While I'm very comfortable working with PHP and WordPress, certain aspects of WP development can be frustrating, especially when dealing with platform integrations.
One of our product features involves WordPress' REST API integration. On paper, it's straightforward - users just need to create an app password from their WP dashboard and connect it to our app.
However, the reality is complex. When you rely on WP REST API, you encounter numerous variables and potential issues:
- Problematic plugins: The WordPress ecosystem is prone to conflicts. Different plugins and PHP files within active themes can interfere with one another and the site's functionality, leading to unexpected issues. Some plugins may also disrupt API availability.
- Host restrictions: Various hosting providers implement different security measures and restrictions, which can block essential functionalities, including API access, without warning.
- Hidden challenges: I recently encountered a case where a user couldn't view their app password. Upon investigation, I discovered that a plugin had injected JavaScript to hide the generated password. However, the password was still accessible through browser inspection tools. Interestingly, the plugin wasn't even security-related. 😐
The platform's current state reflects years of evolution and accumulated complexity. While WordPress powers many successful businesses, its bloated nature and lack of uniformity can make simple integrations unnecessarily challenging.