1. Setting Up Your Development Environment

Local Development

• Local by Flywheel: A popular local development environment for WordPress.
• XAMPP/MAMP/WAMP: Software stacks that provide Apache, MySQL, and PHP for local development.
• Docker: Use containers for setting up isolated development environments.

Installation

• Download WordPress: Get the latest version from the official WordPress site.
• Set Up Database: Create a MySQL database using a tool like phpMyAdmin or via command line.
• Configure wp-config.php: Modify this file with your database details.

2. Understanding WordPress Structure

Core Components

• Themes: Control the visual layout and design of your site.
• Plugins: Add functionality to your site.
• Widgets: Small blocks that perform specific functions.
• Menus: Navigational elements of your site.

Key Files

• index.php: The main template file.
• style.css: Contains the theme’s styles.
• functions.php: Acts as a plugin for adding custom functionality.
• wp-config.php: Configuration file for your WordPress installation.

3. Theme Development

Creating a Custom Theme

• Basic Files: Create index.php and style.css in a new theme directory.
• Template Hierarchy: Understand how WordPress selects which template file to use.
• The Loop: The main loop that WordPress uses to display posts.
• Custom Templates: Create custom templates for pages or post types.

Child Themes

• Purpose: Modify an existing theme without losing your changes on update.
• Setup: Create a new directory with a style.css that imports the parent theme’s stylesheet.

4. Plugin Development

Basics

• Structure: Each plugin is contained within its own directory in wp-content/plugins.
• Main Plugin File: Contains the plugin header comment and hooks into WordPress.
• Activation/Deactivation: Use activation and deactivation hooks to manage setup and teardown.

Common Tasks

• Shortcodes: Create custom shortcodes to embed content.
• Custom Post Types: Add new types of content beyond posts and pages.
• Widgets: Develop custom widgets for specific functionalities.

5. Customizing WordPress

Hooks

• Actions: Execute code at specific points during WordPress execution.
• Filters: Modify data before it is displayed or processed.

Custom Fields and Meta Boxes

• Advanced Custom Fields (ACF): A powerful plugin for creating custom fields.
• Meta Boxes: Add custom fields to post editing screens.

6. Advanced Topics

REST API

• Endpoints: Create custom REST API endpoints for interacting with your data.
• Authentication: Secure your API endpoints using nonce or OAuth.

Security

• Best Practices: Sanitize and validate user inputs, use nonces, and follow the principle of least privilege.
• Plugins: Use security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri.

Performance

• Caching: Use plugins like W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache.
• Optimization: Optimize images, use a CDN, and minimize HTTP requests.

7. Deployment

Migrating from Local to Live

• Backup: Always back up your site before making changes.
• Tools: Use plugins like Duplicator or WP Migrate DB for migration.
• Configuration: Update wp-config.php and permalinks as needed.

8. Resources

• Documentation: The WordPress Codex and Developer Handbook.
• Communities: WordPress forums, Stack Overflow, and various Slack channels.
• Learning: Sites like WPBeginner, Tuts+, and Udemy offer tutorials and courses.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, you’ll be well on your way to becoming proficient in WordPress development.