Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code from Udemy

Unlock the full power of WordPress and go beyond "just a blog platform" by learning how to code completely custom WordPress powered sites.

Updated for 2023: New chapters about Block Themes, Full Site Editing, Gutenberg Block Type Creation, Plugin Development, React.js basics, custom MySQL essentials, and more.

I've spent the last 12 years studying WordPress, PHP, and JavaScript and now I'm here to teach you everything I know. Come along on this journey with me and become a WordPress developer.

Together we will build a website for a fictional university and along the way we will:

Install WordPress on your personal computer so you have a private playground copy of WordPress to practice and experiment with
Get introduced to the PHP language (this is what powers WordPress)
Set Up a New Theme (You'll learn how to convert any HTML template into a living breathing WordPress theme)
Create Custom Post Types and Custom Fields
Relate pieces of content with each other (e.g. a professor and a program)
Learn the basics of (object-oriented) JavaScript
Leverage the

This course may be brand new, but this isn’t my first time teaching. I’ve led training sessions for Fortune 500 companies and I’ve already helped over 17,000 people on Udemy and received the following feedback:

"Brad definitely has some of the best techniques to embed the lesson into your mind… hands down these are the best tutorials I have had the opportunity to view."

"Presentation is concise without being tedious… you honestly feel that you have a thorough understanding of the subject."

"…[Brad] explained the process. Not memorize this or that, he explained the process. If you're looking to take a course to understand the foundations of creating websites, look no further."

Become highly valuable and relevant to the companies that are hiring WordPress developers; in one convenient place alongside one instructor. If you're ready to begin coding custom websites - I'll see you on the inside.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Why code is the key to building whatever you can imagine with wordpress
The ability to write php to manipulate the data of a wordpress site
The ability to write javascript to add on-the-fly interactivity to a wordpress site

How to code your own new custom block types for the "gutenberg" block editor
The skills, knowledge and vocabulary to work professionally as a wordpress developer

Why code is the key to building whatever you can imagine with wordpress
The ability to write php to manipulate the data of a wordpress site
The ability to write javascript to add on-the-fly interactivity to a wordpress site
How to code your own new custom block types for the "gutenberg" block editor
The skills, knowledge and vocabulary to work professionally as a wordpress developer

Syllabus

Welcome!

Welcome to the Course!

Getting Started

What is a Dev Environment? (Your First Installation)

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches learners the ability to code PHP, which is essential for WordPress development

Builds the skills and knowledge required to freelance or work as a WordPress developer

Taught by an instructor with over 12 years of experience in WordPress and PHP

Emphasizes building practical skills through hands-on projects

Covers advanced topics such as plugin development and React.js basics

May require prior knowledge of HTML and JavaScript for optimal comprehension

Reviews summary

Become a wordpress developer: unlocking power with code

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for becoming a WordPress developer, focusing heavily on coding custom sites using PHP and JavaScript. Many highlight the instructor's clear explanations and the practical, project-based approach as major strengths. Students report gaining the skills to build custom post types, work with the REST API, and even delve into Gutenberg block creation. While largely positive, a few reviewers note that the course can be challenging for absolute beginners without prior coding exposure and suggest some sections could benefit from further updates to reflect the very latest industry practices, despite recent revisions.

Deep dive into PHP, JS, REST API.

"Covers essential PHP and JavaScript techniques needed for WordPress development."

"The sections on the REST API and custom queries were particularly valuable."

"I learned how to create custom post types and fields effectively."

"Getting into Gutenberg blocks was a great addition to the course content."

Learning by building a real project.

"Building the university website step-by-step really solidified my understanding."

"The hands-on project is the best part; I learned so much by actually coding it."

"I appreciate having a real-world example to work on throughout the course."

"Applying the lessons directly to the project helped everything click."

Instructor explains complex topics well.

"Brad explains concepts very clearly and concisely, making it easy to follow along."

"I found the instructor's teaching style engaging and easy to understand, even for harder topics."

"His explanations simplify complex WordPress concepts, which was incredibly helpful."

"The way the instructor broke down the code was fantastic, I could actually follow it."

Some parts could use further updates.

"Despite the updates, some techniques or tools mentioned feel slightly outdated."

"Wish there was more focus on modern build tools and workflows."

"WordPress evolves quickly, and a few sections already feel a bit behind."

"I had to supplement with external resources for the very latest methods."

Requires some prior coding knowledge.

"As a complete beginner, I found some parts moved a bit fast and required extra research."

"It's better suited for someone with at least a basic understanding of PHP and JS."

"Might be overwhelming if you've never coded before."

"I struggled initially because I didn't have much coding background."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code with these activities:

Review WordPress documentation

Show steps

Reviewing WordPress documentation can help refresh your memory on the core concepts and functionality of WordPress, which can enhance your understanding of the lessons in this course.

Browse courses on Wordpress

Show steps

Visit WordPress.org and browse the documentation
Focus on topics and concepts that are relevant to the course content

Solve PHP coding problems

Show steps

Solving coding problems can help you improve your problem-solving skills, strengthen your understanding of PHP syntax, and prepare you for challenges you may encounter in the course.

Browse courses on PHP

Show steps

Find coding problems online or in books
Try to solve the problems on your own first
Check your solutions against the provided solutions or ask for help if needed

Solve JavaScript coding problems

Show steps

Solving coding problems can enhance your problem-solving abilities, reinforce your grasp of JavaScript syntax, and prepare you for potential roadblocks in the course.

Browse courses on JavaScript

Show steps

Locate coding problems online or in books
Attempt to solve the problems independently
Compare your solutions to the provided solutions or request assistance if required

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Check out WordPress.tv for more PHP lessons

Show steps

WordPress.tv is an excellent resource for learning PHP. This activity can provide extra reinforcement for the PHP lessons in this course, especially if a particular topic is found to be challenging.

Browse courses on PHP

Show steps

Go to WordPress.tv and search for PHP tutorials
Select a tutorial that covers a topic you are interested in or struggling with
Follow along with the tutorial and take notes if needed

Check out JavaScript.info for more JavaScript lessons

Show steps

JavaScript.info is an excellent resource for learning JavaScript. This activity can offer extra support for the JavaScript lessons in this course, particularly if a particular topic proves challenging.

Browse courses on JavaScript

Show steps

Visit JavaScript.info and search for JavaScript tutorials
Choose a tutorial that covers a topic you are interested in or struggling with
Follow along with the tutorial and take notes if necessary

Build a simple PHP script to automate a task

Show steps

Building a simple PHP script can help you apply your knowledge of PHP while also developing problem-solving and automation skills.

Browse courses on PHP

Show steps

Identify a task you would like to automate
Write a PHP script to automate the task
Test your script and make any necessary adjustments

Create your own JavaScript project

Show steps

Embarking on a JavaScript project allows you to use your JavaScript knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and build a portfolio piece.

Browse courses on JavaScript

Show steps

Decide on a project idea
Plan and design your project
Implement your project using JavaScript

Contribute to an open-source WordPress plugin or theme

Show steps

Contributing to an open-source WordPress plugin or theme is an excellent way to strengthen your understanding of WordPress development, collaborate with others, and build your portfolio.

Browse courses on Wordpress

Show steps

Find an open-source WordPress plugin or theme that interests you
Read the documentation and familiarize yourself with the codebase
Identify an area where you can contribute
Create a pull request with your contribution
Collaborate with the maintainers to get your contribution merged

Career center

Learners who complete Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Full-Stack Developer

A Full-Stack Developer is a web developer who has skills in both front-end and back-end development. This means that they can work on all aspects of a website, from the design to the database. Full-Stack Developers are in high demand, as they can work on a wide range of projects. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course can help you build a strong foundation in both front-end and back-end development, which will make you a valuable asset to any team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer

WordPress Developer

A WordPress Developer is a web developer who specializes in developing and maintaining WordPress websites. WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that is used by millions of websites around the world. WordPress Developers use their skills in PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create and customize WordPress websites. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course will teach you everything you need to know to become a successful WordPress Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for WordPress Developer

Front-End Developer

A Front-End Developer is primarily concerned with the visual elements of a website. This includes working on the layout, design, and user interface of a website. Front-End Developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create and implement designs. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course can help you build a strong foundation in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are essential skills for any Front-End Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer

Web Designer

A Web Designer is responsible for the visual appearance of a website. This includes working on the layout, design, and user interface of a website. Web Designers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create and implement designs. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course can help you build a strong foundation in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are essential skills for any Web Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Web Developer

A Web Developer is responsible for developing and maintaining websites. Web Developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create and implement designs. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course can help you build a strong foundation in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are essential skills for any Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Back-End Developer

A Back-End Developer is responsible for the server-side of a website. This includes working on the database, application logic, and server configuration. Back-End Developers use programming languages such as PHP, Java, and Python to develop and maintain the back-end of a website. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course can help you build a strong foundation in PHP, which is the programming language used by WordPress.

See salaries and explore the career path for Back-End Developer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. Software Engineers use programming languages such as PHP, Java, and Python to develop software applications. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course can help you build a strong foundation in PHP, which is a valuable skill for any Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer is responsible for writing and maintaining code for software applications. Computer Programmers use programming languages such as PHP, Java, and Python to develop software applications. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course can help you build a strong foundation in PHP, which is a valuable skill for any Computer Programmer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing, designing, and implementing computer systems. Computer Systems Analysts use their knowledge of computer systems and technologies to help organizations improve their efficiency and productivity. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course may be useful for Computer Systems Analysts, as it provides a basic understanding of web development and programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Information Technology (IT) Manager

An Information Technology (IT) Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing an organization's IT infrastructure. IT Managers use their knowledge of IT systems and technologies to ensure that an organization's IT infrastructure is running smoothly and efficiently. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course may be useful for IT Managers, as it provides a basic understanding of web development and programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology (IT) Manager

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining databases. Database Administrators use SQL and other database management tools to create, maintain, and optimize databases. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course may be useful for Database Administrators, as it provides a basic understanding of SQL and database management concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. Project Managers use their knowledge of project management methodologies and tools to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course may be useful for Project Managers, as it provides a basic understanding of web development and programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. Business Analysts use their knowledge of business analysis techniques and tools to help organizations improve their efficiency and productivity. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course may be useful for Business Analysts, as it provides a basic understanding of web development and programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is responsible for writing and editing technical documentation. Technical Writers use their knowledge of technical writing principles and tools to help organizations communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course may be useful for Technical Writers, as it provides a basic understanding of web development and programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst

A Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst is responsible for testing and evaluating software applications to ensure that they meet the required quality standards. QA Analysts use their knowledge of software testing techniques and tools to help organizations ensure that their software applications are reliable and bug-free. The Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code course may be useful for QA Analysts, as it provides a basic understanding of web development and programming concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst