Installing WordPress Plugins and Themes from GitHub

GitHub is a popular platform used by open-source developers to host their plugins and themes. If you find plugins or themes on GitHub that you want to use with your WordPress website, this guide will walk you through the process of installing them.

Understanding GitHub’s Role in WordPress Development

GitHub is not only a code hosting service but also a valuable platform for open-source projects. It integrates the Git revision control system and provides developers with collaboration and social networking features. It is particularly useful for WordPress development.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing WordPress Plugins and Themes from GitHub

Before installing a plugin or theme, ensure that you can receive updates for it. Here’s how to install plugins and themes from GitHub:

1. Visit the GitHub repository of the desired plugin or theme.
2. On the repository’s main page, click on the “Code” button and select “Download ZIP”.
3. In your WordPress admin area, go to the “Plugins” » “Add New” page.
4. Click on the “Upload Plugin” button to upload the plugin or theme from your computer.
5. Select the ZIP file of the plugin or theme from your computer by clicking on the “Choose file” button.
6. Click on the “Install Now” button to upload and install the plugin or theme.
7. Once the installation is complete, a success message will be displayed.
8. Activate the plugin or theme on your WordPress website by clicking on the “Activate” button.

WordPress automatically checks for updates based on the plugin’s read-me file and header. However, by default, it doesn’t display automatic updates for plugins downloaded from GitHub.

Enabling Automatic Updates for GitHub Plugins and Themes

Some developers include code in their plugins and themes to enable automatic updates from GitHub repositories. In some cases, you may need to install the GitHub Updater plugin for smooth updates. It is recommended to contact the developer on GitHub for instructions on receiving updates.

In Conclusion

By following these instructions, you can easily install WordPress plugins and themes from GitHub. Remember to regularly check for updates and follow the developer’s guidelines to stay up-to-date. For more resources, check out our responsive web design guide and our recommended WordPress plugins for business websites.

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