What this book covers
Chapter 1, WordPress As a Web Application Framework, walks you through the existing modules and techniques to identify their usage in web applications. Identification of WordPress features beyond the conventional CMS and planning portfolio management application are the highlights of this chapter.
Chapter 2 , Implementing Membership Roles, Permissions, and Features, begins the implementation of a portfolio management application by exploring the features of the built-in user management module. Working with various user roles and permissions as well as an introduction to the MVC process through routing are the highlights of this chapter.
Chapter 3, Planning and Customizing the Core Database, serves as an extensive guide for understanding the core database structure and the role of database tables in web applications. Database querying techniques and coverage of the planning portfolio management application database are the highlights of this chapter.
Chapter 4, The Building Blocks of Web Applications, explores the possibilities of extending WordPress posts beyond their conventional usage to suit complex applications. Advanced use of custom post types and an introduction to template engines are the highlights of this chapter.
Chapter 5, Developing Pluggable Modules, introduces the techniques of creating highly reusable and extensible plugins to enhance the flexibility of web applications. Implementing various plugins for explaining these techniques is the highlight of this chapter.
Chapter 6, Customizing the Dashboard for Powerful Backends, walks you through the process of customizing the WordPress admin panel for adding new features as well as changing existing features and design. Building reusable grids and designing an admin panel are the highlights of this chapter.
Chapter 7, Adjusting Themes for Amazing Frontends, dives into the techniques of designing amazing layouts, thereby opening them for future extension. Widgetizing layouts and building reusable templates are the highlights of this chapter.
Chapter 8, Enhancing the Power of Open Source Libraries and Plugins, explores the use of the latest trending open source technologies and libraries. Integrating open authentication in to your web application and structuring the application at the client side are the highlights of this chapter.
Chapter 9, Listening to Third-party Applications, demonstrates how to use WordPress XML-RPC API to create a custom API for your web application. Building a simple yet complete API with all the main features is the highlight of this chapter.
Chapter 10, Integrating and Finalizing The Portfolio Management Application, guides you through the integration of modules developed throughout this book into a standalone plugin while introducing you to important concepts such as caching, security, and testing.
Appendix, Configurations, Tools, and Resources, provides an application setup guide with necessary links to download the plugins and libraries used throughout the book.