Do WordPress plugins have to be open source?
In the realm of WordPress plugins, the WordPress repository is also a tremendous way to gain exposure for your plugin, since the user base there is about 1000 times larger than anywhere else. If you want to put your plugin in the repository, it must be open source.
What is WordPress plugin extension?
A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress.
How does a plugin work in WordPress?
A WordPress plugin is simply an add-on application that either extends existing functionality or adds a new feature to your WordPress website. It enables WordPress users to add extra features to their site without needing to do anything about coding. The plugin helps to upgrade and strengthen the WordPress website.
How to extend a WordPress plugin without losing your changes?
Using Code Snippets to extend plugins instead of functions.php prevents the changes from being lost when a user switches themes. The mantra of never editing core WordPress files should be observed for plugins and themes. The goal is to extend or remove functionality without having those changes disappear after an upgrade.
Why do we need GPL plugins for WordPress?
Chris Lema put it best in his article on GPL WordPress themes and plugins: …software is repaired, advanced, and extended faster and better when it’s open. When more people can share it, inspect it, tweak it, and pass it along, you get better and stronger software.
Can a PHP plugin be licensed under the GPL?
There’s no ambiguity when it comes to the PHP code of WordPress plugins and themes being derivative works of WordPress, which means they must be licensed under GPL. It all seems rather compelling, but most importantly, none of this has been proven in a court of law.
Can a plugin be a derivative work of the GPL?
There is some legal grey area regarding what is considered a derivative work, but we feel strongly that plugins and themes are derivative work and thus inherit the GPL license. If you disagree, you might want to consider a non-GPL platform such as Serendipity (BSD license) instead.