Author: Tom (Page 200 of 430)

Tools For Quality WordPress Development

September 21, 2015 / Tom

It’s been quite a while since I’ve written anything for Tuts+ Code (which was previous Wptuts+ – the Envato property for all things related to WordPress development), so I’ve slowly started getting back into the habit as time allows.

With my most recent post, I’m trying to share some tools I believe lead to quality WordPress development.

Of course, if you’re an experienced WordPress developer, this likely isn’t for you; however, if you’re just getting into the field and are looking for some things to add to your toolbox, then here’s a list of things I recommend for those starting out.

WordPress Developers and WP Migrate DB Pro

September 18, 2015 / Tom / 0 Comments

I’ve mentioned WP Migrate DB in previous posts, but it’s been at least two years since I’ve last written about it.

In two years, software can change a lot and WP Migrate DB is no different. I’m still a fan, I still recommend it to people, and I still think that it’s an extremely valuable plugin for any WordPress developer (or even someone who works with WordPress site migrations) to have available.

WP Migrate DB

The point, though, is not for me to sit here and promote a plugin or to try to push something on you. I’ve said what I need to say in terms of who needs it.

But for those who are skeptical or those who are just getting started in WordPress development, it still raises a question as to why anyone needs it.

And that requires an understanding of why each person should have various environments setup for their project development. If you’re an seasoned developer, this post isn’t for you.

But if you’re getting started with WordPress development or looking to refine your workflow, then follow along. I’ll make this quick.

The Perfect WordPress Host (It Doesn’t Exist)

September 17, 2015 / Tom / 0 Comments

Trying to find the perfect WordPress host is not an easy task. There are a lot of options out there – which is actually really cool compared to where we were just a few years ago.

Personally, I’ve shopped around, I’ve tried a bunch of them, some I’ve loved, some I’ve liked, some I’ve never left.

I was literally just telling a friend I have a propensity to try new hosts when come to market and have been established for a little while even to my own detriment.

January

I try wait for others to test the waters, then I’ll jump in. You know, it’s the whole “Come on in, the water’s fine” sorta thing. Sometimes I do better than others.

Really, the only conclusion I’ve been able to draw from trying out all of the options available is there is no perfect WordPress host.

You Should Be Budgeting Your Business

September 16, 2015 / Tom / 0 Comments

A little while ago, I started writing about self-employment and some of the things I’ve experienced. Note, however, that none of the things I’m sharing are aiming to be advice.

I mean, I’m not saying “this is what you should do if you’re working for yourself” or anything like that. Instead, I’m offering my thoughts on things I’ve done, why I’ve done it, and if it’s something that works for you, great; if not, that’s no big deal.

A little over a month ago I talked about how accounting – specifically as it relates to taxes – is one of the best things I’ve done since working for myself. It’s freed up so much time, simplified things so much, and taken a major burden off of my plate so I can focus on the core of what I’m trying to do.

But there’s another side or a sibling or a cousin or whatever family member you want to use to account and that’s budgeting.

Custom CSS in WordPress (Does It Conflict with Child Theming?)

September 15, 2015 / Tom / 0 Comments

From a developer’s standpoint, I have mixed feelings about having a built-in editor for editing custom CSS in WordPress. On one hand…

It’s a really easy way to make quick changes to the theme you have installed so you get the changes you want.
Then again, it also completely bypasses and defeats the entire child theme process.

As I’ve tried to think this through, I realize each serves a different purpose I’ll try to explain in a moment, but sometimes I can’t help but wonder if it makes things for difficult for users or more difficult for other developers than necessary.

Sounds weird, I know. But hear me out.