Backend (PHP)
WordPress backend development starts with PHP — hooks, core APIs, coding standards, and the data layer. Read the Backend (PHP) overview.
WP Core
The engine you never touch directly — but always extend. This is what runs before your first line of code executes.
Functions
WordPress PHP APIs — options, queries, users, posts, and helper functions you use daily.
Backend (PHP)
WordPress is built on PHP — the language that still powers core, plugins, themes, REST routes, and server-side block rendering.
WordPress Coding Standards
WPCS with PHP_CodeSniffer — official conventions for readable, review-ready WordPress code.
Database
WordPress data layer — core schema, $wpdb, custom tables, queries, and persistent storage patterns.
Database
Overview of the WordPress database layer — when to use core tables, meta, options, or custom tables.
Schema & Core Tables
wp_posts, wp_postmeta, wp_users, wp_options, and how WordPress models content and relationships.
Custom Tables & Migrations
dbDelta, versioned migrations, and when custom tables beat post meta or custom post types.
$wpdb & Prepared Statements
Safe SQL with $wpdb->prepare, get_results, insert, update, and avoiding injection in plugins.
Queries & WP_Query
WP_Query, meta_query, tax_query, and raw SQL — choosing the right data access layer.
Options, Meta & Transients
Options API, post/user/term meta, transients, and object cache boundaries.
Frontend
Markup, styles, and JavaScript for block themes, editor assets, and accessible UI.
CSS / SCSS
theme.json, block styles, SCSS in themes, and maintainable CSS architecture.
Gutenberg
Block Editor development — the core USP of 4WP.dev production plugins.
Gutenberg Blocks
block.json, registerBlockType, inner blocks, bindings, and Interactivity API patterns.
REST API
Custom routes, authentication, and REST-first blocks that hydrate from the server.
REST API
Register routes, permission callbacks, and consume WP REST from blocks or headless apps.
Headless & Decoupled
WordPress as a content backend — REST or GraphQL APIs, auth, preview, and modern JavaScript frontends.
Headless & Decoupled
When and how to decouple WordPress from the frontend — architecture, trade-offs, and 4WP production patterns.
REST as Headless Backend
Expose posts, pages, and custom content via WP REST for SPAs and static frontends.
GraphQL (WPGraphQL)
Flexible queries with WPGraphQL — schemas, connections, and headless data fetching.
Auth & Permissions
Application passwords, JWT, OAuth, and permission callbacks for decoupled clients.
Preview & Revalidation
Draft preview, on-demand revalidation, and keeping headless frontends in sync with WordPress.
Frontend (Next.js / SPA)
Next.js, React, and static frontends consuming WordPress — routing, ISR, and the 4WP Headless App.