Plugins

Question 1

Q: What is a WordPress plugin?

Answer 1

A: A PHP-based tool that extends the functionality of a WordPress site.

Question 2

Q: Where are plugins stored in a WordPress installation?

Answer 2

A: In the wp-content/plugins directory.

Question 3

Q: What is the minimum requirement for a WordPress plugin?

Answer 3

A: A PHP file with a plugin header comment.

Question 4

Q: How are plugins activated?

Answer 4

A: Via the Plugins menu in the WordPress Admin dashboard.

Question 5

Q: What happens when a plugin is deactivated?

Answer 5

A: The plugin’s functionality stops, but its data is typically retained.

Question 6

Q: What is the purpose of the plugin header comment?

Answer 6

A: To define metadata like the plugin name, description, author, and version.

Question 7

Q: How do you create a plugin header?

Answer 7

/*
Plugin Name: My Plugin
Description: A brief description of the plugin.
Version: 1.0
Author: Your Name
*/

Question 8

Q: What is the add_action() function used for in a plugin?

Answer 8

A: To attach a function to a specific action hook.

Question 9

Q: What is the add_filter() function used for in a plugin?

Answer 9

A: To modify the output or behaviour of specific WordPress functionality.

Question 10

Q: Where should plugin-specific styles and scripts be enqueued?

Answer 10

A: In the wp_enqueue_scripts or admin_enqueue_scripts hooks.

Question 11

Q: What is the recommended folder structure for a plugin?

Answer 11

my-plugin/
├── my-plugin.php
├── includes/
├── assets/
│ ├── css/
│ └── js/
└── languages/

Question 12

Q: What is the main plugin file?

Answer 12

A: The PHP file that contains the plugin header and is used to initialise the plugin.

Question 13

Q: How can you organise reusable functions in a plugin?

Answer 13

A: Place them in a separate file within an includes/ directory.

Question 14

Q: What is the purpose of the languages/ folder in a plugin?

Answer 14

A: To store translation files for internationalisation.

Question 15

Q: How do you load translation files in a plugin?

Answer 15

A: Use the load_plugin_textdomain() function.

Question 16

Q: Why should you use namespacing in plugins?

Answer 16

A: To avoid naming conflicts with other plugins or themes.

Question 17

Q: What is the purpose of register_activation_hook()?

Answer 17

A: To define a function that runs when the plugin is activated.

Question 18

Q: What is the purpose of register_deactivation_hook()?

Answer 18

A: To define a function that runs when the plugin is deactivated.

Question 19

Q: Why should you check for dependencies before activating a plugin?

Answer 19

A: To ensure the plugin functions properly and doesn’t break the site.

Question 20

Q: Why is it important to sanitise input in plugins?

Answer 20

A: To prevent security vulnerabilities such as XSS or SQL injection.

Question 21

Q: What is the wp_schedule_event() function used for?

Answer 21

A: To create a recurring scheduled event in WordPress.

Question 22

Q: What is the shortcode_atts() function used for?

Answer 22

A: To set default attributes for shortcodes.

Question 23

Q: How do you add a settings page to a plugin?

Answer 23

A: Use the add_options_page() or add_menu_page() functions.

Question 24

Q: What hook should you use to add custom database tables when activating a plugin?

Answer 24

A: The register_activation_hook() hook.

Question 25

Q: How do you register a custom post type in a plugin?

Answer 25

A: Use the register_post_type() function in the init hook.

Question 26

Q: What is a shortcode?

Answer 26

A: A small piece of text (enclosed in square brackets) that executes a specific function in WordPress.

Question 27

Q: How do you create a shortcode in a plugin?

Answer 27

A: Use the add_shortcode() function.

Question 28

Q: How can you create a custom widget in a plugin?

Answer 28

A: Extend the WP_Widget class and register it using register_widget().

Question 29

Q: How do you register custom taxonomies in a plugin?

Answer 29

A: Use the register_taxonomy() function in the init hook.

Question 30

Q: How can you create an admin notice in WordPress?

Answer 30

A: Use the admin_notices hook and display the notice with HTML.

Question 31

Q: How can you prevent direct access to a plugin file?

Answer 31

A: Use the defined( ‘ABSPATH’ ) || exit; check at the top of the file.

Question 32

Q: Why is it important to escape output in plugins?

Answer 32

A: To prevent XSS attacks by ensuring safe display of data.

Question 33

Q: What function should you use to validate nonces?

Answer 33

A: check_admin_referer() or wp_verify_nonce().

Question 34

Q: How can you optimise plugin performance?

Answer 34

A: Use efficient database queries and enqueue only necessary assets.

Question 35

Q: Why should you avoid using global variables in plugins?

Answer 35

A: To reduce conflicts and improve code maintainability.

Question 36

Q: How can you create a custom API endpoint in a plugin?

Answer 36

A: Use the register_rest_route() function in the rest_api_init hook.

Question 37

Q: What is a must-use plugin?

Answer 37

A: A plugin stored in the wp-content/mu-plugins directory that is automatically activated.

Question 38

Q: How do you make a plugin compatible with multisite?

Answer 38

A: Use multisite-specific hooks like is_multisite() and switch_to_blog().

Question 39

Q: What is an autoloader in PHP, and how is it used in plugins?

Answer 39

A: An autoloader dynamically loads classes when needed, often implemented via Composer.

Question 40

Q: What is the WordPress Plugin Boilerplate?

Answer 40

A: A project template that provides a standardised foundation for building plugins.