Uncover the Power of Shaping WordPress’s Future
If you have a deep passion for WordPress and are eager to play a part in its development and growth, we have some exciting news for you. You have the chance to contribute to WordPress by suggesting innovative features and improvements for the platform. As an open-source software, WordPress relies on its dedicated user base and volunteer developers to propose and implement fresh ideas. This article will guide you through the process of making feature suggestions for WordPress using two widely used platforms: Trac and GitHub. By following these steps, you can directly influence the future of WordPress.
Making Use of Trac’s Bug Tracking System
Trac is a robust software for bug tracking, development, and ticketing that serves as the foundation for documenting WordPress’s progress. It’s also a platform where you can pitch your feature ideas. Here’s how you can leverage Trac to submit your suggestions:
Step 1: Thoroughly Research Existing Suggestions
Before presenting your new feature suggestion, ensure that nobody else has proposed the same idea by conducting a search through Trac. You can easily do this by utilizing the search feature available on the WordPress Core website.
Step 2: Initiate a New Ticket
If you’ve confirmed that your suggestion is unique and hasn’t been proposed before, visit the Trac website and click on the “Create a new ticket” button. Keep in mind that you’ll need to log in to your WordPress.org account or create one if you don’t already have an account.
Step 3: Provide a Comprehensive Description
Fill in the New Ticket form with essential details about your feature suggestion. Start with a concise summary that clearly explains the problem your suggestion aims to solve. Then, provide a thorough description of your idea, including any supporting visuals like screenshots or mockups. Present a compelling case for why your suggestion should be considered for inclusion in the WordPress core.
Step 4: Choose Appropriate Ticket Types and Tags
Select “Feature request” as the ticket type. If your suggestion relates to an existing feature enhancement or a bug report, choose the relevant ticket type accordingly. You can also specify a WordPress version number, component, and contributor focus that aligns with your suggestion. These options help categorize your ticket and make it more accessible for developers to find and review.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Take a moment to preview the ticket’s details and ensure accuracy. Once you’re satisfied, click the “Create ticket” button to submit your feature suggestion. Your ticket will then become visible and open for other contributors and developers to review and take necessary action.
Utilizing GitHub for Your Feature Suggestions
GitHub is a powerful platform that fosters collaboration among developers and serves as a code management hub. You can also propose new features for WordPress using GitHub. Let’s walk through the process:
Step 1: Register for a GitHub Account
If you haven’t signed up for a GitHub account yet, visit the website and create a free account. This will give you access to the platform and allow you to contribute to WordPress development.
Step 2: Locate the Suitable Repository
Go to the WordPress core page on GitHub and navigate to the “Repositories” tab. From there, search for the specific repository that corresponds to the area where you’d like to suggest your new feature. For instance, if your suggestion revolves around the block editor, you can post it in the Gutenberg repository.
Step 3: Open a New Issue
Once you’ve found the relevant repository, click on the “Issue” option in the top menu. Before creating a new issue, make sure to explore the existing issues to check if your feature request has already been raised. If not, click the “New issue” button to create a fresh ticket.
Step 4: Provide a Detailed Explanation
Give your feature request a clear and concise title, followed by a detailed description within the allocated space. Make sure you articulate your idea effectively. Once you’ve filled in all the relevant details, click the “Submit new issue” button to create your ticket.
Step 5: Engage in the Discussion and Development Process
After you’ve submitted your issue, a GitHub thread will be generated where you can track the discussion and progress related to your feature suggestion. Stay engaged in the conversation and actively participate by providing additional insights or clarifications, if needed.
Final Thoughts
Contributing to WordPress by suggesting new features is an invaluable way to shape the platform’s future. Whether you choose to use Trac or GitHub, following the steps outlined in this article will help you effectively make your feature suggestions. Remember, it may take time for your suggestion to be implemented, but your input is crucial in making WordPress the powerful CMS that it is today. So, don’t hesitate to share your ideas and be a part of WordPress’s evolution and improvement!
