wordpress github workflow for Local Development to Staging Site

With the growing influx of contributors in open source projects, the significance of streamlined version control cannot be overstated. Effective version control serves as a linchpin, ensuring clarity, preventing confusion, and delivering the most recent and refined versions of projects to end-users.

The landscape of WordPress development has rapidly evolved to incorporate globally distributed teams, where robust version control mechanisms and seamless code access processes have become imperative for the team’s fluid functionality. The advent of diverse Git platforms like GitHub and BitBucket has significantly streamlined the WordPress development workflow.

While the concept of version control has existed for decades, tools like Git have been available for quite some time, yet the implementation and understanding of version control using Git can still pose challenges to users. This article endeavors to spotlight the advantages of leveraging GitHub and elucidates the integration of WordPress with GitHub to facilitate a seamless and efficient development workflow.

Advantages of Using GitHub With WordPress

GitHub stands as a repository tool catering to developers who host their code online, be it public or private, fostering collaboration among users. It serves as a platform for sharing code, encouraging collaborative efforts across diverse projects. What advantages does GitHub offer? To showcase the efficiency of this platform, here are its key benefits:

• Version Tracking: Enables meticulous version control.
• Multiple Backups: Facilitates multiple backups of code.
• Effortless Sharing: Simplifies the sharing of work.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Encourages seamless team collaboration.
• Community Building: Fosters social relationships among developers.
• Profile Development: Allows individuals to build their professional profiles.

How to Use WordPress and GitHub?

In response to numerous user queries, I’ve crafted an ultimate guide on WordPress GitHub integration, designed to systematically assist in managing WordPress projects.

Covering two major scenarios in WordPress development, this guide provides comprehensive steps for seamlessly integrating your WordPress site with GitHub. Let’s explore the processes for both a live environment and a local environment.

WordPress and GitHub: Live Environment

Assuming you have a live WordPress site on a hosting server, this scenario involves pushing files directly to a GitHub repository, facilitating effortless collaboration among developers. Follow these steps to create a development environment and deploy changes to the live site.

• Create a Repository on GitHub:

• • • Log in to GitHub and create a new repository.
    • Name your repository, add a description, set access control (e.g., Public), and click “Create repository.”

• Push Live WordPress Files to GitHub Repository:

• • • Launch the server SSH Terminal (Cloudways Platform).
    • Navigate to the WordPress folder path.
    • Initialize an empty Git repository using git init.
    • Add all files to the local GitHub repository with git add ..
    • Switch to the master branch using git checkout -b master.
    • Commit changes with git commit -m “first commit”.
    • Set your Git user email and name if prompted.

• Connect GitHub with Live Environment:

• • Add the GitHub repository URL with git remote add origin [repository URL].
  • Push all files to the GitHub repository with git push origin master.
  • Enter your GitHub username and password when prompted.

If encountering errors, use rm -rf .git/ to remove the file and repeat the commands.

WordPress and GitHub: Local Environment

When dealing with a local environment and wanting to push WordPress files to the GitHub repository, follow these steps:

• Create a Repository on GitHub (Same as Step 1 above):

• • • Log in to GitHub and create a new repository.

• Push Local WordPress Files to GitHub Repository:

• • Navigate to your local WordPress folder.
  • Initialize a Git repository with git init.
  • Add files and commit changes similar to the live environment steps.
  • Set your Git user email and name if prompted.
  • Add the GitHub repository URL with git remote add origin [repository URL].
  • Push all files to the GitHub repository with git push origin master.
  • Enter your GitHub username and password when prompted.

This comprehensive guide ensures a seamless integration of WordPress with GitHub, enhancing collaboration, version control, and streamlined development workflows.

Note: If your repository is public, it’s advisable to delete the wp-config.php file from the GitHub repository as it contains credentials for your WordPress application. You can edit it directly on the live site.

Successfully Pushed to GitHub

After completing the previous steps, check your GitHub repository – congratulations! You’ve successfully pushed your WordPress files.

Step 3: Install Git

Now, to pull your files from GitHub to your local PC, you need to download and install Git on your local system.

• Download and Install Git:

• • Download and install Git on your local machine.

Step 4: Pull to Local Folder from GitHub Repository

After installing Git, let’s start pulling files and folders to a local folder.

• Create a Folder and Open Git Bash:

• • • Create a folder, right-click, and choose “Git Bash Here” to open a command prompt-like window.

• Enter Git Commands:

• • Run the following commands one by one:

bashCopy code

git init
git add .
git remote add origin https://github.com/farhanayub/GitHub.git
/* Replace the URL with your own */
git pull origin master

• This process may take time based on your connection speed and the size of your WordPress repository.

• Verify Files in Local WordPress Folder:

• • Once the process finishes, check your local WordPress folder – you’ll see that all the files from the GitHub repo have been pulled successfully.

Step 5: Build Development Environment on the Local Machine

Now, let’s create a development environment for WordPress and GitHub on the local machine. Install Sublime Text and a GitHub package called GitSavvy.

• Install Sublime Text:

• • • Download and install the latest version of Sublime Text editor.

• Install GitSavvy Package:

• • Open the Command Palette (CTRL+SHIFT+P) or navigate to Tools → Command Palette.
  • Search for “Install Package” and press enter.
  • Search and install GitSavvy.

Step 6: Connect Sublime Text to GitHub

Connect Sublime Text with GitHub to easily push changes from the local environment to the WordPress repository on GitHub.

• Open WordPress Folder in Sublime Text:

• • • Go to File → Open Folder and open your local WordPress folder in Sublime Text.

• Edit a File to Test:

• • To test the environment, edit a file (e.g., wp-login.php) by adding echo “Hello World!”; at the top below <?php and save it.

By following these steps, you’ve successfully integrated your WordPress environment with GitHub, established a development setup, and connected Sublime Text for efficient collaboration and version control.

Adding Code

To initialize GitHub on Sublime Text, access the Command Palette, search for “status,” and execute the command git: status.

This command performs a comparison between the local folder and the GitHub repository, identifying files that have been modified.

You’ll notice that wp-login.php is currently in unstaged mode. To perform actions on this file, such as staging, committing, and pushing to the GitHub repository, you must first stage the file.

Press “S” to stage the file, and upon checking the status with git: status, you’ll observe that the file has moved to staged mode.

To commit this change, press “C.” A new tab will appear, allowing you to describe the changes made in the wp-login.php file. Write your commit message at the top and press CTRL+ENTER to submit the commit.

Note: It may prompt you for your name and email to submit the commit under your credentials.

Step 7: Push from Local to GitHub

Sublime Text needs to be informed about the repository to which the changes will be pushed. Utilize the git: remote add command to set the remote URL.

Once connected to the GitHub repository, use git: push to push the changes. Select “origin” and the “master” branch.

Note: If you’re not logged into your GitHub account, it might request you to log in.

Step 8: Connect GitHub with Live Environment

After linking Sublime Text to GitHub, proceed to your Cloudways account and access the WordPress application. In the dashboard’s left panel, navigate to “Deployment via Git” and click on “Generate SSH Keys.”

Click on “VIEW SSH KEY” and download the SSH Keys.

Return to the GitHub repository, head to Settings → Deploy Keys → Add Deploy Key, set the title, and input the downloaded SSH Keys.

Ensure the “Allow write access” checkbox is marked for exchanging changes.

In your GitHub repository, under the Code tab, copy the SSH Key and ensure “use SSH” is selected.

Back on the Cloudways Platform, under “Deployment via Git,” paste the SSH Key into the “Git Remote Address” field. Click “Authenticate” and select the branch of your Git repository (e.g., master).

Connecting Cloudways and GitHub

The deployment path remains empty as I intend to link the WordPress application’s public_html folder with the GitHub repository. Click on “Start Deployment” to establish the Cloudways Platform’s connection with GitHub.

Once the process is completed, you’ll receive a notification at the top right corner of the screen indicating successful repository cloning.

Step 9: Pull Changes to a Live Environment from GitHub

With all configurations set up and functioning smoothly, it’s time to pull changes from the GitHub repository to the WordPress site on Cloudways.

Access your application from the Cloudways platform, then navigate to “Application Management” → “Deployment via Git,” and hit the “Pull” button.

Voila! All changes have been successfully updated on the live site. Here’s a glimpse of how they look.

Why Isn’t The Pull Automated?

The manual process of pulling changes might seem cumbersome, but it’s intentional to prevent accidental unwanted pushes to the GitHub repo. It’s advisable to initiate a Pull request only when confident about applying changes to the live site.

While the setup for the live environment may appear complex initially, once configured correctly, it simplifies to making changes in the local WordPress folder using Sublime Text, pushing to GitHub, and Pulling on the live site.

WordPress and GitHub: Local Environment

In the second scenario, you’re working on your local machine and aiming to push your WordPress files to the GitHub repository.

Assuming you have a ready local setup (if not, here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you), let’s begin!

Step 1: Download and Install Git

Start by downloading and installing Git on your local machine. Choose the version compatible with your operating system for installation.

Step 2: Sign in to GitHub and Create a New Repository

Once Git is installed, log in to your GitHub account and navigate to “Repositories” → “New.”

After reaching this section, fill in the required fields and click on “Create repository.”

Step 3: Push WordPress files from the local environment to GitHub

To illustrate this process, I’ll push the local WordPress theme files (specifically, the Twenty Twenty theme) to the newly created GitHub repository.

Navigate to the WordPress theme folder, right-click to access the context menu, and select “Git Bash Here.”

A command prompt window will open, allowing you to input the following commands:

bashCopy code

git init
git add .
git commit -m “first commit”
git remote add origin https://github.com/farhanayub/MyWordPress.git
git push -u origin master

Step 4: Check GitHub Repository

Head over to GitHub and refresh the repository page. Upon checking, you’ll see that all the theme files (specifically, the Twenty Twenty theme) have been successfully pushed to this GitHub repository.

Summary

GitHub integration for WordPress proves to be beneficial, whether you’re working solo or within a team. The seamless integration simplifies collaboration, allowing you and your team members to work in real-time, track changes, and test code before implementing them on your WordPress site. This overview covered two scenarios: working with both live and local environments of WordPress and GitHub. If you have any queries, feel free to ask in the comments below. Additionally, you can explore Cloudways API to learn more about cloning a GitHub repository.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the best GitHub plugins for WordPress?

When it comes to integrating GitHub with WordPress, several plugins enhance functionality and streamline processes. Here are some of the best and widely used GitHub plugins for WordPress:

• GitHub Embed:

• • • Allows you to embed GitHub Gists and repositories directly into your WordPress posts or pages.

• WordPress GitHub Sync:

• • • Enables seamless synchronization between your WordPress site and GitHub repositories, ensuring your content is up-to-date.

• Git Updater:

• • Simplifies the process of updating themes and plugins by integrating with GitHub repositories, providing a convenient way to manage your WordPress assets.

Q. How do I create a WordPress repository on GitHub?

Creating a WordPress repository on GitHub is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

• Sign up/log in to a GitHub account:

• • • If you don’t have a GitHub account, sign up. If you’re already registered, log in to your account.

• Create a new repository:

• • • Navigate to the “Repositories” section and click on “New.” Provide a name for your repository, such as “WordPress.”

• Push WordPress site files:

• • Push your WordPress site files to the GitHub repository using Git commands, establishing a link between your local WordPress environment and GitHub.

Q. How do I deploy WordPress to GitHub?

Deploying a WordPress site to GitHub involves a series of steps. Here’s a simplified guide:

• Download and install Git:

• • • Install Git on your desktop to facilitate version control and interaction with GitHub.

• Sign in to GitHub and create a new repository:

• • • Follow the steps mentioned earlier to log in to GitHub and create a new repository for your WordPress project.

• Push WordPress files from the local environment to GitHub:

• • • Utilize Git commands to push your WordPress files from the local environment to the GitHub repository.

• Check GitHub repository:

• • Verify the successful upload of your WordPress files by checking your GitHub repository.

Q. Are there any security considerations when integrating WordPress with GitHub?

Ensuring a secure integration between WordPress and GitHub is crucial. Here are some security considerations to keep in mind:

• Confidentiality of sensitive data:

• • • Protect sensitive information, such as API keys or database credentials, from exposure.

• Proper file permissions:

• • • Set appropriate file permissions to restrict unauthorized access to critical files and directories.

• Safety of plugins and themes:

• • • Regularly update and audit plugins and themes to eliminate vulnerabilities and enhance security.

• Rigorous code review:

• • • Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and rectify potential security issues before deployment.

• Encrypted communications:

• • • Use secure, encrypted communication channels, especially when transmitting sensitive data between WordPress and GitHub.

• Regular backups:

• • Implement a robust backup strategy to ensure data recovery in the event of security breaches or data loss.

Q. What is the process for syncing changes between WordPress and GitHub?

Syncing changes between WordPress and GitHub involves several steps to maintain a harmonious development environment. Here’s a detailed process:

• Initiate Git in your WordPress:

• • • Initialize a Git repository within your WordPress project to commence version control.

• Link your WordPress repo to GitHub:

• • • Establish a connection between your local WordPress repository and the corresponding GitHub repository.

• Push WordPress files to GitHub:

• • • Utilize Git commands to push your WordPress files to the GitHub repository, ensuring synchronization.

• Deploy updates to your WordPress site:

• • • Deploy the updates made in the GitHub repository to your live WordPress site, implementing the changes seamlessly.

• Fetch changes from GitHub to your WordPress:

• • • Periodically fetch changes from the GitHub repository to your local WordPress environment to stay updated.

• Resolve any conflicts:

• • In case of conflicts between changes made in WordPress and GitHub, resolve them by carefully merging or choosing the appropriate version.

By following these steps, you maintain a coherent workflow, ensuring that your WordPress and GitHub environments stay in sync with each other.