In this article, we will learn to Download and Install a WordPress Plugin with ease.
Step 1: Download the zip version of plugin from its website/github
Example: We will download a plugin called – Code Syntax Block from its github (this is just a random plugin that i have chosen, but not an endorsement).
As you see in the example above, first click the Clone or Download Button, that opens a dropdown click – Download ZIP (this will download a compressed .zip copy of the plugin on your computer).
If you are downloading the plugin from its website, their must be a download button that will allow plugin download. Do that.
If you have already downloaded the .zip file, let’s continue to next step.
Safety First, What not to do when installing plugins ? And things to keep in mind.
When installing new plugins keep these things in mind so you don’t break your website.
Its unlikely but every new plugin you install comes with a possibility it may conflict with your website’s theme even the most installed/popular or if its a malicious plugin it may break your site.
It’s highly recommended to only install plugins from trusted sources, moreover have a backup of your website and database in case of an issue.
Step 2: Upload and Install Plugin
First login to your website admin dashboard.
Click or Hover over the Plugins Button towards bottom left. And click the Add New Button
This will open a new page (or so called plugin search page – which can be used to install plugins on wordpress plugin store, but for installing plugins from files click the Upload Plugin)
Step 1 – Click Upload Plugin
Step 2: Choose a file (which will be the plugins .zip file)
Step 3: Click Install Now
Step 3: Activate Plugin
Once the plugin is installed, you will need to activate it in order to use it from the Installed Plugins Dashboard.
Step 4: Test and Implement Plugin Functionalities and features
At this point you can go ahead an implement any features and functionalities your new plugin provides.
What do I personally do, when installing a new plugin, to make sure website doesn’t break?
I have created a test instance of wordpress which i use to test new plugins before installing them on my primary website even the most trusted plugins. Because creating backups when adding new plugins can be time consuming and un-necessary and if something goes wrong its damaging to the business and bad for user experience and may lead to downtime.
