Before we talk about WordPress plugins, say a few words about what WordPress is all about
WordPress is the most popular content management system for websites on the web.
Its flexibility, (you can read our article about Types Of WordPress Websites). The fact that it is search engine friendly, the media management system embedded in it. And the fact that it is managed in an open-source configuration.
All these have attracted over the years not only many users. But also many developers, who built various plugins for the system.
A plugin is an extension of the capabilities offered by the system. And can expressed by updating a certain internal functionality in the management of the site. Or as a widget that can be actually presented to the visitor to the site.
The various plugins offered for installation expand, as mentioned. The capabilities of the site in a wide range of areas, but the careless installation of plugins. Can cause the site to load and even disrupt the site’s activity until it is disabled.
Thus, before you plan to install this or that WordPress plugins. (check this list of The Best WordPress Plugins Guide). On the site’s content management system, you should consider the following reference points.
1. Do not install before backing up
The most important rule to follow before installing. A new WordPress plugin is an orderly backup to the content system. WordPress offers a backup operation. For blog posts, pages, images, and other media files.
Also, it will not hurt if you also perform a snapshot of the virtual server on which the content system is installed.
Such a backup will help you to recover the system in a fast time. In case the installation of the plugin will cause some problems that you did not expect.
2. Check the rating of the WordPress plugins
It is true that user rating is not everything, and can be easily manipulated.
But, if you interested in downloading a plugin that has a low rating compared to other plugins. That perform the same operation, it is highly recommended that you turn on a red light.
3. Check the amount of rankings of the plugin
If the number of scales of the plugin is small (individuals or dozens of scales). There is no reason to take the rankings of the plugin. And it would be very worthwhile to check its functionality. As well as reviews on alternative plugins, before installing the plugin.
4. Check the amount of installations of the plugin
Obviously, the larger the number of installations of the plugin. The more likely it is that it will work on a regular basis.
Yet, a very popular plugin may be a potential target for malicious people. Who will try to find weaknesses in the development of the plugin, Molchen. It will be important to take extra care before installing any plugin, even if it is very popular.
5. Check which versions of WordPress the plugin supports
This is a critical test for maintaining the stability of your content management system. If it is not stated. That the plugin supports your version of WordPress, think twice before installing it.
6. Check who the manufacturer of the plugin is
It is true that you have no real way to test the quality of the code developed. By any WordPress plugins manufacturer, but one of the tests you can do is to see. If the plugin manufacturer has developed more plugins, are they popular. And what is the level of satisfaction of the administrators who installed them.
7. Check how often the plugin is updated
One of the common practices in the field of information security is the frequent. And ongoing release of software versions, which among other things, aim to correct. Information security vulnerabilities discovered in the product.
For an explanation of Security Headers read the article you wrote about WordPress Security Headers.
If the WordPress plugin you want to install has not been updated for many months. You should seriously consider not installing it.
8. Check if a similar plugin is installed on your management system
If your content management system has a similar plugin installed. That performs the same activity, then installing another plugin may cause the two plugins. To collide, impair the functionality of the plugins and slow down the operation of the system.
Therefore, make sure that for a particular task. That you want to perform only one plugin will installed. (and if it is possible to perform it without a plugin – much better).
In conclusion
Various plugins developed for the WordPress content management system allow the webmaster. To expand the functionality of the site and make it easier for him to perform various tasks.
However, in the installation of various plugins. There are also quite a few risks including information security risks. risks related to system stability, and more.
Therefore, before installing a WordPress plugin, it will be important to adhere to the rules outlined in the article.