly, your new widget should appear in the Elementor interface under the “General” category.

    Building and Customizing Your Widget

    Now that you have the basic structure in place, you can customize your widget by adding controls in the _register_controls() method and adding output in the render() method. You can also use the _content_template() method to define the content template for your widget, which will be used in the Elementor editor.

    Congratulations! You have just created your first custom Elementor widget. From here, you can start adding more complex functionalities and controls to your widget, allowing you to create truly unique features for your Elementor-based websites. The Elementor developer’s documentation is a great resource if you need more information on creating custom widgets.