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Brad Schiff

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

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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.

Enroll now

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

Syllabus

Welcome!
Welcome to the Course!
Getting Started
What is a Dev Environment? (Your First Installation)
Read more
If You're Unable to Install Local by Flywheel
About The Recent Big Changes To WordPress
First Taste of PHP
First Coding Steps: PHP
A Note About URLs / My Address Bar
Creating a New Theme
PHP Functions
PHP Arrays
WordPress Specific PHP
The Famous "Loop" in WordPress
Header & Footer
Optional: If You Want To Skip To One of The Final Chapters In The Course...
Convert Static HTML Template into WordPress (Part 1)
Convert Static HTML Template into WordPress (Part 2)
Pages
Interior Page Template
Parent & Children Pages
To Echo or Not To Echo
Menu of Child Page Links
A Few Quick Edits / Improvements
Navigation Menus
Navigation Menus (Continued)
Building the Blog Section
Blog Listing Page (index.php vs front-page.php)
Blog Continued
Blog Archives (archive.php)
Custom Queries
Blog: Few Quick Edits & Improvements
Events Post Type
Custom Post Types
Using The Modern Block Editor For Our Custom Post Type
Displaying Custom Post Types
Quick Timeout: Misc Updates
Custom Fields
A Note About the WordPress Post Edit Screen
Ordering (Sorting) Custom Queries
Manipulating Default URL Based Queries
Past Events Page (Custom Query Pagination)
Programs Post Type
Creating Relationships Between Content
Displaying Relationships (Front-End)
Quick Program Edits
Professors Post Type
Quick Note About The Next Lesson
Featured Image (Post Thumbnail)
Featured Image Sizes & Cropping
Page Banner Dynamic Background Image
Cleaner Code (Less Duplication)
Note About PHP Warning In The Next Lesson
Reduce Duplicate Code - Create Our Own Function
Solution To "Undefined array key" Warnings
Quick Fix For Page Banner Function
Using Our "pageBanner" Function
Reduce Duplication - "get_template_part()"
JavaScript Preparation
Getting Our Computer & Project Ready for JavaScript
Important Note About The Next Lesson
Optional: The Finished Product Of This Course: All In One Import File
Campus Post Type
Note About Google Maps JavaScript API
Campus Map on Front-End
Campuses Continued
Final Campus Details
Live Search (UI JavaScript)
Live Search
Open and Close Search Overlay
Preventing the Text Field Suggestions Pop-up
Keyboard Events in JavaScript
Managing Time in JavaScript
Waiting / Loading Spinner Icon
WordPress REST API (AJAX)
Load WP Content with JS
Generate HTML Based on JSON
Conditional Logic Within Template Literal
Quick Misc Edits
Synchronous vs Asynchronous (Part 1)
Synchronous vs Asynchronous (Part 2)
Customizing the REST API
REST API: Add New Custom Field
REST API: Add New Custom Route (URL)
Create Your Own Raw JSON Data
WP_Query and Keyword Searching
Working With Multiple Post Types
Combining Front-End & Back-End
3 Column Layout for Search Overlay
Custom Layout & JSON based on Post Type
Search Logic That's Aware of Relationships
Search Logic That's Aware of Relationships (Part 2)
Completing Our Search Overlay
jQuery Free Live Search
Non-JS Fallback Traditional Search

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

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Reviews summary

Wordpress mastery

According to students, this course is an excellent resource for learning WordPress development. With its comprehensive content and easy-to-follow approach, learners say they gained a deep understanding of WordPress and its features. They highly recommend this course to anyone looking to become a proficient WordPress developer.
Highly recommended for aspiring WordPress developers.
"I recommend it to anyone."
In-depth lessons cover all aspects of WordPress development.
"Best WordPress course I have ever taken."
"You will learn every small bit of WordPress."
"I haven't seen such a good resource in the internet before."

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Become a WordPress Developer: Unlocking Power With Code.
For those new to WordPress and looking for a very beginner-friendly guide, this book can walk you through installation, configuration, adding content, managing plugins and themes, and more. It's a good choice for beginners, but those with prior experience in WordPress may find it less valuable.
Serves as a comprehensive guide to WordPress development for more experienced users. Focused on design and development, this book covers the basics before moving onto more advanced topics, making it useful for a wide range of WordPress users. Some of the topics covered include using the block editor, creating custom themes and plugins, and optimizing WordPress for performance.
Serves as a comprehensive guide to creating your own WordPress themes from scratch, covering everything from design to development. Focuses on modern coding techniques and the block editor, making it a great option for those looking to create their own custom themes.
Can be valuable for those who want to learn how to customize their WordPress site beyond the basics, using your own custom HTML, CSS, and PHP.
Provides a deep dive into PHP fundamentals, with a focus on object-oriented programming and design patterns. It's a good choice for those who want to improve their understanding of PHP, especially if they are new to object-oriented programming.
Provides a comprehensive overview of JavaScript design patterns, which can help you write more efficient, maintainable, and reusable code. It's particularly valuable for those who want to improve their JavaScript coding skills and learn how to apply design patterns to real-world development.
Is geared towards helping you build WordPress sites using Elementor, a popular page builder plugin. It's a good choice for those who want to avoid coding as much as possible.

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