Lynda WordPress Creating Custom Plugins with PHP Open a world of new WordPress possibilities by writing your own plugins. Carrie Dils teaches you how to create custom functionality for WordPress using the Plugin API and a little bit of PHP. First, get a background in the basics of WordPress plugins—how to install them, manage them, find them, and write them—and understand when to use a plugin vs. a custom theme. Next, learn how to develop a plugin with the Plugin API, writing hooks (including actions and filters) to attach your new functionality to WordPress.

Curious what you can do with a plugin? Carrie covers some practical examples, including plugins for additional post types, custom taxonomies, and new admin features or layouts. Plus, get best practices for documenting and securing your plugin, and find out how to make your plugin accessible to others by internationalizing it or sharing it on WordPress.org.