Let me tell you about this amazing new workflow I’ve been using for my WordPress development – integrating GitHub! It’s like a game changer seriously.
It’s all about version control collaborating on projects and automating the whole shebang.
Before GitHub keeping track of changes managing updates and even rolling back code to fix problems was like trying to herd cats.
Forget about having multiple people working on the same project at the same time without stepping on each other’s toes! But with GitHub it’s all so much smoother.
You see GitHub is built on Git which is basically a distributed version control system.
This means that everyone involved in the project has their own copy of the code which helps to prevent conflicts and allows for parallel development.
Setting up GitHub for WordPress Projects
let’s dive into setting up GitHub for your WordPress projects.
First you need to make sure you have Git downloaded and installed on your machine.
Then you create a new repository on GitHub – think of it as a central storage space for your project’s code.
Now the key is to decide what files you actually need to include in your GitHub repo.
You should generally avoid putting your entire WordPress installation in there because that can get messy.
Instead focus on the custom themes plugins and configuration files you’re working on.
What to Include (and Exclude) in Your GitHub Repo
Think of it this way: If you’re not going to directly edit a file it probably doesn’t need to be in your repo.
You should never add your WordPress core files to your repository.
You don’t want to be managing updates to core files manually through GitHub – WordPress has its own update system for that.
And the same goes for static media files like images and videos.
Instead it’s best to manage them with plugins or external storage solutions.
Keep your repo focused on code and you’ll have a much easier time managing your project.
Using .gitignore
A super important file to create is called “.gitignore”. This file is used to tell GitHub which files and directories to ignore when tracking changes.
It’s a lifesaver especially for WordPress development.
The .gitignore file should include your WordPress core files your wp-config.php file (for security reasons!) cache files and user-uploaded content.
You’ll typically create a .gitignore file at the root level of your project.
The Power of Managed WordPress Hosting
By the way this is where managed WordPress hosting comes in.
Providers like Pressable actually understand the ins and outs of WordPress development and know what should and shouldn’t go in a GitHub repo.
They’ll take care of protecting your site from potential issues.
For example Pressable won’t pull WordPress core files or anything in the /wp-content/uploads folder into your repo.
It’s one less thing you have to worry about.
Deploying Code to Your Live WordPress Site with GitHub Actions
now for the fun part: deploying your code to your live WordPress site.
This is where GitHub Actions come in handy.
GitHub Actions is a powerful tool that allows you to automate tasks like deployment testing and more.
Setting Up GitHub Actions
You set up a workflow in GitHub Actions using a YAML file.
It tells GitHub what to do when you push changes to your repository.
The workflow pulls code from your repo and adds it to your WordPress installation via FTP.
To give GitHub access to your FTP server you provide it with credentials using secrets.
A Pre-built Workflow
To make things even easier you can use pre-built GitHub Actions.
You can find these actions online and they provide a starting point for automating your deployment process.
Using Secrets to Protect Your Credentials
Make sure to keep your FTP credentials (like your username and password) secure by using GitHub’s secret features.
This allows you to store sensitive information in a secure and confidential way.
Best Practices for Integrating GitHub and WordPress
Branching Strategies
One of the most powerful features of GitHub is its branching system.
This lets you create different versions of your code.
Use it wisely! For example you might create a separate branch for testing new features before merging them into the main branch.
This makes your codebase more stable.
Use Pull Requests
Pull requests are another crucial part of collaborative development.
Use them to propose changes to the main branch of your repository.
It’s a good way to review code and catch any potential issues before merging changes into the main branch.
Regularly Update Dependencies
Don’t forget to keep your WordPress core files and plugin dependencies up-to-date! Outdated code can be a security risk.
It’s a good idea to regularly update your WordPress installation and plugins.
Committing Changes
Commit your changes frequently.
This allows you to track changes and easily roll back to previous versions if needed.
When you commit changes include a clear and concise message describing what you’ve changed.
Use a Code Editor
While not strictly a GitHub best practice using a code editor like VS Code can make your development process smoother.
There are extensions available for VS Code that provide seamless integration with GitHub.
Get Started with Managed WordPress Hosting
If you’re looking for a way to streamline your WordPress development workflow I recommend exploring managed WordPress hosting.
It can truly simplify the process of integrating GitHub.
Pressable is a managed WordPress hosting platform that’s specifically designed for developers.
We offer features that make it easy to integrate GitHub with your WordPress development workflow.
We’ve got everything from automated deployments and staging environments to reliable security and expert support.
It’s the perfect way to take your WordPress projects to the next level.
So if you’re ready to ditch the headaches of managing your WordPress site and embrace the power of GitHub give Pressable a try.
You won’t regret it!