# WordPress plugin development

- Link: https://matthummel.com/services/wordpress-plugin-development/
- Published: 2026-10-23T16:27:27+00:00
- Author: admin

Services

# Custom WordPress plugins, kept small

When WordPress can’t do what you need out of the box, I build a small plugin for
it. Each one is documented, so the next developer can pick it up.

[Say hello](https://matthummel.com/contact/)

[See TOCguide](https://matthummel.com/projects/tocguide/)

On this page

 [Plugin or theme?](https://matthummel.com/services/wordpress-plugin-development/#which)
[How I build them](https://matthummel.com/services/wordpress-plugin-development/#how)
[A plugin I shipped](https://matthummel.com/services/wordpress-plugin-development/#proof)
[FAQ](https://matthummel.com/services/wordpress-plugin-development/#faq)

Plugin or theme

## Plugin or theme?

The split is simple. Look is the theme’s job, and anything you must keep is a plugin’s
job.

### Goes in the theme

How the site looks and is laid out: templates, colors, and block layouts.

### Goes in a plugin

What the site must keep after a redesign: custom content types, integrations, and
bookings.

That split is why my themes keep listings and bookings in a companion plugin. You
can change the look later without losing the content. I build [custom themes](https://matthummel.com/services/custom-wordpress-themes/)
too.

Approach

## How I build them.

 * Small and focused. One plugin does one job.
 * Documented, so the next developer can follow it.
 * Input is sanitized and output is escaped. Every form and admin action checks 
   a nonce and a capability.
 * Server-rendered by default, with front-end JavaScript only when the plugin needs
   interaction.
 * A clean uninstall path.

Proof

## TOCguide, a plugin I shipped.

TOCguide builds a table of contents from the headings in a post. It is a Gutenberg
block, with a shortcode for classic content.

### Server-rendered

The outline is in the first HTML, so search engines and screen readers see it.

### Free and private

GPLv2 or later, with no tracking.

### Opt-in extras

The Reading Guide and study tools stay off until you turn them on.

[See the TOCguide project](https://matthummel.com/projects/tocguide/), or read [how I published my first WordPress.org plugin](https://matthummel.com/first-wordpress-org-plugin-tocguide-ai/)
and [why I built a table of contents block](https://matthummel.com/wordpress-table-of-contents-block/).

Questions

## Common questions.

Who owns the plugin code?

You do. The domain, hosting, database, and code are all yours. After handoff, I 
don’t have access unless you invite me back.

Can another developer take over the plugin later?

Yes. I keep each plugin small and documented, so the next developer can follow it.

Do you build blocks for the editor?

Yes. TOCguide is a Gutenberg block with a shortcode for classic content. Tell me
what your block needs to do.

 Get in touch

## Need a custom WordPress plugin?

Tell me what WordPress can’t do for you yet. Looking for something else? See all
[services](https://matthummel.com/services/).

[Say hello](https://matthummel.com/contact/)

Remote · within one business day (ET)