• Learn the basics of computer programming.
• Learn more about WordPress in particular.
• Select a focal point.
• Establish a testing development environment.
• Participate actively in the WordPress community.
• Construct a portfolio.
• Make a technical resume.
• Think about the setting you would like to work in.

Step 1: Master the fundamentals of coding.

WordPress is well-known for being a content management system that doesn’t require users to know how to code or even to know how to write code, as was previously said. However, as a developer, being able to troubleshoot, debug, and enhance the platform’s functionality requires having a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, Javascript, and PHP.

For instance, to configure WordPress error logs on a client’s website, you will require a rudimentary understanding of PHP. The same applies to WordPress sites when you wish to show a list of randomly selected posts in the sidebar. If you want external links on your WordPress websit

e to open in a new tab automatically, you’ll need to have some JavaScript installed. You’ll require if you or a client desires an incredibly distinctive design for their website.

Step 2: Read up on WordPress specifically.

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals of coding, learn what makes WordPress different by reading up on WordPress-specific resources. A selection of materials that can assist you at various points in your journey towards becoming a WordPress developer are provided below.

• The official online guide for WordPress created by its creators is called the WordPress Codex. It goes over everything, from the fundamentals of building a website to the most technical facets of WordPress, such as how to integrate AJAX into a custom plugin.
• Envato Tuts+: This website offers a plethora of resources, including ebooks on WordPress, courses, and how-to guides. Their WordPress how-to guides include images and videos for visual learners, and they cover a similar breadth of topics as the WordPress Codex.
• WordPress Developer Resources: The block editor, plugin and theme development, APIs, code references, and handbooks are all included in this official list of developer resources that WordPress has put together. As coders get more sophisticated, there is yet another requirement.
• Recognize the Code: This e-learning site offers three different learning pathways, one for plugin creators and two for theme developers, for those who prefer training videos. This curriculum is for advanced developers only, as it teaches you how to create a plugin or theme from the ground up.

Step 3: Choose a focus area.

For WordPress developers, there are three main areas of concentration: themes, plugins, and core software. Although you can work in all three, you may specialize on one.

Paul Bearne, a WordPress Core contributor supported by XWP, stated in a follow-up interview to his WCEU presentation “Finding Your WordPress Lifestyle” that “a lot of skills are cross-transferable so if you know one space, you can do it in the other space.”

A brief summary of the three development regions is provided below. Later on, we’ll go into further detail about theme and plugin creation.

• Core Development: This field of development involves creating and editing the WordPress core. The program that may be downloaded from the official WordPress website is the WordPress core. Although co-founder Matt Mullenweg leads the official WordPress core team, anyone can inspect and analyze the code, report bugs or security holes, and contribute code. An official guide is available for core contributors as well.
• Theme Development: Professionals in this field work on making unique themes. They can either develop it specifically for a client, provide it for free in the WordPress Theme Directory, or offer it for sale on an online storefront operated by a third party. An official handbook for theme developers is also available.
• Plugin Development: Professionals in this field make unique plugins. Similar to theme developers, they have three options for releasing their work: charging a fee for it on third-party marketplaces, offering it for free in the WordPress Theme Directory, or developing it specifically for individual clients. An official manual is also available for plugin developers.

There are more focus areas, but these three are the most common. For example, APIs are getting more and more profitable. Select the field that best fits your talents, hobbies, and desired income after weighing the pros and cons of each.

Step 4: Create a development environment for testing.

For any kind of developer, setting up a development environment is vital. It usually produces a superior product in addition to accelerating the development process.

You can store all of your WordPress core files, plugin files, and theme files in a local or remote environment that you may set up. This will allow you to rapidly test and view changes in a browser. The files will be retrieved from your computer, not the hosting server for your website, even though it will appear to be any other website you browse on the internet.

By working together with a group of other developers, you can troubleshoot any problems before making your security patch, theme, or plugin widely available.

Using a development tool like DevKinsta or Local by Flywheel, you may automate the process of setting up an environment or do it manually.

Step 5: Take part in the WordPress community actively.

In contrast to content management systems such as Joomla, Drupal, and others, WordPress boasts the greatest global community devoted to the platform’s enhancement. These millions of members are accessible via Slack channels and help forums, and you can even get face-to-face with them at WordCamp conferences and other global community events.

By actively engaging in this community, you can network, stay informed about announcements and product updates, and troubleshoot problems with the software or a particular site.

Step 6: Build a portfolio.

You should offer as much proof of your abilities and competences as you can when applying for any job. This is valid for almost any line of work, but it’s particularly true for WordPress development careers.

A portfolio is an excellent approach to “show, not tell.” Your chances of getting employed as a freelancer or full-time employee at a company can be increased by putting together a portfolio that highlights your development work.

This is a sample portfolio of a self-employed developer. One of his strengths is that it demonstrates his experience working on a variety of WordPress projects, such as e-commerce sites, review websites, and custom WordPress photography themes.

But it’s not necessary to have a portfolio, particularly if you, like Bearne, have experience with the WordPress Core. He advises participating in any open-source endeavor. In an interview after his WCEU session, he stated, “They sometimes have more weight than a fancy portfolio site, especially if you’re interested in back-end development.”