The process for adding functionality to your WordPress website has been the same for years. You find a plugin that fits your needs (or gets you close) and install it. It’s no wonder we have sites with dozens of plugins – many of which go unused.

Sure, building a custom plugin has always been an option. That’s fine for scenarios that require a code snippet. However, complex tasks were reserved for highly-skilled developers. This meant that most of us had to settle for whatever was available on the market.

AI has swooped in to change that calculus. Advanced models like Claude Code enable even novice developers to build powerful, multi-layered projects. These days, it’s more about knowing what to ask for than understanding every line of code. We now have a tool that does the heavy lifting for us.

This technological shift gives new life to an old question: Should you use an existing plugin or build one yourself? AI certainly expands the potential scope of what’s possible, thus calling into question the need for third-party tools.

But don’t go on a vibe-coding rampage just yet! There are some important considerations when making this decision. Let’s talk about them.

Which Approach Best Fits Your Needs?

There are tens of thousands of WordPress plugins on the market. Some utility-based options are very niche, but most plugins are built to serve a broad range of use cases. Product makers must account for the many ways people use WordPress.

The downside of that approach is that a plugin might be more than what you need, or fall short in some areas. The old “too much or not enough” conundrum has long been a part of the plugin experience.

Building a plugin with AI, on the other hand, lets you narrow the focus. You can include only the features and functionality your project needs.

For example, let’s say you need a feature that only applies to one WooCommerce product. There is probably a third-party extension to fit this purpose. But a single-purpose plugin could do the same thing without the overhead or the cost of a yearly renewal. AI makes the process quick and easy.

On the other hand, needs evolve during a project’s lifecycle. Perhaps your client will need similar functionality on more products down the line. A vibe-coded solution may not be quite as flexible in that case. You may need to refactor the plugin to meet new requirements.

As such, it’s important to consider your current and future needs. If scope creep is a concern, a third-party plugin may be a better choice.

Do You Want the Maintenance Responsibilities?

An existing WordPress plugin may not solve your every need. However, it takes you off the hook regarding future maintenance. It’s the plugin author’s responsibility to fix bugs and build new features.

Naturally, that’s a double-edged sword. Some product makers are more responsive to issues than others. In addition, more than a few plugins have been abandoned over the years. And sometimes a product goes in a direction you don’t support. You don’t want to be left to pick up the pieces or placate clients when there’s a problem.

It’s all about control and responsibility. If your project (or personality) requires absolute control, then building it yourself makes sense. That way, you know what’s going on every step of the way. You don’t have to wait for someone else to take action.

Still, we should note that vibe coding plugins result in a higher level of responsibility. It means checking for security holes, compatibility testing, and acting as your own technical support staff. The practice puts everything back into your capable hands.

Kudos to you if this fits with your philosophy! To be safe, we also suggest thinking about how these responsibilities scale. Maintaining a single plugin for a client is one thing. The upkeep of dozens of plugins spread over dozens of websites is another. Make sure you have processes in place to keep things running smoothly.

Can You Build It Better?

The final consideration on our list is simple. The idea is that just because you can build something with AI, it doesn’t mean you should do so. Sometimes, there are established products that do the job well enough. Why reinvent the wheel?

The scope and depth of a plugin play a role here. Consider a popular plugin like Jetpack. It does a lot of things and has been around for a long time. Sure, you could vibe code your own suite of similar functions. However, ask yourself if you want to take on a project of that magnitude, or if it’s even worth the effort. The same could be said for Yoast SEO, Gravity Forms, and other flagship products.

That being said, you could reasonably use AI to recreate specific aspects of a plugin. For example, building a social sharing plugin that includes a few of the missing features you want. Smaller and more focused projects are better in most cases. And there’s also an opportunity to build your own extensions of an existing plugin.

There are also scenarios when your needs are very specific, and there aren’t any great options available. It’s here where vibe coding really begins to shine. You can take your idea to your favorite AI model and build it from scratch. It’s empowering for those working with clients!

The bottom line is to use AI when it’s beneficial. You might be able to build the next WooCommerce, but what’s the payoff? Instead, look for opportunities that help you level up.

There Are Endless Plugin Options and Opportunities

The WordPress plugin ecosystem has an answer for many project requirements. It’s one reason why the content management system (CMS) has remained so popular. Adding more capabilities has always been a few clicks away.

The introduction of AI into the development process has expanded those possibilities even further. If an existing plugin doesn’t do everything you need, it’s easier than ever to build your own solution. In many cases, AI works quickly and is cost-effective. It helps us provide clients with more personalized functionality.

All of this makes deciding to go custom more compelling. AI lowers the bar for building complex features. Sometimes that means fewer advantages for existing products.

Still, vibe coding isn’t always the best option. It comes with a higher level of responsibility and adds to your long-term maintenance list. Plus, there are questions about code safety and stability. AI doesn’t necessarily reduce those risks.

The good news is that you have a world of choices. We hope the considerations above help you make the right one!

The post A New Choice: Use an Existing Plugin or Vibe Code Your Own? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

As AI continues to evolve, freelancers and agencies are finding new uses for the technology. It makes sense that many of us start by improving our workflow. Resolving those existing pain points helps us accomplish more with less effort.

However, AI also presents opportunities to broaden our horizons. We can use it to do things we haven’t tried before. Even better, we can experiment with ideas that seemed too ambitious a few years earlier. For example, consider projects that had a big learning curve or were time-consuming. Perhaps they don’t seem as daunting in the age of artificial intelligence.

The right tool could be the key to offering new and improved services to your clients. It’s a vehicle for increasing revenue and strengthening customer relationships. What’s not to love?

Let’s look at how AI can help you expand your agency’s service offerings. We’ll cover potential service ideas and considerations before presenting them to clients. You might even find the perfect growth opportunity for your business.

Find Tasks AI Can Do Faster and Better

Time is often the biggest barrier to creating new services. We’re busy enough without having to learn something new or focus on tedious work. More than anything, these are the tasks AI can help us tackle.

If you often find yourself knee-deep in code, you can use AI to lift the burden and increase productivity. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Performance and Security Audits

Is your client’s website running at peak performance? Is it chock full of vulnerable code? Some plugins can help you find general answers. However, a full audit is often the best way to diagnose and fix issues.

The problem is that it takes significant effort to go through each line of code. You also need to know what to look for during the inspection process. Not everyone has the depth of knowledge in PHP, JavaScript, and other languages found in a WordPress website.

AI tools can save you a ton of time. Even a relatively lengthy code audit can be performed in the background (freeing you to enjoy a cup of coffee or two). Plus, some models are adept at finding security issues and performance bottlenecks.

The big caveat here is that AI can point out issues, but you may not be able to fix every one of them. For example, avoid making changes to WordPress core or third-party plugins. Those changes would be overwritten during a software update. You could, however, alert a plugin author of what you found.

On the other hand, the results can lead you to find better options or use AI to build a custom solution. Regardless, it’s a service you can charge for.

Custom Plugin Development

There are two truths in agency life: No two projects are the same, and no WordPress plugin can cover every niche. That’s what makes custom development an appealing service.

Here again, we face limits on our time and coding abilities. But even an expert developer may not have enough room in their schedule for a complex plugin. Then there’s the future commitment to maintenance. It’s a lot to put on your virtual plate.

AI models make perfect development companions. They can use WordPress documentation to follow best practices and generate plugins with relative ease. Some more advanced apps can also create a logical file structure for you.

This opens multiple possibilities for your agency. You can create one-off plugins to cover client needs. You might also level up by creating more general-purpose plugins for use across multiple sites. A plugin with enough appeal could be sold in the marketplace.

In every case, there’s an opportunity to boost your revenue. Add custom plugin development to your project and maintenance fees.

Content Starters and Analysis

It seems like content is always a sticking point when working with clients. We’re either waiting for clients to deliver it or we’re tasked with cleaning it up. Then there is also the ever-evolving challenge of SEO.

We still don’t recommend using AI to generate production-ready content. It’s simply too generic and won’t reflect branding without human intervention. However, it can help in several areas.

For one, you can use it to create “starter” content. This is text clients can review and edit to match their needs. The final results might be completely different – but that’s not the point. Seeing content on their screen might be the impetus they need to keep the project moving forward. That saves you time and a few headaches.

AI can also analyze content for accessibility and SEO best practices. Use cases include simplifying language, determining keyword density, improving titles, and generating meta summaries. It’s also handy for researching competitors.

Now, these common tasks can be completed in a fraction of the time. Adding them to your service list provides more value to clients. In addition, the SEO analysis could be a source of recurring revenue.

AI Could Be Your Agency’s Growth Engine

Perhaps AI’s value to your business is all about perspective. Sure, you could use it to make less-good versions of what you’re already doing. Generating slop and calling it a day isn’t great for your long-term viability. We won’t argue that some people have chosen this path.

However, AI is also capable of helping you be the best version of yourself. It just requires a more thoughtful approach. Use these tools to tackle the busy work while keeping a close eye on the results. Most importantly, be the decision maker in what you build. In other words, don’t accept AI’s initial output as the final answer.

Treating this technology as a partner is a path to growing your agency. The extra time and mental bandwidth you gain will allow you to identify new revenue opportunities. The ideas above are just the tip of the iceberg.

Ask yourself: What can AI do better and faster? How can it strengthen what I do best? How can I use it to improve client services?

The answers might lead you to something great!

The post How AI Can Help You Expand Your Agency’s Service Offerings appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Artificial intelligence (AI) apps are transforming how we build and work with WordPress. It seems like we’re inundated with new tools and use cases nearly every day. That’s either fun, scary, or both – depending on where you stand.

Our clients are also starting to grasp the implications of using AI. Or, they’re at least interested in what the technology can do for them and their website.

Once again, that’s a double-edged sword. It’s great that AI improves our efficiency and coding capabilities. Agencies and freelancers now have access to a valuable resource that can help take our businesses to new heights.

However, it may also lead to a shift in client expectations. They’re going to want more from us in less time. Oh, and they’ll also want it cheaper than before. It’s understandable, if not completely realistic.

So, how do we keep clients from asking for the moon at the speed of light (and for the price of a cup of coffee)? It’s all about process and communication.

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You’re Still the Expert

One might assume that AI is smarter than humans. Sure, it may be fast and answer questions with unwavering confidence. For some, this leads to a false belief that these apps can and should do everything for us without our input.

But AI isn’t a perfect fit for every task. And even in those areas where it excels, humans should still verify the results.

Using ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini on its own won’t solve every problem. Much depends on the person using these tools. A skilled developer will know what to ask for, as will a content writer or marketer.

When it comes to generating WordPress plugins, future maintenance is also a concern. As such, the ideas behind the software must have a solid foundation. The details matter.

Without human intervention, there is no way to guarantee accuracy, security, or even the appropriateness of the results. AI can perform the task, but shouldn’t be left to make all the important decisions.

This is why your expertise is still a necessary ingredient for success. These apps are most useful when we’re there to guide them.

There’s More Time To Get Things Right

In the right hands, AI speeds up the development process. What used to take days can now be done in an afternoon. There’s no question that the technology saves us time.

The question is: What should we do with this extra time? Do we want to rush to launch our project or step back and consider what else we can improve?

Building custom layouts and functionality has traditionally been an obstacle – particularly for small agencies and solopreneurs. We only have so much time to dedicate to a project, and those items typically have the highest priority. They also require a lot of trial and error. Bugs must be squashed, and adjustments are made as we go deeper into the process. It’s easy to go down a rabbit hole.

That often led to little extras being left behind. Worse yet, things like accessibility or performance were half-baked, rather than being fully thought out. Projects didn’t always reach their full potential.

AI affords us more time to consider those other important aspects. Instead of development headaches leading to a mad scramble, we can now take a more holistic approach to site building. We can test thoroughly and make improvements.

Theoretically, AI facilitates a faster turnaround time. It’s also an opportunity to ensure quality.

Project Outcomes Are Your Value Proposition

Some clients will undoubtedly expect you to lower your prices. They may even ask you about your use of AI and how it impacts cost. It sounds reasonable, but there’s a flaw in this logic.

Successful outcomes are your biggest value to clients. How you get there isn’t the point. It’s a debate we’ve had before in the WordPress ecosystem.

The advent of page builders led to similar questions. Since we’re no longer building layouts by hand, does that mean our design skills are worth less money?

That’s like asking a carpenter if they charge less because they use power tools instead of a screwdriver. Likewise, automation in other industries doesn’t necessarily lead to lower prices. New vehicle prices go up every year, despite the presence of robots on the assembly line. And better software doesn’t lead to discounts from your accountant.

One reason we invest in new technologies like AI is to produce better results. If anything, we should look to increase our profit margins, not lower them. This shouldn’t be a race to the bottom.

It’s a discussion worth having with clients who challenge your pricing model. Yes, anyone can use AI. But anyone can use a page builder or even an SEO plugin. That doesn’t guarantee results.

We can produce outcomes that are tailored to client needs. AI is but one tool we can use to get there. It’s no substitute for our skills and experience.

AI Means More Is Possible, Within Reason

AI opens a world of possibilities for WordPress agencies and our clients. It can also lead to imaginations running wild. That’s why setting realistic expectations is important.

It’s up to us to set the tone. We must consider how we talk about AI and any claims we make about its capabilities. Our messaging should reflect how this technology helps us better serve clients, while avoiding hyperbole about miracle cures for every challenge.

That’s hard to do in an ecosystem where others are pumping out big promises. Then again, it’s no different than other can’t-miss solutions from years past. As always, agencies and freelancers should be the voices of reason.

Doing so builds trust with clients. That’s still the cornerstone of a successful business, regardless of the technology we use.

The post Keeping Your WordPress Client Expectations Realistic in the AI Era appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

WordPress developers use AI for a wide range of tasks. We’re building custom plugins, troubleshooting code, and automating processes. It’s all good stuff!

Adopting this technology has significantly changed our role. It’s no longer about poring over each line of code. Now, we’re closer to a symphony conductor, orchestrating projects as a large language model (LLM) does the dirty work.

We can certainly appreciate the increase in productivity. Fewer moments spent knee-deep in documentation or support forums means more time to get things done.

This also makes it tempting to remove humans from the picture. Some agencies and development shops have cut staffing in favor of AI. It makes sense on a few levels. An AI tool is cheaper than an employee or freelancer. And the gains in efficiency mean one person can do the work of many.

But there’s a fine line between increasing output and relying too heavily on AI. Here’s why humans should still be a part of the process.

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Knowledgeable Humans Are Essential for Quality Assurance

There’s something to be said for a well-trained eye. A seasoned developer can envision how an app should work. Their experience helps them effectively structure projects and avoid common pitfalls. They understand the importance of performance and security.

On the other hand, AI models are great at generating code, but they don’t think like a human. They may use techniques that aren’t as efficient for a particular purpose. They can also misinterpret what we’re asking them to do. Like their human counterparts, AI tools aren’t perfect.

Even the most advanced coding tools can make mistakes. It could be as simple as a syntax error. However, they may also produce work that doesn’t account for edge cases or future maintenance.

That’s why a human should carefully review all AI output. Generated code should be tested with a mix of manual observation and automated tools. It’s no different than a senior-level developer keeping a watchful eye on what their team is producing.

Remember, automation isn’t an excuse to lower your standards. If anything, it provides an opportunity to squash bugs and refine functionality. Building with AI works best when done in tandem with a knowledgeable person.

Developers Can Shift Their Focus to the Bigger Picture

Solo developers and teams alike have traditionally struggled with the little things. Tight deadlines and shoestring budgets make it hard to get the details right. So often, it’s a race to the finish line, rather than a quest to create the best possible result.

The details are often what make a WordPress plugin or theme great. This happens when we go beyond software that merely works and focus on things like the user experience. AI gives us a chance to take a larger view of our projects.

We no longer have to write code by hand. That may bring a tear to your eye (or make you leap for joy). The bright side is that you now have time to create a comprehensive plan for each project. You can define how it looks, how it works, and how it will adapt to future needs. Even if you were doing these things before, you’ll have a chance to think bigger and better.

All of a sudden, deadlines are a little less important. You’re free to explore options and test them. Most of all, you can afford to make a mistake or two along the way. Rewriting a code snippet isn’t a disaster that puts you behind. Rather, it was just a failed experiment you encountered along the way.

The additional room for creativity could be a difference-maker. We can go from “we’ll get to it later” to “let’s get it right from the start” – that’s powerful for developers of all stripes.

People and AI Are Better Together

Every WordPress developer should be exploring AI and how it can benefit their workflow. We’re well beyond the point where it’s just a curiosity. The future of our industry depends on how we use and adapt to this technology.

The sad truth is that AI will continue to cause some businesses to reduce their staff. It seems like an unavoidable consequence.

We must be careful, though. To borrow from WordPress terminology, this doesn’t mean we should cut people out of the loop. Humans are still integral to building great software. As such, we shouldn’t cede everything to the machines quite yet.

Things like quality control and holistic thinking are too important – and it’s what we do best. We should use AI as a vehicle to put those traits into action. Doing so will put us on a path to greater efficiency and better outcomes.

The post Why Humans Should Still Be a Part of WordPress Development appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Experimenting with AI can be a great way to learn about its capabilities. And yes, it’s also a lot of fun. A few prompts can take you in any direction you want to go – or to places you never expected.

WordPress is the ideal testing ground for AI tools. You can work with code, generate content, or discover new ways to manage your website. It could do wonders for your workflow.

However, you probably don’t want to experiment in a production environment. There’s always a chance that something will go wrong and affect users. It’s not a risk worth taking!

Thankfully, there’s a new option worth getting excited about. The recently released my.WordPress.net installs a copy of the content management system (CMS) directly in your browser. It’s completely private, but can connect with various AI providers. It’s the perfect place to get a feel for what you can do with AI inside WordPress.

Let’s take a quick tour of my.WordPress.net. We’ll install it (super easy), connect it to AI, and start experimenting.

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Sample Project: Integrate AI Into a Local WordPress Install

Today’s project is dead simple. First, we’ll install WordPress in our browser. Then, we’ll add our ChatGPT API key to integrate with the AI model. Finally, we’ll run a few test prompts to explore AI-based site management. Oh, and we’re sure to have a few adventures along the way.

Here we go!

Step 1: Install WordPress in Your Browser

We don’t want to spoil any surprises, but you might be amazed at how easy it is to install WordPress in your web browser.

1. Visit my.WordPress.net.
2. Enter a name for your website when prompted.

That’s all there is to it! You could optionally import content from another WordPress site. But we’re starting from scratch.

Once installed, you’ll see a welcome screen.

Step 2: Install the AI Assistant App

Those familiar with WordPress might be confused by the use of the term “apps”. After all, the CMS is famous for its plugin ecosystem. Not to worry. This offshoot decided that “apps” was a more user-friendly word for beginners. Consider plugins and apps as interchangeable.

Regardless, our next task is to install the AI Assistant app. Once again, it will be quick and easy.

1. Click on the Apps menu (an icon with four squares) on the upper right of the screen.
2. Find “AI Assistant” on the list and click on it.

The AI Assistant will automatically be installed on your local site. You’ll be returned to the welcome screen after it’s finished.

Step 3: Connect With an AI Model

We have everything we need to connect WordPress with an AI model. Now, it’s time to choose a provider.

At the time of this writing, AI Assistant works with Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (ChatGPT), or a local AI model via Ollama. More providers may be added in the future.

1. Click on the command menu at the top of the screen (the long bar with a “/” inside) and select Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Settings > AI Assistant inside the dashboard.
3. Choose an AI provider and enter your API key.
4. Choose a model from your AI provider (we used gpt-4o-2024-08-06).
5. Save the revised settings.

In our case, we grabbed a ChatGPT API key and entered it into the settings. For reference, this method requires purchasing API credits from OpenAI. This is separate from your regular ChatGPT account.

The AI Assistant app also provides some information on what various WordPress user roles can access. You can also choose to add an AI Assistant button on the front-end of your site, which is displayed to logged-in users.

Step 4: Experiment!

The only thing left to do is have some fun with AI inside WordPress. You’ll find the AI Assistant throughout the dashboard and, optionally, the front-end of your website.

1. Click the AI Assistant button at the top right of the dashboard.
2. Enter a prompt in the chat window and start working with AI.

Here are a few sample prompts to get you started:

Create the following new pages on my website: About Us, Services, Contact Us

What time zone is my website using?

Activate the Hello Dolly plugin.

ChatGPT handled each of these requests without hassle. However, it did install a second copy of the Hello Dolly plugin. We’ll chalk it up to an early bug.

Note that you may be asked to approve certain actions, like creating pages or installing plugins. It’s a safety measure and is worth reviewing before allowing AI to make changes.

An Easy Way To Try AI Inside WordPress

Perhaps our experiments weren’t earth-shattering, but that’s not the point. The idea is that AI can tell you a lot about your website and perform routine tasks. And my.WordPress.net provides a safe space to learn and play.

Even better, the process for installing WordPress and integrating an AI model couldn’t be easier. You can be up and running within a few minutes. Just note the potential cost of using Anthropic or OpenAI for this purpose. Be sure to check your spending limits so you don’t lose a small fortune.

All told, it’s a great way to discover how AI can help your workflow inside of WordPress. So, take some time and find what works for you!

The post Using my.WordPress.net to Experiment With AI appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

I’ll admit it: I feel uncomfortable about mixing open-source software with proprietary platforms. There’s no technical reason for my hesitancy. We do it all the time with tools like Google Analytics or by connecting a form to our mailing list provider. But the idea seems cringey for an advocate of the open web.

So while connecting, say, WordPress to an AI model like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude will work, there are also concerns. What can these models access? How will they use my website’s data? Could a security leak put my site at risk? And what will it cost?

There’s also a thought that these models may be overkill for what I need. If I only want AI to help me change settings or analyze SEO, do I really want the entirety of what ChatGPT offers? It seems a bit wasteful.

That’s why I’m excited about the potential of open-source AI models – particularly ones that you can install locally. Such apps could be a solution to privacy and security concerns. They may also be more efficient than the electricity-hogging corporate models.

Let’s take a moment to dream about the possible benefits for agencies, freelancers, and website owners. I’m not a software engineer, so I can’t claim to know all the technical requirements. So, consider this a wish list. Even so, it’s still worth exploring.

A Cheaper Way To Integrate With AI

It’s no secret that serious AI integrations cost money. We pay the big players to access their APIs via credits or tokens. The more you use AI, the more you pay. It may be well worth the cost in some situations.

But like any use-based pricing system, things can get out of hand. For instance, what happens if you forget to set a spending limit? A spammer could flood your chatbot with requests, leading to an unseemly bill at the end of the month. A traffic spike could also lead to running out of tokens in short order.

A free-to-use open-source model could bring more cost certainty. Granted, much depends on the app’s size and resource usage. But the right one could make it easier to predict your AI spending. It might be a matter of upgrading your web hosting.

Open-source could do for AI what WordPress did for content management systems (CMS). Imagine spinning up an AI instance whenever you want. Hosts might even enable one-click installs.

Best of all, this scenario would help us avoid regular price increases. That’s key for those working on a tight budget.

An AI Model Trained on What You Need

The big AI apps are trained on massive amounts of data. It’s akin to swallowing the entire internet. You might feel a bit bloated in the aftermath.

These large language models (LLMs) are great for a multitude of uses. It can help your child with math homework, help you write a proposal, or generate out-of-this-world images. Very cool! And if you want your website to do all of these things, more power to you.

However, I suspect that’s beyond what most people will need. Maybe you want a model trained only on your product’s documentation so users can ask questions. Or you want to translate your content into another language. Smaller, open-source models might be a better fit for your niche.

This would also solve the problem of users tricking AI into doing undesirable things. A model that doesn’t have such capabilities could be a safer choice.

Again, this also plays into better performance and lower resource usage. The hope is for an AI app that doesn’t do all the things; rather, it focuses on the things you need.

Resources

Smart people are already working on various open-source AI models. It’s fair to say none have overtaken Claude or ChatGPT yet. But perhaps they don’t need to. After all, my hope is for leaner and more focused models.

We’re still in the early stages, but some interesting options have appeared. With that in mind, here are a few resources to help you find and experiment with current models:

• Lists of open-source artificial intelligence software (Wikipedia)
• LocalLLM – A subreddit full of info on local AI models.
• Ollama – A tool for connecting with open models that works with Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
• OpenClaw – A personal AI agent app that can be extended with skills and plugins.
• Open Source AI – The Open Source Initiative provides definitions, white papers, and other helpful information.

New models and variants are being released all the time. The links above will help you keep track of what’s new and interesting.

Is Open Source the Way to a Better AI?

It’s no secret that there are privacy and safety concerns with AI, not to mention the fear that this technology will replace humans at scale. While still a drop in the overall bucket, open-source models could be a ray of hope.

The idea of data ownership is appealing, as is AI that focuses on specific tasks. Done right, an open-source model could make AI more personal and less scary. These are goals worth exploring.

Time will tell whether one or more models will succeed. In the meantime, I think we owe it to ourselves to test and provide feedback. Together, we can push for AI that benefits everyone. That’s the open-source spirit!

The post The Potential of Local Open-Source AI Models appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Connecting and working with other web professionals is one of my favorite parts of this industry. Web designers are always willing to share what they know, and that benefits everyone. I can’t begin to measure how much I’ve learned thanks to this generous spirit.

There are also opportunities to build professional relationships. We hire each other for coding tasks, marketing, support, or even business consulting. It’s a way to expand our capabilities and boost revenue, not to mention the new products and services that were launched as a result of these relationships.

Like everything else in our industry, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to impact these professional bonds. We’re experimenting with this technology, looking for ways to make us leaner and more productive. Perhaps we’re in the early stages. But it’s reasonable to assume that there will be a human cost to adopting AI.

Let’s look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of going all-in on AI and its impact on our relationships.

Greater Productivity and Expanded Capabilities

If there’s one thing we’ve discovered about AI, it’s the relative ease with which it writes code. It can spin up a new WordPress plugin (or a framework for one) within a few minutes. It can also troubleshoot a code snippet in the blink of an eye.

These tasks used to take hours, days, or weeks to complete. AI has saved me from countless searches of support forums and blog posts. In some cases, I might have broadcast my pain points on social media, hoping for a kind soul to offer advice.

These days, AI generally points me in the right direction. There are several positive aspects to this arrangement.

For one, I feel more self-sufficient when working with code. Perhaps that’s ironic, as the machine is writing the code for me. Still, there’s something to be said about not placing my burden on anyone else.

AI also improves my productivity and expands my capabilities. Those client requests that used to drive me crazy aren’t as stressful these days. It’s not always easy, but I’m still producing solutions faster than ever.

What’s the downside? An individual working this way might not have a big impact. The problem arises when we use AI for all the things at scale.

Web Developers Working in Silos

The cumulative effect of “doing it ourselves” with AI is less collaboration. For example, why would I send a task to a fellow freelancer if I can perform it with AI? I’m saving time and money.

Agencies that rely on contractors will do the same thing. They’ll have less incentive to outsource all or some of a project because AI is cheaper and easier. Never mind that it potentially adds more to an employee’s plate.

This will result in fewer gigs for some of us. There will be an economic impact, as we’ll lose some of the recurring revenue we depend on. It will also require a shift to building our own things, rather than building for others.

The other potential side effect is becoming more insulated from the community around us. We might find ourselves interacting more with bots than people (it’s already the case for me). We could be less likely to share what we’re doing or explore what others have done.

If we’re not careful, it might also lead to less in-person interaction. AI won’t make conferences and WordCamps irrelevant. However, some may feel less desire to learn from other humans. Again, why travel and sit through a session when AI will do whatever I want?

Sharing knowledge is such a big part of what web professionals do. Once we’re past the experimentation phase of AI, we might have fewer tips to share – not to mention fewer people willing to listen.

Let’s Keep the Human Element in Web Design

For all the amazing things AI can do, it shouldn’t replace what makes the web design industry so unique. We are a community of thinkers and doers. We’re at our best when working together.

Just think, the open-source movement wouldn’t be where it is today without collaboration. People built the foundation of this work. Technologies like AI can contribute, but only humans can be the thinking and breathing stewards of such projects.

I hope we don’t lose sight of what we’ve accomplished. In the rush to use AI for this and that, we shouldn’t leave our traditions behind. If anything, we should use technology to create more time for human interaction.

Less time working, more time getting together. That sounds like a better future to me!

The post How AI Could Change Collaboration for Web Designers & Developers appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a tool for getting things done. The WordPress community is already using it to write and troubleshoot code. Meanwhile, the WordPress project is in the midst of making AI integrations easier for all.

That’s all great and exciting stuff. However, we may be missing the boat regarding other use cases. AI has the potential to do more than perform menial tasks. We can also pick its virtual brain to learn more about WordPress and related technologies.

Human knowledge still matters, and AI is only as effective as the person interacting with it. So, why not learn as much as we can? This new technology could be a goldmine of information, with the results improving our project outcomes and helping us develop better processes.

So, what can AI teach us about WordPress? Let’s find out!

Explain What a Function or Code Snippet Does

Code snippets aren’t always easy to understand, particularly when you’re unfamiliar with them. For example, you may inherit a website that includes a custom plugin or theme template. Likewise, you might not recall the purpose of something you wrote years ago.

In addition, WordPress includes hundreds of hooks, filters, and functions. Some have better documentation than others (and even that can be difficult to comprehend).

AI can help you identify what a code snippet does in short order. Paste it into your favorite Large Language Model (LLM), and you’ll receive a detailed overview of what’s happening. You can even ask follow-up questions to narrow down a specific line.

---

Here’s a simple example, using a snippet commonly found in theme templates and plugins. We’ll ask ChatGPT to provide some details.

"What does the following code snippet do?"

if ( ! defined( 'ABSPATH' ) ) {
  exit;
}

ChatGPT responded with a breakdown of the code’s functionality and operation.

This snippet is a standard security guard used in WordPress PHP files, especially in plugins and themes.

What it does
It prevents the PHP file from being accessed directly via the browser.

How it works
1. ABSPATH

• ABSPATH is a constant defined by WordPress in wp-config.php during the normal WordPress bootstrap process.
• It contains the absolute filesystem path to the WordPress installation.

2. defined( ‘ABSPATH’ ) check

• The code checks whether WordPress has already been loaded.
• If WordPress is running normally, ABSPATH will exist.

3. Direct access scenario
If someone tries to access the file directly in a browser, e.g.:
https://example.com/wp-content/plugins/my-plugin/my-file.php

WordPress has not been loaded, so:
defined(‘ABSPATH’) === false

4. exit;
Because the constant isn’t defined, the script immediately stops executing.

Why this matters
Without this check:
-Someone could directly run the PHP file.
-Internal functions might run outside the WordPress environment.
-It could expose sensitive data, database queries, or admin functionality.

ChatGPT’s response was even more robust than what’s included above. It also gave specifics on where our snippet is typically found and advice on security best practices.

This is all valuable information. We now know the purpose of our snippet and have a step-by-step guide to explain what it does.

Discover Different Approaches for Building a Feature

Our first attempt to build a feature isn’t always the best one. After all, the goal is to find the best answer, not the quickest.

That’s why code typically undergoes several rounds of revisions. It seems like there is always something we didn’t account for in the initial try. For instance, there could be a missing detail or a feature that includes unnecessary bloat. Both humans and AI models make these mistakes.

As such, it’s worth weighing your options. There may be an approach that’s easier to maintain or extend later. This also comes in handy when a client inevitably changes their mind.

We can use this line of thinking when instructing AI to generate code. Let’s consider building a related posts plugin.

You might start with a prompt like this:

"Build me a related posts plugin for WordPress."

The above may get the job done. However, AI may not offer you multiple approaches by default. Let’s add some nuance to the prompt:

"I want to build a related posts plugin for WordPress. Give me at least two approaches for achieving this, along with the pros and cons for each one."

AI’s answer may even lead you to think of other potential features or issues. It’s another example of how AI should work for you, not the other way around.

Research Improvements and Optimizations

Our code may work, but is it the best it can be? Is it secure and performant? Will it be compatible with the next version of WordPress? All are important considerations.

There’s something to be said for having a second set of eyes (or the virtual equivalent) review your work. That applies to proofing a new project or refactoring legacy code. You won’t have to look far to find room for improvement.

Why not ask AI for a few suggestions? Paste a code snippet or upload a file, then instruct the app to improve performance, efficiency, and security.

You may also want to share relevant documentation, such as the WordPress theme and plugin handbooks. That will ensure AI compares your code against best practices.

---

Let’s put that theory to the test by asking AI to review an old-school WordPress post query.

"Review this code snippet and tell me how to improve it. Could it be more secure or efficient?"

  <?php
  global $post;
  $args = array( 'numberposts' => 1, 'offset'=> 0,  'category' => 4 );
  $myposts = get_posts( $args );
  foreach( $myposts as $post ) :    setup_postdata($post); ?>
  <p><a target="_blank" href="<?php the_permalink();  ?>"><?php the_title(); ?></a></p>
  <?php endforeach; ?>

  <?php wp_reset_query(); ?>

Once again, ChatGPT gave us a detailed overview of what our code does and steps to improve it.

Yes — you can make this cleaner, safer, and a bit more correct (especially around globals and reset functions).

What your snippet currently does

• Fetches 1 post from category ID 4
• Loops it, outputs a link with title
• Calls setup_postdata() so template tags like the_title() / the_permalink() work
• Resets something at the end

Issues / improvements

1. Don’t rely on global $post in the loop variable

Right now you’re doing:
global $post;
foreach ( $myposts as $post ) :

That overwrites the global $post reference inside the loop (and can confuse readers). Use a different variable name (e.g. $featured_post) and then pass it to setup_postdata().

2. Use wp_reset_postdata() (not wp_reset_query())

• get_posts() does not modify the main query ($wp_query)
• wp_reset_query() resets the main query and is meant for query_posts() usage (which you should avoid)
• After setup_postdata(), the right cleanup is wp_reset_postdata()

3. Escape output (security/hardening)

• the_title() and the_permalink() generally output safe data, but in custom code it’s best practice to use the “get_” versions and escape yourself:
• esc_url( get_permalink( … ) )
• esc_html( get_the_title( … ) )

This is the main “more secure” improvement.

4. Prefer newer/clearer query args

numberposts works, but posts_per_page is the more standard arg.

Also consider:

• ‘no_found_rows’ => true (micro-optimization; avoids pagination counts)
• ‘ignore_sticky_posts’ => true (avoid sticky surprises)
• ‘post_status’ => ‘publish’ (explicit)

5. If you only need one post, you don’t need a foreach

You can grab the first result and output it, reducing code and risk.

In addition, AI provided two revised snippets that include the above suggestions. It’s an easy way to modernize an old code snippet.

Using AI as a Learning Opportunity

AI apps are easy to use when working with code – almost too easy. It’s tempting to copy the results and ignore the app’s explanation of what it just did. However, there’s value in slowing down and reading those details.

In some ways, using AI can be akin to having a seasoned developer by your side. You can learn a lot by paying attention.

That’s particularly true for well-documented software like WordPress. The content management system (CMS) is full of niche functions and settings. Not to mention a whole ecosystem of themes and plugins.

You can use AI as a guide for understanding how everything works. It’s a way to dig deeper and experiment with building from scratch and reworking your existing code.

The bottom line is that, if you want to learn more about WordPress, AI offers a simple way to do it. Even better, it (probably) won’t get mad if you keep asking questions!

The post What AI Can Teach Web Developers About WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology can make life easier for WordPress developers. We can use it to increase our efficiency and coding capabilities. AI takes the pain out of tasks like troubleshooting a buggy code snippet or querying data.

Some of us are using AI to build custom plugins, but it doesn’t have to end there. We can also extend existing ones. This skill comes in handy when a free or commercial plugin doesn’t quite do everything you need. Everything from minor tweaks to complex features is possible.

For instance, we’ve used AI to generate a custom WooCommerce email when a specific product is ordered. Perhaps that doesn’t sound like an earth-shattering use case. But building such functionality without hours of research is a win in our book. About 30 minutes is all we needed to go from concept to finished product.

Let’s face it: Every WordPress project is nuanced. There are always things our clients would like to change – regardless of size or difficulty. AI can help us go from “Oh, no!” to “That was easy!”

With that in mind, here are some tips for using your favorite large language model (LLM) to extend an existing WordPress plugin.

Is This the Right Plugin for the Job?

Wouldn’t it be nice if the plugin you installed also did x, y, and z? It’s a common refrain when building a website. After all, the little details often separate the good from the great.

Perhaps a client requested a feature that differs from the plugin’s default behavior. Or maybe you had an idea for leveling up the user interface. It’s a great way to spark creativity and go the extra mile.

However, not every plugin is the right one for the job. Some extensions may be too complex and difficult to maintain, while others could take the plugin in a completely different direction. The result is an inefficient path to achieve your goals. In short, it’s an easy way to go down the old rabbit hole.

The WordPress plugin ecosystem is vast, and there are often multiple options for every need. As such, you may find that a different product is a better fit for your project. Look for a plugin that already does most of what you need. From there, extending will be easier.

It’s great that we can extend plugins using AI. Yet, that doesn’t mean we should extend every plugin. So, consider the pros and cons of a product before you dive in headfirst.

A Well-Documented Plugin Often Yields the Best Results

WordPress plugins come from all corners of the ecosystem. Thus, you’ll notice that some authors provide more thorough documentation than others.

Well-documented plugins tend to be better candidates for an AI-generated extension. AI models will have ready access to that information, and it will likely improve your odds of a successful outcome.

Another side effect is that other developers have probably built extensions as well. AI can research forums and blog posts to understand how things work. Plugins often have custom functions, hooks, and filters that developers can tap into. The more information that’s available, the better.

Hint: Feel free to include any relevant documentation or demo links in your AI prompts. This ensures that the AI model is looking in the right place. It could save you from some trial-and-error when building an extension.

What if a plugin has little or no documentation? You may still have a chance to build on top of it. Upload the plugin or share a relevant snippet with AI. The model should be able to determine how things work and move forward from there.

Think About Structure and Future Maintenance

Let’s say that you’ve found the perfect plugin to extend with AI. Now what? You’ll want to think about the best way to structure your extension and how you’ll maintain it.

It’s always tempting to paste a few code snippets into your theme’s functions.php file. That may work in the short term. But what happens when it’s time to change to a new theme? You’ll have to do another copy-and-paste, or risk losing your custom functionality.

Placing your code into a custom plugin is usually the best option. This ensures that your functionality stays intact throughout your website’s lifespan. Better still, most AI apps can help you build a plugin structure that’s easy to maintain. A simple plugin might require a single file, while a more robust one could benefit from a tree structure.

Speaking of maintenance, that places another responsibility on your shoulders. It’s possible to build a custom extension that you won’t need to edit for years. However, it’s important to keep track of changes to the plugin you’re extending. For instance, a major change to Elementor or Gravity Forms could mean refactoring your code.

Building plugins that depend on other plugins is great – just be sure to understand what you’re getting into.

Make Your Existing WordPress Plugins Do More

AI is a great asset when extending an existing WordPress plugin. Explain what you want to achieve, share code and/or documentation, and let the app do the dirty work for you. It’s possible to have a working prototype within minutes.

That’s not to say the entire process is seamless. AI can make mistakes or misinterpret your instructions. As such, your generated code may require a few rounds of revisions. Not to worry! That’s still faster than writing something from scratch.

A word of advice: Ensure that your generated code uses security best practices. We have a handy guide to help you test. Taking a few extra minutes here will give you peace of mind.

Do you have an idea that makes an existing plugin even better? Now is a great time to experiment with a little help from AI.

The post How to Use AI To Extend the Functionality of WordPress Plugins appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to grow as a web development tool. We’re using the technology to write and debug code, perform complex tasks, and interact with users. We’ve discussed a lot of these use cases here at Speckyboy.

However, we haven’t talked about the behind-the-scenes tool that powers AI integrations. MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open-source protocol that connects AI models to external applications or data sources.

In theory, MCP can sit between AI and any tool you can imagine. One real-world example: connecting Microsoft’s Copilot with your Excel spreadsheet. In this scenario, you can ask Copilot to analyze your data and produce a report.

The same principles apply to your WordPress website. Plugin developers can utilize this technology to incorporate AI-powered features. From there, you might use that connection to generate blog post excerpts or identify a set of related products on your WooCommerce shop. That’s only the beginning of what’s possible.

The following is a light overview of MCP. We’ll provide some background details, potential use case examples, and learning resources. Let’s get started!

A Layer That Connects You To AI

Let’s start with a simple analogy to explain what MCP does:

Say you’re on vacation in a place where you don’t speak the language. Thankfully, you have a friend who does. By serving as an interpreter, they’ll help you communicate with the people you meet on your journey.

MCP does something similar with AI applications. Like the interpreter, it sits in the middle of your tool’s connection with an AI model such as ChatGPT or Gemini.

As a standardized open protocol, it can connect to any AI application that supports it. Software development kits (SDKs) are available in multiple programming languages, allowing developers to build MCP servers and clients.

For developers, it means you don’t have to build an AI integration from scratch. It opens up a whole world of possibilities. That also benefits users, as we’re likely to see more integrations released in less time.

How MCP Works With WordPress

Now that we know a bit more about MCP, let’s examine how it works with WordPress. The recently formed WordPress AI Team already has a tool for connecting the content management system (CMS) to AI applications.

The MCP Adapter plugin brings this technology to any WordPress website. It connects an AI app to the WordPress Abilities API, allowing developers to define what site functionalities AI can access (think adding images to your media library or generating SEO descriptions). The adapter is flexible, as WordPress can act as either an MCP server or client.

The WordPress MCP Adapter doesn’t favor one AI model over another. As such, it doesn’t matter if you’re connecting to Claude, ChatGPT, or another supported app. The tool’s job is to translate between AI and the Abilities API.

The result is a future-friendly tool that can adapt (see what we did there) as new AI models enter the market.

What’s more, WordPress 7.0 is set to include tighter (but not forced) integration with the “Building Blocks” being developed by the AI Team. The team states, “By WordPress version 7.0, any WordPress user – enterprise or blogger, developer or designer – should be able to access, use, and build powerful AI features to aid in furthering their digital presence on the open web.”

Potential WordPress MCP Use Cases

OK, here’s where we start to use our imagination. We’ve already named a few basic use cases for MCP inside WordPress. Let’s dream up a few more possibilities:

• A helpful dashboard agent: An AI agent inside your WordPress install could perform useful and time-saving tasks. Ask it to list your best-selling products, send an email to your members, or delete spam comments.
• Better WordPress onboarding: It’s not uncommon for new WordPress users to become frustrated when learning how to use the CMS. AI presents a golden opportunity for a guided onboarding experience and a way for users to ask questions. Such a tool could show users where things are and how to use them.
• Importing and exporting data: An AI agent could allow you to import or export data with plain-language requests – no database query expertise required. That would lower the barrier for users to get the information they need.
• Improving accessibility: Accessibility plugins already exist, but AI could help them do more. For example, they might proactively identify issues as you work and suggest a solution. They might also scan PDF files to ensure compliance, generate transcripts for your multimedia content, or add accurate ALT attributes to images as you upload them.
• Lock down site security: Your site’s security plugin could use AI to identify malicious code more accurately and alert you to suspicious activity as it happens.
• Make your website multilingual: AI is already speeding up the language translation process for WordPress websites. It might also result in more accurate automated translations and enable you to add new languages on the fly.

The above ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. MCP has the potential to spur all manner of creative uses for AI in WordPress.

MCP Resources for WordPress and Beyond

Do you want to learn more about MCP and its role in WordPress? Here are a few handy resources to dig in:

• AI for WordPress Developers (Jason Adams)
• Are you down with MCP? (Brian Coords)
• Introduction to Model Context Protocol (Anthropic Academy)
• Use MCP servers in VS Code (Official VS Code Documentation)
• What is the Model Context Protocol? (Official MCP Documentation)
• WordPress AI Experiments Plugin (GitHub)
• WordPress Plugins Using AI (WordPress Plugin Repository)

We hope you enjoyed our look at MCP! We encourage you to stay up to date on what’s happening by checking out the WordPress AI Team’s blog.

The post What Is MCP, and How Can It Help Your WordPress Website? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The tech industry is full of buzzwords and hype cycles. Many of us feel pressured to talk about and adopt whatever’s new and exciting. Artificial intelligence (AI) is yet another example of history repeating itself.

That’s not to say AI isn’t useful or won’t last. It is a bandwagon that everyone is jumping on, however. In some cases, we’re not sure why we’re doing so.

That logic can apply to our clients using WordPress. Imagine seeing mentions of AI virtually everywhere. Well, you don’t have to imagine because that’s our reality, too. Regardless, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out.

Clients will naturally ask us about AI and how to implement it on their website. So, what should we tell them? How do we help them understand the pros and cons? Here are some ideas to help them understand AI’s potential role inside WordPress.

The Most Important Question: What’s Your Goal?

AI inspires our curiosity and makes us wonder about what’s possible. Product makers understand this and continue to add AI-powered features. We’re seeing this with WordPress plugins and third-party integrations.

It’s no surprise that clients want in on the action. Yet, AI alone doesn’t make a product better or more useful. As such, it’s important to consider why AI is (or isn’t) the answer for a given situation.

So, when a client brings up the subject of AI, the question to ask is: What’s your goal? As in, why do they think AI will be beneficial? What do they hope to accomplish with it?

Most early implementations have focused on content generation – text and images. Using AI makes sense if writing text or finding stock photos is a part of your client’s workflow. The technology excels at generating featured images, blog post excerpts, and SEO content summaries.

There’s also the much-ballyhooed/dreaded AI-powered chatbot (it depends on whom you ask). These apps perform customer service tasks and respond to user questions. They may be a fit for clients who want 24/7 coverage without hiring a human.

Other use cases are popping up. However, you and your client should define a clear goal. From there, you can decide whether AI is the right tool for the job.

Identifying the Downsides of Using AI

We often hail new technologies as the answer to all our problems. There are still concerns about AI and the companies behind it, however.

With that in mind, our clients should be fully aware of the potential downsides of adding AI features to their website:

User Privacy Concerns

AI companies require data to continue training their models. For example, we know they scrape websites to gather useful information. Implementing an AI app on your website might have similar consequences.

Clients should be aware of the risks and how a given provider handles customer data. Will they use information from your chatbot to improve their product? What happens to your customer’s contact information? How can you be sure that your data is safe?

This is vital information for every organization, particularly for compliance with privacy laws such as GDPR. In the past, apps like Google Analytics sparked privacy concerns. AI should be scrutinized just as much.

The Potential Costs

Some AI providers offer a free tier of service with strict usage limits. It may work well for small websites. For everyone else, there’s a subscription model for connecting with the provider’s API.

Estimating your usage can be difficult. That could lead to a surprise bill at the end of the month.

Educate your clients on the provider’s pricing model. Be sure to point out what happens if they exceed their allotted API calls. Some providers may have a setting to prevent overages – encourage clients to enable it. It’s an opportunity to measure usage and determine if they need a bigger budget.

AI Gets It Wrong Sometimes

AI apps have been known to provide inaccurate answers. These tools have also been tricked into returning potentially dangerous or offensive information.

Perhaps this isn’t a big deal if your client uses AI within the WordPress admin area. They aren’t likely to ask the app to do something nefarious (well, a hacker could). But what about using AI on the front-end of the site?

Such incidents can be a public relations nightmare for large organizations, and even small ones can see a negative impact on their reputation.

This is a risk worth bringing to your clients’ attention. A provider should give assurances and proof that this can’t happen with their app. Find out what, if any, safeguards are in place.

Help Your Clients Make an Informed Decision on AI

The buzz surrounding AI is understandable, and clients are right to ask about it. Everyone wants to know what the technology can do for them.

As web developers, it’s our job to help our clients figure out if AI is right for their website. A rational discussion about the good and bad is part of the process.

The truth is that some use cases are better suited for AI than others. Much depends on what your client wants to accomplish and how much they’re willing to spend. The ultimate measure of its usefulness may be the return on investment.

It all comes down to the same factors as other tools and technologies. That’s good news, as it means we’re prepared for the challenge.

The post How To Help Your WordPress Clients Understand AI appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

WordPress is known for its flexibility. The ability to build custom blocks keeps with that tradition. There are so many potential use cases. It feels like the sky is the limit.

However, building a custom block hasn’t always been easy. Even seasoned WordPress developers can struggle to learn the process. Blocks are based on React, rather than PHP. As such, there’s a serious learning curve. That has left many to look at alternative methods or use third-party block suites.

There’s a new tool looking to change the narrative. Telex is Automattic’s AI-powered block builder. Tell the app what you want, and Telex goes to work. It generates code and, once you’re satisfied with the result, creates a custom plugin to install on your website.

Telex is ripe for experimentation. Let’s take it for a spin and see what it can do.

Getting Started With Telex

First things first, you’ll need a free WordPress.com account to use Telex and save your projects. Click the Login button on the upper right of the screen to get started.

Once that’s taken care of, it’s time to tell Telex about your project. The interface should be familiar to anyone who has used ChatGPT, Gemini, or other popular AI models.

Enter your idea into the text field, and the tool takes care of the rest. It generates your custom block’s code and even lets you test it in a real WordPress installation (thanks to WordPress Playground).

Doesn’t that sound otherworldly? Follow along as we create a demo block.

Creating a Custom Timeline Block

From the looks of things, there’s no idea that’s too far-flung for Telex. There is a plethora of creative examples popping up on the web.

For our purposes, we’ll try to keep things practical. We’ll create a Timeline block that allows us to highlight important dates with style.

Here’s the prompt we used:

Create a Timeline block that allows me to highlight important dates in a vertical format. It should have fields for the following:

1. Year
2. Content

The design should feature the Year on the left and the Content on the right. A vertical line should be displayed between the Year and the Content. The Year should be bold text and stand out.

Hint: Telex has an “Enhance Prompt” feature that will that will rewrite your prompt using AI. Give it a try if you’re having trouble describing what you want. We tried the feature, and it added a few elements we hadn’t thought of, including responsive styling.

Click the Build button once you’re satisfied with your prompt.

Generating & Testing Our Custom Block

Telex will start building your block in plain view. The UI shows your prompt at the top of the screen, while the app’s internal dialog scrolls by below.

In our case, the process took about two minutes to complete. Once finished, we were redirected to a WordPress install and placed into the Block Editor.

This is where the fun begins! Telex provides an opportunity to test our new block and see how it works. We can use the chat panel on the right side of the screen to ask questions or make edits.

Judging the Initial Result

At first glance, our Timeline block looks similar to what we envisioned. Telex followed our instructions with the help of its AI enhancement feature. It also added a few details we didn’t think of, such as the ability to style the block’s colors and spacing.

There’s even a handy plus (+) icon for adding additional milestones to our block. As promised, the block is also responsive. The Year and Content blocks are stacked on small screens for easier reading.

It’s a strong start. However, we think there’s room for improvement. Can Telex help?

Improving Our Timeline Block

Perhaps the biggest thing missing from our block is the ability to customize the typography. We’d love to change the font sizing and spacing. Let’s ask Telex for some help:

Can you add font size and spacing settings to the Year and Content fields?

Telex receives our prompt and immediately begins revising the block. Once finished, the Block Editor is refreshed, and it’s time to inspect the changes.

Sure enough, our block now features typography settings for the Year and Content fields. Nice!

We’re one step closer to completion. However, there are a few other small tweaks we’d like to make:

I notice the line between entries isn't connected. Can we change that?

Also, I'd love the ability to horizontally align each entry to the Top, Middle, or Bottom.

Telex got both requests correct, to a point. We can now align our milestones horizontally. However, the connecting line has now moved to the left side, which is not what we wanted. Recall that the line had been in the middle.

Can you move the connecting line back to the middle? It should be connected to the icon between the Year and Content fields.

It took a few tries and a recovery from a PHP crash inside WordPress Playground. Telex eventually moved the line to the middle and adjusted the styling so the milestones are connected on the front end (there was still a bit of space in the editor).

Things are looking good, so we’ll click the Download button on the upper right of the screen. Telex provides a ZIP file containing a plugin for our custom block.

Now, we can install the plugin on any WordPress website!

Making Custom Blocks a Prompt Away

Our experience with Telex was a pleasant one. Within 30 minutes, we had a working prototype of our custom Timeline block. Even the most talented of React developers would have difficulty matching that pace.

Sure, there were a few glitches along the way. That’s to be expected from any AI tool. However, Telex produced the result we were hoping for.

What about security? We ran the plugin through Plugin Check, which gave us a thumbs-up. We recommend using the tool for every custom block you generate. Also, review the code manually. Don’t take security for granted.

Telex is still in its “experimental” phase as of this writing. However, it’s safe to say that the future looks very bright.

The post How to Build a Custom WordPress Block With Telex appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.