This is What Happens to WordPress Plugins After Deploying to Hosting Server
Deploying a WordPress website to a hosting server is a crucial step in the development process, but it can also be a source of confusion and uncertainty for many developers. One of the primary concerns is what happens to the WordPress plugins that have been installed and configured during the local development phase.
Understand the WordPress Deployment Process
Before we dive into the fate of WordPress plugins, let's first understand the overall deployment process. When you upload your WordPress website to a hosting server, the process involves transferring the entire WordPress directory, including all files and folders, to the server's document root. This includes your WordPress core files, themes, media, and importantly, the plugins you have installed.
What Happens to WordPress Plugins?
When you deploy your WordPress website to a hosting server, the plugins you have installed and configured during the local development phase will be included in the deployment package. This means that your plugins will be available and active on the live website, just as they were during the development phase.
However, it's important to note that there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Plugin Configuration Settings
While the plugins themselves will be deployed, their configuration settings may need to be adjusted to match the new hosting environment. This includes things like database credentials, API keys, and any other settings that are specific to the hosting environment.
For example, if you have a plugin that connects to a third-party service, you may need to update the API credentials to match the live environment. Similarly, if your plugin uses a database connection, you'll need to update the database username and password to match the hosting server's credentials.
2. Plugin Compatibility
When deploying your WordPress website to a hosting server, it's essential to ensure that all the plugins you have installed are compatible with the version of WordPress running on the live server. If there is a mismatch in the WordPress version, it's possible that some plugins may not function as expected or may even cause compatibility issues.
To mitigate this, it's recommended to test your WordPress website and all its plugins on the hosting server before making the site live. This will allow you to identify and resolve any compatibility issues before your users encounter them.
3. Plugin Updates
Another consideration is the ongoing maintenance and updates of your WordPress plugins. While the plugins will be deployed to the hosting server, they may not automatically update themselves. It's important to regularly check for plugin updates and apply them to ensure your website remains secure and functional.
Some hosting providers offer automatic plugin updates as part of their managed WordPress hosting services. If this is the case, you may not need to worry about manual plugin updates, but it's still a good idea to periodically check and verify that the plugins are up-to-date.
Get a Free AI Website Audit
Automatically identify UX and content issues affecting your conversion rates with Flowpoint's comprehensive AI-driven website audit.
Ensuring a Smooth Deployment
To ensure a smooth deployment of your WordPress website, including its plugins, follow these best practices:
-
Backup Your Website: Before deploying, make a complete backup of your WordPress website, including the database and all files. This will provide a safety net in case something goes wrong during the deployment process.
-
Test on a Staging Environment: If possible, set up a staging environment that mirrors your production hosting server. This will allow you to test the deployment process, including the behavior of your plugins, before making the live site changes.
-
Update Plugin Configurations: Review the configuration settings for each of your plugins and ensure they are updated to match the hosting environment. This may include updating database credentials, API keys, or other settings.
-
Check Plugin Compatibility: Verify that all the plugins you have installed are compatible with the version of WordPress running on the hosting server. If any plugins are not compatible, you may need to find alternatives or update the plugins before deployment.
-
Automate Plugin Updates: Consider setting up a process to automatically update your WordPress plugins on a regular basis. This can help ensure your website remains secure and functional without requiring constant manual intervention.
-
Monitor Plugin Performance: After deployment, keep an eye on the performance of your website, including the behavior of your plugins. If you notice any issues or unexpected behavior, address them promptly to maintain a smooth user experience.
By following these best practices, you can ensure that your WordPress plugins are successfully deployed to your hosting server and continue to function as expected, contributing to the overall success of your website.
Flowpoint.ai can help you identify any technical issues with your WordPress website, including plugin-related problems, and generate recommendations to optimize your site's performance and conversion rates.