What a Great Wordpress plugin Looks like.
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009A Wordpress plugin should have the following characteristics to make it more intuitive and easy to use.
Easy and error free Installation: Installation is the most important process in implementing a plugin. It is very much necessary to have a good installer with the plugin to make sure that the users do not face any problems with the installation process. Many users tend to neglect software because of the installation and integration process. The Worldpress system is a bit rigid too, so it is important to have a good installer.
Straightforward un-installation process: Un-installation is as important thing for a plugin as the installation process. Un-installation gives the administrator the power to decide when to remove the plugin when it has no more function to perform, no administrator would want a plugin that cannot be removed and remain there forever.
Easy Upgrade of the plugin: A plugin would need updates to keep it running smoothly. A good plugin must be able to upgrade without troubling the user in any ways. Most software, however simple or complex it is needs constant upgrades to make it more stable and secure. Upgrades can also add features and options into the existing set to make the plugin more interesting and useful.
Localization and local language support for the administrator: Every administrator would not understand English and would require some language support to use the interface of the plugin; a plugin should be able to provide this feature.
Error recovery and processing of the error: It is always good to have error recovery system built into a plugin, this makes sure that the administrator is able to find out what the error is and correct it if he can, or in the case of a complex error go to the developer for support.
Import/ Export control options: Import and export controls are very much required for a plugin, it makes sure that the administrator can shift or transport the whole architecture of the system to another framework, without needing to make any large changes. It also helps in migration and upgrading of the system.
Great looking user interface: A good user interface is very important to make sure that the administrator is able to understand and work in the plugin.
Security of the system: Plugins have to be less vulnerable to attacks and make sure that an attack is not initiated on the system though the plugin. This is a very big concern and good plugins have good security features.
Changes to the system: A change log is necessary to track all the changes. This is very important as it marks a timeline of the changes made so that an administrator can look at the past changes and its effect on the whole system.
Good documentation and support: A good documentation is necessary to make the administrator understand the plugin well.
A great Wordpress plugin must have all this and a few more features.
