Plugin Check is a tool for testing whether your plugin meets the required standards for the WordPress.org plugin directory. With this plugin you will be able to run most of the checks used for new submissions, and check if your plugin meets the requirements.
Additionally, the tool flags violations or concerns around plugin development best practices, from basic requirements like correct usage of internationalization functions to accessibility, performance, and security best practices.
The checks can be run either using the WP Admin user interface or WP-CLI:
- To check a plugin using WP Admin, please navigate to the Tools > Plugin Check menu. You need to be able to manage plugins on your site in order to access that screen.
- To check a plugin using WP-CLI, please use the
wp plugin checkcommand. For example, to check the “Hello Dolly” plugin:wp plugin check hello.php- Note that by default when using WP-CLI, only static checks can be executed. In order to also include runtime checks, a workaround is currently necessary using the
--requireargument of WP-CLI, to manually load thecli.phpfile within the plugin checker directory before WordPress is loaded. For example:wp plugin check hello.php --require=./wp-content/plugins/plugin-check/cli.php - You could use arbitrary path or URL to check a plugin. For example, to check a plugin from a URL:
wp plugin check https://example.com/plugin.zipor to check a plugin from a path:wp plugin check /path/to/plugin
- Note that by default when using WP-CLI, only static checks can be executed. In order to also include runtime checks, a workaround is currently necessary using the
The checks are grouped into several categories, so that you can customize which kinds of checks you would like to run on a plugin.
Keep in mind that this plugin is not a replacement for the manual review process, but it will help you speed up the process of getting your plugin approved for the WordPress.org plugin repository, and it will also help you avoid some common mistakes.
Even if you do not intend to host your plugin in the WordPress.org directory, you are encouraged to use Plugin Check so that your plugin follows the base requirements and best practices for WordPress plugins.
Plugin Namer Tool
Plugin Check now includes an AI-powered Plugin Namer tool (accessible via Tools > Plugin Check Namer) that helps plugin authors evaluate plugin names before submission. This tool checks for:
- Similarity to existing plugins in the WordPress.org directory
- Potential trademark conflicts with well-known brands
- Compliance with WordPress plugin naming guidelines
- Generic or overly broad naming issues
The Plugin Namer provides instant feedback with actionable suggestions, helping you choose a clear, unique, and policy-compliant name that stands out in the plugin directory. This feature requires WordPress 7.0+ and configured AI connectors.
Important: The Plugin Namer tool provides guidance only and is not definitive. All plugin name decisions are subject to final review and approval by the WordPress.org Plugins team reviewers.
