Version Pilot offers a decentralized and seamless update solution for WordPress plugin developers who host their plugins outside the official repository. It perfectly mimics the native WordPress update experience without relying on a central server.
This solution consists of two parts:
- Author-side Plugin (“Version Pilot”): You install this plugin on your own WordPress site. It provides a clean interface to manage all your plugins’ update information. This information is then exposed via a secure REST API endpoint.
- Client-side Integration Code: A lightweight PHP snippet that you, the developer, embed in your distributed plugins. This code uses WordPress’s built-in hooks to periodically check your Version Pilot API for updates. When a new version is detected, it integrates seamlessly into the standard WordPress update system, allowing your users to update with a single click from their admin dashboard, just like any official plugin.
Key Features:
* Plugin-Centric Workflow: First, add your plugin’s core information. Then, add multiple versions to that plugin. This is more intuitive and reduces data redundancy.
* Advanced Version Management: Set minimum client version requirements for updates, ensuring compatibility and preventing problematic downgrades.
* Intelligent Version Matching: Smart logic to serve the most appropriate update based on client version and requirements.
* Authentication Support: Built-in support for license verification and access control mechanisms.
* Dedicated Versions List: A complete history of all releases across all your plugins with advanced filtering options.
* AJAX-Powered UI: Enable or disable updates directly from the versions list with a single click, no page reload needed.
* Streamlined Process: The “Add New Version” screen is simplified, automatically linking to its parent plugin and requiring only version-specific details.
* Modern Codebase: Fully refactored for better performance, security, and adherence to modern WordPress best practices.
Screenshots
"All Plugins" Management Interface: The main screen to manage all your plugin projects.
"All Versions" Management Interface: A complete history of all releases, with filtering and quick status toggles, including the new "Min Client Version" column.
"Add New Plugin" Screen: The clean interface for adding a new plugin's core information.
"Add New Version" Screen: The streamlined process for releasing a new update, now with minimum version requirements field.
User's Update Experience: The standard WordPress 'Plugins' page showing an update notification for your plugin.
"View Details" Modal: The update details pop-up, populated with information served by the Version Pilot API.