WordPress plugin performance

When to use

Use this skill when:

• Developing new WordPress plugins
• Optimizing existing plugin code for better performance
• Working with database queries (WP_Query, $wpdb, options)
• Implementing caching strategies (object cache, transients)
• Loading assets (scripts, styles) efficiently
• Creating AJAX handlers or REST API endpoints
• Scheduling background tasks with WP-Cron
• Making external HTTP requests from plugins
• Reviewing code before deployment to high-traffic sites

Core performance principles

The performance mantra