WordPress GitHub plugin metadata & compatibility
The plugin ships with a WordPress-friendly readme.txt so teams can quickly confirm requirements and update cadence.
Why teams install WordPress plugins from GitHub
Agencies, product teams, and SaaS companies often maintain private WordPress plugins that never go to WordPress.org. Manual zip uploads slow releases, create version drift, and block non-technical teammates. GitHub Plugin Installer & Updater replaces the manual workflow with a GitHub-aware installer that keeps every environment aligned.
“Deploy private WordPress plugins from GitHub, keep every site synced, and track exactly which repository powers each release.”
Key capabilities for GitHub-managed WordPress plugins
Install from repositories
Paste any GitHub repository URL, choose a branch or tag, and let the plugin handle the download, extraction, and activation inside WordPress.
Managed Plugins table
Associate existing plugins with their GitHub projects so anyone can run updates from a single dashboard.
Manual updates on demand
Trigger a refresh from wp-admin or directly from the Plugins list whenever a new release ships.
Private repository support
Store a GitHub personal access token securely in WordPress options to authenticate downloads from private repos.
Self-update aware
Point the helper plugin to its own repository and keep it current without manual zip uploads.
Multisite ready
Network administrators can configure repositories once and let every site stay in sync.
WordPress GitHub plugin update use cases
- Agency rollouts: ship private client plugins from GitHub without asking editors to upload zips.
- SaaS integrations: distribute add-ons and keep version parity across staging, QA, and production.
- Product teams: map each installed plugin to its repo for faster support and clearer release audits.
Feature checklist for GitHub plugin deployments
- Install from GitHub repository URL
- Managed Plugins table
- Manual update dropdown
- Private token storage
- Self-update support
- WordPress multisite compatibility
Why teams choose Websage Solutions
Manual zip uploads slow releases, especially when juggling client sites. Websage Solutions built this plugin so teams can standardize deployments, cut the wait for WordPress.org approvals, give non-technical teams safe access to updates, and audit repositories powering each plugin at a glance.
Getting started
- Download the latest release using the button above or grab the zip from the Websage Solutions Lab repository.
- In WordPress, navigate to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin and upload the downloaded zip.
- Activate the plugin and head to Tools → Github Plugin Installer and Updater to configure repositories and optional tokens.
- Use the Managed Plugins table to map existing installations and trigger updates whenever you ship a new release.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work with private repositories?
Yes. Generate a GitHub personal access token with the repo scope and paste it into the settings page to authenticate downloads.
Can I manage multiple plugins?
Absolutely. Use the Managed Plugins table to map each installed plugin to its GitHub repository and branch or tag.
How do self-updates work?
Provide the helper plugin's own repository URL and it will notify you when a new release is available. You can trigger the update from the settings screen or directly from the Plugins list.
Do I need GitHub releases?
No. You can pull from any repository branch or tag. Releases make it easier to track versions, but the installer works with standard branches too.
Release notes
2.0.0 – Manage every plugin from GitHub
- Add a Managed Plugins table to map multiple installed plugins to repositories.
- Introduce a dropdown-powered updater for selecting which plugin to refresh on demand.
- Provide manual self-update buttons on the settings screen and Plugins list.
- Refresh the plugin header to include WordPress compatibility metadata.
1.0.2 – Test self-update notification
- Bump the plugin version again so WordPress surfaces the latest build when testing the self-update workflow.
1.0.1 – Test update
- Expose the plugin version constant for enqueueing assets.
- Purge the GitHub response cache whenever WordPress refreshes plugin updates and reduce cache TTL to five minutes.
1.0.0 – Initial release
- Initial public launch of GitHub Plugin Installer and Updater.
Need help?
Have a question about GitHub authentication, custom workflows, or managed deployments? Email lab@websagesolutions.com and the Websage Solutions Lab team will walk you through the setup.