17 Best WordPress Development Plugins for Developers in 2024

Developing a WordPress site requires tools that streamline workflows, enhance functionality, and improve efficiency. WordPress development plugins are indispensable for debugging, coding, and customizing websites. Here are the top 17 plugins that every WordPress developer should consider in 2024.

Why Use Development Plugins?

• Efficiency: Accelerates the coding and testing process.
• Error Reduction: Provides tools to debug and troubleshoot effectively.
• Customization: Adds advanced functionality to meet specific requirements.

Best WordPress Development Plugins

1. Query Monitor

Features:

• Comprehensive debugging tool.
• Tracks database queries, hooks, and HTTP requests.
• Identifies slow queries and performance bottlenecks.

2. Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)

Features:

• Adds custom fields to posts, pages, and user profiles.
• Supports flexible content types and layouts.
• Developer-friendly with extensive documentation.

3. WP Migrate DB Pro

Features:

• Simplifies database migration between WordPress sites.
• Supports URL and file path replacements.
• Ideal for staging and production environments.

4. Debug Bar

Features:

• Adds a debugging menu to the admin bar.
• Tracks PHP errors, warnings, and query details.
• Includes add-ons for advanced debugging needs.

5. Log Viewer

Features:

• Displays WordPress logs directly in the dashboard.
• Filters logs by severity, date, or category.
• Essential for troubleshooting errors.

6. Regenerate Thumbnails

Features:

• Recreates image sizes for all uploaded media.
• Useful for theme changes and image optimization.
• Easy-to-use interface for bulk processing.

7. Theme Check

Features:

• Tests theme files against WordPress coding standards.
• Identifies deprecated functions and potential errors.
• Ideal for ensuring theme compatibility.

8. User Switching

Features:

• Switch between user accounts with a single click.
• Useful for testing user roles and permissions.
• Secure and developer-friendly.

9. Post Types Order

Features:

• Allows custom ordering of posts, pages, and custom post types.
• Drag-and-drop interface for easy reordering.
• Compatible with custom queries.

10. WP-CLI

Features:

• Command-line interface for managing WordPress installations.
• Supports plugin updates, database backups, and more.
• Ideal for developers working on multiple sites.

11. Custom Post Type UI

Features:

• Simplifies the creation of custom post types and taxonomies.
• Integrates seamlessly with other development tools.
• Intuitive user interface.

12. Duplicator Pro

Features:

• Creates backups and migrations of WordPress sites.
• Supports multisite installations and cloud storage.
• Reliable for cloning and staging sites.

13. Gutenberg Blocks Library & Toolkit

Features:

• Extends the Gutenberg editor with developer-friendly blocks.
• Customizable block styles and templates.
• Ideal for building reusable design components.

14. WP-SCSS

Features:

• Adds SCSS support to WordPress themes.
• Compiles SCSS files automatically.
• Perfect for developers focused on modern CSS workflows.

15. Redirection

Features:

• Manages 301 redirects and tracks 404 errors.
• Includes conditional redirects based on user roles or devices.
• Essential for maintaining SEO and site structure.

16. Elementor Custom Code

Features:

• Adds custom code directly to Elementor-powered sites.
• Supports JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.
• Easy to implement without editing theme files.

17. Code Snippets

Features:

• Safely add custom PHP code to your site.
• Organizes snippets with tags and descriptions.
• Includes error prevention to avoid site crashes.

Features to Look for in Development Plugins

• Ease of Use: Intuitive interfaces for managing complex tasks.
• Flexibility: Tools that adapt to various development needs.
• Integration: Seamless compatibility with other plugins and themes.
• Performance: Lightweight plugins to avoid slowing down development sites.
• Documentation: Detailed guides and support for efficient use.

How to Choose the Right Plugins

1. Identify Requirements: Determine what features are essential for your projects.
2. Test Compatibility: Ensure plugins work well with your current setup.
3. Monitor Performance: Use staging environments to test impact on site speed.
4. Leverage Community Feedback: Read reviews and forums for recommendations.

Conclusion

WordPress development plugins are indispensable for creating efficient, high-quality websites. The tools listed above cater to various development needs, from debugging to customization. Start exploring these plugins to elevate your WordPress development projects in 2024.

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Meta Description: Discover the 17 best WordPress development plugins for 2024. Enhance workflows, debug efficiently, and customize your sites with these powerful tools.

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1. “Debugging tools displayed in the WordPress admin dashboard using Query Monitor.”
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