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Top Tools Every WordPress Developer Should Be Using
Whether you’re building custom themes, developing plugins, or managing client websites — the right tools can save you time, boost productivity, and help you deliver high-quality work. In 2025, WordPress development is more advanced and fast-paced than ever, and using the right stack is crucial.
Below are the must-have tools every WordPress developer should consider using.
1. Local Development Environments
Working locally helps you test without affecting live websites.
Local by Flywheel – Beginner-friendly with SSL and PHP switching.
DevKinsta – Great for Kinsta users with built-in email testing.
Laragon/XAMPP/MAMP – Lightweight and flexible for advanced setups.
Docker – Powerful containerized environments for pro devs.
2. Code Editors & IDEs
VS Code – Lightweight, fast, with rich plugin ecosystem.
PHPStorm – Full-featured IDE, best for large-scale WordPress projects.
Sublime Text – Great for quick edits and performance.
Extensions to install: PHP Intelephense, WordPress Snippets, ESLint, Prettier.
3. Version Control
Git – Essential for collaboration and version tracking.
GitHub / GitLab / Bitbucket – Host and manage repositories.
WP Migrate DB Pro – Move databases easily between environments.
4. Theme & Plugin Development
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) – Create flexible content fields.
Custom Post Type UI – Register post types and taxonomies easily.
WP-CLI – Command line tool to manage WordPress installations.
GenerateWP – Generate custom code snippets like shortcodes, taxonomies, roles, etc.
5. Debugging Tools
Query Monitor – Analyze database queries, hooks, and performance issues.
Debug Bar – Shows debug info on the admin bar.
Log Deprecated Notices – Useful when updating old code.
6. Testing Tools
PHPUnit – Unit testing for PHP code.
Playwright or Cypress – End-to-end testing for UI.
Theme Check – Validate theme quality and coding standards.
7. Performance Optimization
LiteSpeed Cache – Speed booster (best with LiteSpeed servers).
WP Rocket – Premium caching and performance suite.
Perfmatters – Disable unused scripts and optimize loading.
ShortPixel or Imagify – Image compression and WebP conversion.
8. Security
Wordfence – Real-time firewall and malware scanner.
Sucuri – Cloud-based security and protection.
iThemes Security – Easy-to-use, great for beginners.
9. Analytics & Monitoring
Google Site Kit – Integrate Analytics, Search Console, and PageSpeed in one.
MonsterInsights – Advanced Google Analytics for WordPress.
UptimeRobot / Better Uptime – Site uptime and downtime alerts.
10. AI & Productivity Tools
CodeWP – AI tool for generating WordPress snippets.
GetGenie / Bertha.ai – AI copywriting assistants for content creation.
ChatGPT + VS Code Extension – Get code help in your editor.
CodeWP – AI tool for generating WordPress snippets.
GetGenie / Bertha.ai – AI copywriting assistants for content creation.
ChatGPT + VS Code Extension – Get code help in your editor.
BONUS: Browser Extensions
Wappalyzer – Detect tech stack of any website.
WhatRuns – Discover plugins, themes, and scripts.
Web Developer Tools – Analyze CSS, JS, and layouts live.
Final Thoughts
The tools you use can make or break your workflow. While the list above isn’t exhaustive, it covers the most essential ones that can help you:
Build faster
Write better code
Collaborate effectively
Optimize and secure your sites
Stay current with modern development practices
Invest time in mastering these tools — and you’ll become a more efficient and in-demand WordPress developer.