Plugin metadata & compatibility
Everything WordPress.org expects is packaged inside the accompanying readme.txt. Here are the highlights:
Why release it?
Agencies and product teams repeatedly ship private plugins that never touch WordPress.org. Manual zip uploads slow the process, break automation, and make it hard for non-technical site managers to help. GitHub Plugin Installer and Updater replaces that manual work with an interface that understands GitHub releases.
“Install or refresh plugins directly from GitHub, keep every environment aligned, and document which repository powers each build.”
Key capabilities
Install from repositories
Paste any GitHub repository URL, choose a branch or tag, and let the plugin handle the download, extraction, and activation.
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 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.
Feature checklist
- 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 down releases, especially when juggling client sites. Websage Solutions created this plugin so agencies and product 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.
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.