Essential Qualities of a Good WordPress Programmer

With over 43% of the world’s websites running on WordPress, the demand for WordPress developers is constantly growing. However, it’s essential to distinguish a true WordPress expert from those who claim to be one. For a business, hiring a programmer with little expertise can cost a lot of time and money. In this article, we’ll look at the seven essential qualities that any good WordPress programmer should have to ensure optimal results.

1. Thorough knowledge of PHP and backend coding

There’s no denying that WordPress is a platform that is known for its ease of use. Installing a theme or plugins is within the reach of almost anyone. However, when it comes to deep customization of a site or solving complex technical issues, knowledge of PHP and backend programming becomes crucial. A good WordPress programmer must not only know how to install plugins, but also understand how they work under the hood. Indeed, the majority of WordPress features are based on PHP, and it is essential to have a thorough command of this language to be able to implement custom solutions. Here are some questions you should ask yourself to assess the PHP and backend coding skills of a WordPress programmer:

• Does this programmer understand the structure of the functions.php file well and can he use it effectively to add custom functionality?
• Is he able to write custom plugins or extensions to add specific functionality to a site?
• Can it work with the WordPress API to integrate third-party services or create solutions tailored to a client's specific needs?
• Is it able to debug PHP errors and resolve conflicts between plugins or with the theme?
• Does he have in-depth knowledge of server-side security and is he able to implement solutions that protect a WordPress site from vulnerabilities?

Ultimately, PHP and backend skills are not just about writing code, but understanding how to optimize site performance and proactively troubleshoot issues. A good WordPress programmer will also know how to manage databases, optimize MySQL queries, and structure code to ensure the site is future-proof and scalable.

2. Knowledge of WordPress standards

WordPress Coding Standards are guidelines established to ensure that the code produced is clean, readable, secure, and maintainable. Following these standards is essential for any WordPress programmer, as it helps ensure the code is compatible with future versions of WordPress, avoids critical errors, and makes the code understandable to other developers. By adhering to these standards, a good programmer also ensures that their code complies with good development practices, which makes it easier to maintain, evolve the project, and collaborate with other teams. Below are some of the standards.

PHP Coding Standards

These standards define rules about the structure and syntax of PHP code. For example, WordPress recommends following specific indentation, using spaces instead of tabs, and organizing code in a way that makes it easily readable. A programmer who follows these rules produces code that is more accessible to other developers, especially in collaborative projects.

Standards for JavaScript

A good WordPress programmer should also follow the JavaScript guidelines. This includes using modern JavaScript development practices, such as using closures and var , let , and const correctly. The standard also includes guidelines on how to write clean, well-organized JavaScript to avoid scripting errors.

Standards for CSS

CSS should be well structured and follow WordPress standards to ensure good compatibility and avoid visual conflicts between themes and plugins. This includes using clean classes and identifiers, organizing CSS rules logically, and following the cascade.

Standards for HTML

HTML semantics are crucial for SEO and accessibility. A programmer must therefore follow HTML writing standards by ensuring that his code is well-formed and optimized for compatibility with browsers and mobile devices.

Safety standards

By following WordPress standards, a programmer ensures that sites are protected from common vulnerabilities like SQL injection or XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks. This includes the proper use of escape functions ( esc_html() , esc_url() , etc.), validating user data, and using WordPress’ built-in security features. Adhering to WordPress coding standards also makes code review and maintenance easier. This ensures that other developers who work on the project in the future can easily understand and modify the code without the risk of introducing errors. In short, a skilled WordPress programmer ensures that their code adheres to these standards for a stable, secure, and long-lasting site.

3. HTML, CSS and JavaScript skills

While PHP is crucial for backend development, a WordPress programmer must also have excellent command of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to ensure a performant and aesthetically pleasing front-end. This allows them to customize themes, add dynamic interactions, and ensure that the sites they create are responsive and compatible with all browsers.

4. Ability to create custom themes and plugins

A skilled programmer should be able to create custom themes and plugins based on the specific needs of the business. Ready-made themes can be limited, while generic plugins can slow down the performance of the site if not optimized. An expert will be able to code tailored solutions and optimize features without compromising the speed of the site.

5. Performance optimization

A good WordPress programmer understands the importance of performance optimization . He must know how to minimize page load time by optimizing code, using caching techniques, and reducing HTTP requests. In addition, he must be able to integrate monitoring tools to track the site's performance and ensure that it runs smoothly, even with high traffic.

6. Security

WordPress, being widely used, is also a common target for attacks. A good programmer should therefore be well-informed about common vulnerabilities (like SQL injections, XSS flaws, etc.) and know how to prevent them. He should be able to secure forms, configure site files properly, and keep plugins and WordPress core up to date to minimize risks.

7. Ability to collaborate and document

WordPress development is rarely a solitary activity. A successful programmer must be able to collaborate with other team members, whether they are designers, project managers, or marketers. In addition, they must ensure that their work is well documented , whether it is to facilitate maintenance or so that other developers can understand and modify their code with ease.

Conclusion

While many programmers call themselves WordPress experts, not all skills are created equal. Ensuring that your chosen programmer has these qualities is crucial for a business to maximize site performance and security while minimizing the costs associated with poor execution. Hiring a skilled developer is not just a technical investment, but a strategic decision to ensure the longevity of your online presence.