Code Smarter, Not Harder: WordPress Developer Tools For Every Pro 

As powerful as WordPress is, it can sometimes feel like a complex beast to tame. But here’s the good news: the right tools can turn that tide in your favor.

Think of WordPress developer tools as your trusty Swiss Army knife. They’re the secret weapons that can transform your workflow from a chaotic juggling act into a smooth, efficient process.

In this post, we’re diving into the toolbox of the pros. We’ll explore everything from local development environments for experimentation to debugging tools that help you squash bugs in record time.

Whether you’re a seasoned WordPress developer or just starting your journey, these tools are about to become your new best friends. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Why You Might Need a WordPress Developer Tool

Ever wondered why some WordPress developers seem to breeze through projects while others struggle? The secret often lies in their toolkit. 

With the right tools, you can cut your development time in half. WordPress developer tools automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and let you focus on what really matters: creating amazing websites.

We’ve all been there — staring at a screen full of code, wondering why something’s not working. Developer tools can be your second set of eyes, catching errors you might miss and suggesting best practices. 

The result? Cleaner, more consistent code that’s easier to maintain.

When things go wrong (and let’s face it, they sometimes do), debugging tools can mean the difference between a quick fix and hours of frustration. These tools pinpoint issues faster, saving you time and sanity.

Chances are you’re not working alone. Many WordPress development tools are designed for collaboration. They make it easier to work with team members, share progress with clients, or contribute to open-source projects.

By leveraging these tools, you’re not just making your life easier — you’re elevating the quality of your work. And in the competitive world of WordPress development, that can make all the difference.

How We Test & Review WordPress Tools

• Real-World Use: Our team members actively use the tool during the review process and for personal projects. This provides first-hand experience of the tool in a practical setting.
• Review Core Functionality: We thoroughly test the core functionalities advertised by the tool. This ensures it delivers what it promises.
• Usability Tests: We evaluate how user-friendly the tool is, including its interface design and overall user experience.
• Identify the Target Audience: We consider the ideal website type or user that would benefit most from the tool’s features.

Best WordPress Developer Tools For Staging

Ever wished you had a playground where you could experiment with WordPress without fear of breaking a live site? That’s exactly what staging tools offer. Let’s explore some of the best options out there.

LocalWP

Imagine spinning up a new WordPress site in seconds, right on your computer. That’s exactly what LocalWP delivers. Created by the folks at Flywheel (now part of WP Engine), LocalWP has quickly become a favorite among WordPress developers.

It’s a local development environment that allows you to create, develop, and test WordPress sites right on your own machine. No need for internet connectivity, no risk of breaking a live site, and no complex server setups. 

Just download, install, and you’re ready to start spinning up WordPress sites like a pro. Unlike other local development environments, Local by Flywheel has a beginner-friendly interface. You can set up new sites with custom PHP versions, web servers, and databases without any experience.

Pros

• Set up new local WordPress development environments in seconds
• Beginner-friendly interface
• Installs WordPress for you
• One-click admin login
• Push and pull sites from Flywheel or WP Engine
• SSH and WP-CLI
• Share test environments with clients

Cons

• While it works great with Flywheel and WP Engine, integration with other hosts isn’t as smooth.
• It can be a bit heavy on system resources, especially if you’re running multiple sites.

Who is Local WP best for?

LocalWP is perfect for those who need to spin up WordPress sites quickly and frequently. It’s a free local development environment that’s extremely easy to use.

Duplicator

Duplicator is designed to back up, migrate, and clone WordPress sites. It creates a complete package of your entire WordPress installation — we’re talking files, database, themes, plugins, the works. 

This package can then be used to move your site to a new host, create a staging environment, or back up your entire website. So, Duplicator can be useful for a lot of different development tasks.

For example, you might need to frequently create new sites with your favorite themes and plugins already installed. Once you have a site set up perfectly, use Duplicator to back it up. Then, download the backup files.

You can then use these files to instantly set up new websites, even if you don’t have WordPress installed. Simply upload them to the new server and launch the installer!

With Duplicator, you can save time by not repeating tedious site setups. Use it to instantly clone sites whenever you need to.

Duplicator is also a great tool for performing development tests. Make all the changes you want and simply restore a backup to undo any mistakes.

“I use this plugin to create restore points, allowing me to perform destructive tests and quickly restore the site to its original state. It is a great tool for testing without risks.”

— Andrea Leoni, expert WordPress developer

Pros

• Flexible tool that you can use for migrations, backups, or creating staging sites
• Simplifies complex processes like site migrations
• Unlike many backup plugins, Duplicator can handle sites of any size
• Customize backup files with file and database table filters
• Schedule automatic backups
• Multisite support
• Store your backups on cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, or Google Cloud
• One-click restores to roll back errors
• Drag-and-drop migrations
• Custom search and replace
• Integrates with cPanel
• Developer hooks

Cons

• The free version requires an FTP client to migrate websites.
• Some advanced features are only available in the paid version.

Who is Duplicator best for?

If you’re constantly setting up new sites or moving between environments, Duplicator is an essential WordPress developer tool. You can use it to create staging sites for client projects or quickly deploy sites to client servers. Plus, it’s great for daily backups.

DevKinsta

DevKinsta is a local development environment that mirrors Kinsta’s hosting setup, allowing you to develop, test, and deploy WordPress sites with ease. From built-in email testing to detailed error logging, DevKinsta packs a punch when it comes to features.

Similar to LocalWP, DevKinsta can launch new WordPress websites in one click. Since it was created by Kinsta, DevKinsta integrates with your hosting control panel. This makes it easy to pull live Kinsta sites to offline local development. 

Pros

• Push and pull sites between a local environment and Kinsta hosting
• One-click WordPress installs
• Enable HTTPS, mimicking a live environment
• Test email functionality
• Includes Adminer for easy database administration
• Free to use, even for non-Kinsta customers
• PHP version switching
• Automatic updates

Cons

• Newer local development environment, so it’s less tested and reviewed by other developers
• Relies on Docker, which requires a lot of processing power

Who is DevKinsta best for?

If you’re using Kinsta, DevKinsta is a great local development tool that’s already compatible with your host. For developers, built-in tools like email testing and database management can significantly streamline the development process.

XAMPP

XAMPP stands for Cross-Platform (X), Apache (A), MariaDB (M), PHP (P), and Perl (P). It’s a free and open-source local development environment that’s been a go-to choice for developers for years.

XAMPP was developed by Apache Friends more than 10 years ago. It’s essentially a one-stop-shop for setting up a local web server, making it perfect for WordPress development.

Unlike some competitors, XAMPP supports all the major operating systems. It’s a flexible and popular tool for many web development projects.

Pros

• Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Free and open-source
• Large community and many available resources
• Not just for WordPress.

Cons

• You need to manually install WordPress
• Less user-friendly interface

Who is XAMPP best for?

XAMPP is great for developers who value flexibility and don’t mind a bit of manual setup. It’s particularly useful if you work on diverse web projects beyond just WordPress. Since it’s compatible with any operating system, anyone can use it.

MAMP

MAMP started as the Mac user’s answer to XAMPP. But don’t let the name fool you — MAMP now has a Windows version too. 

MAMP is a local server environment that brings simplicity and ease of use to the forefront. It packages Apache, MySQL, and PHP together in a user-friendly application, allowing you to start developing websites on your local machine with minimal fuss.

Pros

• Accessible even for beginners
• Available for both Mac and Windows (though the Mac version is often considered superior)
• MAMP Pro offers additional features for those who need more power and flexibility
• phpMyAdmin for easy database management
• Switch between different PHP versions

Cons

• Some advanced settings are only available in MAMP Pro
• While the basic version is free, MAMP Pro comes with a price tag

Who is MAMP best for?

Whether you’re building your first website or managing multiple client projects, MAMP provides a reliable, user-friendly platform for local development. Mac users, in particular, will appreciate MAMP’s smooth integration with the macOS environment.

InstaWP

Unlike traditional local development tools, InstaWP takes WordPress development to the cloud. Using InstaWP, you can instantly create new sandbox sites without any complicated configuration.

There’s no need to set up local environments, wrestle with server configurations, or worry about software conflicts on your machine. With InstaWP, your WordPress playground is just a few clicks away, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

InstaWP gives you what you need to build sandbox sites from scratch or starter templates. You can pre-install useful plugins and themes to save time. InstaWP can even save preset values for PHP, Faker, and WordPress settings. 

Pros

• Instant site creation
• Everything runs in the cloud, saving your local resources
• Pre-install plugins and themes 
• Pre-designed site templates
• Code and database editors
• Links to Git repositories
• Merge with live sites

Cons

• The free version only supports 3 staging sites and 1GB of storage
• Websites automatically delete after 7 days

Who is InstaWP best for?

InstaWP is best for speed and collaboration. If you’re tired of the time-consuming process of setting up local environments or you’re working with a distributed team, InstaWP could be a game-changer.

Best WordPress Developer Tools For Debugging

Even the most skilled developers encounter bugs. The difference often lies in how quickly and efficiently they can squash them. Let’s dive into some powerful debugging tools that can make your WordPress development a whole lot easier.

Query Monitor

Query Monitor is a debugging plugin that provides in-depth information about database queries, PHP errors, hooks and actions, enqueued scripts and styles, and much more. It’s like having x-ray vision for your WordPress site.

With Query Monitor, you can easily troubleshoot errors on staging sites. It’s a great tool for finding plugins or themes that aren’t performing well. 

Pros

• Provides detailed information on queries, hooks, and more.
• Helps identify slow queries and resource-intensive processes.
• Catches and displays PHP errors, warnings, and notices.
• Information is presented in an organized, easy-to-navigate manner.
• Designed to have little impact on site performance while active.
• Includes tools like AJAX debugging and REST API debugging.
• Free to use

Cons

• The large amount of data can be overwhelming for beginners
• Can add significant clutter to your admin dashboard

Who is Query Monitor best for?

For plugin and theme developers, it’s an invaluable tool for ensuring your code is efficient and doesn’t introduce performance issues. The ability to see exactly what queries are being run, what hooks are being fired, and what resources are being loaded can help you write leaner, meaner code.

Debug Bar

Debug Bar adds a debug menu to your WordPress admin bar, giving you insights into queries, cache, and other critical aspects of WordPress functionality. It’s an alternative to Query Monitor.

Pros

• All debugging information in one convenient location
• Examine database queries for performance optimization
• View cache contents and performance
• Quick access to PHP configuration details
• Supports add-ons for additional functionality
• Free

Cons

• To track PHP errors, you have to enable debugging yourself
• You’ll need add-ons to get details about post types, shortcodes, WP Cron, or actions and filters

Who is Debug Bar best for?

Whether you’re trying to optimize queries, inspect cache behavior, or just get a better understanding of what’s happening under the hood of your WordPress site, Debug Bar has got you covered.

Theme Check

Building a WordPress theme and want to ensure it meets WordPress standards? Theme Check is your go-to tool. This plugin runs the same tests that WordPress.org uses for theme submissions, helping you catch potential issues before they become problems.

Theme Check scans your theme for compliance with WordPress standards and best practices. It’s like having a WordPress theme expert looking over your shoulder, pointing out areas for improvement.

Pros

• Uses the same checks as WordPress.org theme reviews.
• Displays all of the results in one place
• Improves theme quality
• Learning tool for WordPress theme development best practices.
• Free

Cons

• May display some false positives
• Limited to theme debugging

Who is Theme Check best for?

Theme Check is an indispensable tool if you’re creating a new WordPress theme. It helps you create themes that are not just functional but also adhere to WordPress best practices.

Best Tools For Writing Code

Writing code is an art, and like any artist, a WordPress developer needs the right tools. Let’s explore some of the best tools that can make your code-writing process smoother, more efficient, and dare we say, more enjoyable.

GitHub Copilot

Imagine having a coding buddy who never sleeps, never gets tired, and has seemingly infinite knowledge. That’s GitHub Copilot in a nutshell. This AI-powered development tool is changing the game for developers worldwide.

No matter if you’re fixing a bug or creating a new feature, you can ask GitHub Copilot for help. You’ll immediately get suggestions and code completions that are personalized for your task.

Pros

• Can significantly speed up coding by suggesting whole lines or blocks of code
• Adapts to your coding style and project needs
• Works with a wide range of programming languages
• Works seamlessly with VS Code, Neovim, and Visual Studio Code
• Can provide explanations for suggested code

Cons

• Requires a paid subscription
• Not always accurate, especially for complex or unique scenarios.

Who is GitHub Copilot best for?

GitHub Copilot can dramatically speed up your development process, especially when dealing with repetitive tasks or working with unfamiliar APIs. Just remember to always review the code it suggests.

WPCode

Ever found yourself copying and pasting the same code snippets across different WordPress projects? WPCode (formerly Insert Headers and Footers) is here to solve that problem.

WPCode allows you to easily add code snippets to your WordPress site without editing theme files. It’s like having a central command center for all your custom code bits.

With WPCode, you’ll get an entire library of pre-made code snippets. These add many different features and functionality. You can immediately run the code everywhere on your site or in custom areas.

Pros

• Easy to add and manage code snippets.
• Supports PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other custom code snippets
• Conditional logic to use snippets only where needed.
• Collection of pre-made snippets 
• Safe error handling

Cons

• Need a premium plan for key features like smart conditional logic or snippet generation

Who is WPCode best for?

WPCode is great for adding custom functionality without editing theme files. It can help developers reuse code across different projects.

Prettier

Writing code is one thing, but writing consistently formatted, readable code? That’s where Prettier comes in. This opinionated code formatter takes the hassle out of code styling.

Prettier automatically formats your code based on a set of predefined rules. It’s like having a perfectionist friend who tidies up your code every time you save.

Pros

• Ensures uniform code style across your project
• Formats code when you save it
• Works with JavaScript, HTML, CSS, GraphQL, and more
• Supports code editors like Atom, Emacs, Sublime, and VS Code
• 8+ million GitHub repositories use Prettier

Cons

• Its default choices might not align with everyone’s preferences
• Takes time to get used to its formatting choices

Who is Prettier best for?

Prettier helps developers write faster code because they don’t need to worry about formatting. For development teams, Prettier can ensure consistent code style across team members.

OnlinePHP

OnlinePHP is a web-based tool that lets you write PHP code right in your browser. You can use this sandbox to quickly test functions or code snippets. 

It supports over 400 versions of PHP. This ensures your code works across different environments with potentially outdated PHP versions.

Pros

• Instant PHP testing without local setup
• Supports 400+ PHP versions
• Easy code sharing
• Accessible from any browser
• Free to use

Cons

• Limited to PHP (no database or WordPress-specific functions)
• Requires internet connection

Who is OnlinePHP best for?

OnlinePHP is ideal for WordPress developers who need to quickly test PHP snippets or troubleshoot specific functions. It’s also great for beginners learning PHP or experienced developers who want a handy tool for on-the-go coding experiments.

Regex 101

Regular Expressions 101, or Regex 101, allows you to test and debug your regular expressions in real time. As you write a regular expression, Regex101 will explain what the code is doing.

“It provides a detailed explanation of how the regular expressions are interpreted and applied, making it easier to write complex regex patterns.”

— Andrea Leoni, expert WordPress developer

Pros

• Real-time regex testing and visualization
• Detailed explanations of regular expressions
• Supports multiple programming languages
• Community-shared regex library
• Quizzes to learn about regex
• Live help on Discord or IRC

Cons

• Requires internet connection
• Can’t directly test within WordPress environment

Who Is Regex 101 Best For?

Regular Expressions 101 is perfect for WordPress developers who need to parse complex strings. It’s also an excellent learning tool for beginners looking to improve their regex skills.

Best Browser Extensions For WordPress Developers

As a WordPress developer, your browser is more than just a window to the web. It’s your primary workspace. The right browser extensions can transform it into a powerful development environment.

Chrome DevTools

While not technically an extension, Chrome DevTools deserves a spot on this list. If Chrome is your favorite browser, you’ll get built-in development tools.

With Chrome Developer Tools, you can inspect and modify HTML and CSS on web pages. You can even analyze runtime performance to optimize your site’s speed.

For WordPress developers, DevTools is invaluable for troubleshooting theme issues or fine-tuning layouts. It can show your website in a mobile device view so that you know everything works on smaller screens. Plus, there are performance insights, change trackers, and many more features.

Pros

• Built-in to Chrome (no installation required)
• Comprehensive set of tools for WordPress developers
• Real-time editing and debugging
• Performance analysis features

Cons

• Can be overwhelming for beginners
• Some advanced features have a learning curve

Who is Chrome DevTools best for?

Chrome DevTools is essential for all WordPress developers, from beginners to experts. It’s particularly useful for front-end developers working on themes and layouts.

Measure-it

Ever needed to know the exact pixel dimensions of an element on a webpage? Measure-it is the perfect tool for the job.

This simple but powerful Firefox extension allows you to measure any online feature with pixel-perfect accuracy. Just click and drag to get precise measurements.

For WordPress developers, Measure-it is a godsend when working on responsive designs or trying to match a specific layout. It takes the guesswork out of sizing elements.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Provides precise pixel measurements
• Works on any webpage

Cons

• Limited to measurement functionality

Who is Measure-it best for?

Measure-it is ideal for WordPress developers focused on pixel-perfect designs, especially when working on custom themes or trying to match specific layout requirements.

Font Awesome is another useful design tool for website development. You can use it to create icons, which can be useful in your live sites or development environments. 

Best WordPress Developer Tools For Deployment

Deploying your custom code can be a nerve-wracking experience. But with the right tools, you can turn it into a smooth, stress-free process. Let’s look at some top-notch deployment tools that can make your life easier.

Deployer

Deployer is a tool that deploys your PHP applications to remote servers. You can use it to push your WordPress site from development to production.

With Deployer, you can set up deployment recipes that handle everything from copying files to running database migrations. It supports multiple servers and can even roll back deployments if something goes wrong.

For WordPress developers, Deployer can be a game-changer. It eliminates manual FTP uploads and reduces the risk of human error during deployment.

Pros

• Automates complex deployment processes
• Supports multiple servers and environments
• Rollback functionality
• Zero downtime deployments

Cons

• Requires command-line knowledge
• Setup can be complex for beginners

Who is Deployer best for?

Deployer is ideal for WordPress developers working on complex, multi-server setups or those who want to streamline their deployment process. It’s particularly useful for agencies managing multiple client sites.

Duplicator

Duplicator isn’t just for creating backups or staging sites. It’s also a powerful tool for deploying WordPress sites to new servers or locations.

Duplicator makes it easy to get your client’s website from development to production. All you’ll need to do is back up the testing area and drag and drop this backup into the client’s server.

And if anything goes wrong, you can roll back the site to the last version. No need to worry about errors or data loss!

Pros

• Simplifies WordPress migrations
• Handles files and database in one package
• Works with sites of any size
• Offers both free and pro versions
• Drag-and-drop migrations
• Doesn’t require WordPress to be installed

Cons

• Some advanced features are only in the pro version

Who is Duplicator best for?

Duplicator is perfect for WordPress developers of all levels who need to migrate sites or deploy from staging to production. 

Best WordPress Developer Tools For Productivity

In the fast-paced world of WordPress development, productivity is key. The right tools can help you work smarter, not harder. Let’s explore some top productivity boosters for WordPress developers.

WP-CLI

Imagine controlling WordPress from your command line. That’s exactly what WP-CLI (WordPress Command Line Interface) allows you to do.

WP-CLI lets you manage WordPress installations, update plugins, configure multisite installations, and much more — all without using a web browser. It’s like having a direct line to WordPress’s core.

For developers, WP-CLI can be a massive time-saver. Tasks that would take minutes through the admin panel can be accomplished in seconds with a single command.

Nazmul Alam, a WordPress developer at Duplicator, uses WP-CLI to create test sites. He enters this command to turn a 5-minute WordPress installation into 10 seconds. 

wp core install --admin_email=admin@user.com --admin_password=secret --admin_user=admin --title="Another test site" --url=https://duplicator.local

Pros

• Speeds up development workflow
• Allows you to quickly install WordPress, activate plugins, and other basic tasks
• Includes extra commands you can’t do in the WordPress dashboard
• Extensive list of commands
• Great support 

Cons

• Requires knowledge of the command-line 
• Learning curve for non-technical users

Who is WP-CLI best for?

WP-CLI is best for WordPress developers who are comfortable with command-line interfaces and want to streamline their workflow.

Atarim

Collaboration is crucial in web development, and Atarim (formerly WP FeedBack) makes it super easy.

Atarim turns your WordPress site into a visual feedback platform. Clients and team members can leave comments directly on the site, pointing out exactly what needs to be changed or improved.

For WordPress developers, Atarim can revolutionize the client feedback process. No more vague emails or confusing screenshots — just clear, contextual feedback.

Pros

• Visual collaboration features
• Kanban boards and project folders
• Time tracking
• GDPR and SOC-2 compliant
• 24/7 support
• Workflow automations
• Intake forms for new clients
• Integrates with Slack
• Free plan available

Cons

• Monthly subscription required for full features
• May be overkill for small, one-off projects

Who is Atarim best for?

Atarim is perfect for WordPress agencies or freelancers who work closely with clients and need an efficient way to gather and implement feedback.

WP Umbrella

WP Umbrella provides a centralized dashboard for managing multiple WordPress sites. It tracks updates, security, and performance issues across your entire portfolio of sites.

For WordPress developers juggling multiple client projects, WP Umbrella is a lifesaver. You can avoid repeating routine maintenance tasks for each site, saving you a lot of time.

Pros

• Centralized management of multiple sites
• Bulk update plugins, themes, and WordPress core
• Automatic maintenance reports
• Monitors uptime, performance, and errors
• White labeling

Cons

• Monthly subscription required
• Might be excessive unless you manage a lot of WordPress sites

Who is WP Umbrella best for?

WP Umbrella is best for WordPress agencies that manage a large number of client sites. It’s a comprehensive solution for centralized management.

Basecamp

While not designed for WordPress, Basecamp is a project management tool that many WordPress developers swear by.

Basecamp provides a central hub for all your project communication, task management, and file sharing. It keeps everything organized and in one place, reducing the chaos of email threads and scattered documents.

Pros

• All-in-one project management solution
• Client collaboration
• Automatic check-ins
• Project schedule with to-dos, milestones, and deadlines
• Progress tracker
• Integrates with Figma, Airtable, Dropbox, Notion, and more

Cons

• Not WordPress-specific
• Can be pricey for small teams or freelancers

Who is Basecamp best for?

For WordPress developers working in teams or with clients, Basecamp can streamline collaboration and keep projects on track.

Postman

Postman is the go-to tool for working with APIs, including the WordPress REST API. It allows you to send API requests, examine responses, and automate API tests. 

For WordPress developers working with the REST API or integrating external services, Postman is invaluable. It simplifies the process of testing and debugging API interactions.

Pros

• Intuitive interface for API testing
• Design APIs with OpenAPI, RAML, GraphQL, or SOAP
• Mock servers to see how APIs will run
• Monitors performance of APIs

Cons

• Learning curve for API beginners
• Not integrated directly into WordPress

Who is Postman best for?

Postman is essential for WordPress developers working extensively with APIs, particularly those building custom integrations or working with the WordPress REST API.

FAQs About WordPress Developer Tools

Alternatives: Plugins like RTL Tester and WordPress Plugin Boilerplate are popular developer resources. However, we didn’t want you to get choice paralysis, so we removed them from this list. 

Conclusion

By now, I hope you found at least one or two new tools to add to your development toolkit!

While you’re here, I think you’ll like these extra WordPress guides:

• How to Create a WordPress Staging Site (For Safe Testing)
• How to Redesign a WordPress Site (Without Downtime)
• 15 Best No Code Tools for WordPress
• How to Sell WordPress Maintenance Plans
• How to Copy a WordPress Website (4 Methods)

Want an easier and faster way to get new WordPress sites online? Download Duplicator Pro to create pre-configured test sites and avoid installing WordPress over and over!