How to Avoid Major Plugin Conflicts on Your WordPress Website
It is almost inevitable that at some point during the life of your WordPress website you will experience a major plugin conflict. These conflicts can bring down the functionality of your site and cause a lot of frustration. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the occurrence of these conflicts and resolve them when they do happen.
1. Avoid Outdated Plugins
Using outdated plugins increases the risk of conflicts. Make sure to use plugins that have been updated recently and are compatible with the latest version of WordPress. If a plugin hasn’t been updated by the developer in over six months, it may contain outdated code and cause issues. Also, avoid using plugins that no longer exist, as they are likely to cause problems in the long run.
2. Backup Plugins Before Updating
Always take a complete backup of your site before making any changes, including updating plugins. This allows you to restore older versions of each plugin if something goes wrong during the update. There are various WordPress backup plugins available, such as VaultPress, that can help you easily backup everything. Alternatively, you can download the wp-content/plugins folder using an FTP program like FileZilla.
3. Create a Local Development Version of Your Site
Using an application like MAMP or WAMP, create a local version of your website on your computer. This local version can serve as a testing environment for updating each plugin. By testing the updates on the local version, you can identify and resolve any conflicts before updating the live version of your site.
4. Update Plugins Individually
Instead of updating all your plugins at once, update them individually. This allows you to see exactly which plugin is causing the conflict if any issues arise after an update. By updating each plugin individually, you can easily restore the previous version from a backup if needed.
5. Find the Conflict
If you have already updated all your plugins at once and a conflict occurs, you have two options. First, you can restore the plugins from the backup you took before the update and update each plugin one at a time to find the one causing the conflict. Second, if you don’t have a backup, you will need to manually check each plugin to find the conflict. Deactivate all your plugins and then activate your primary plugin to check if it is working correctly. Activate each plugin one by one and check for conflicts. This manual process can be time-consuming and may cause functionality issues on your site.
6. Use Plugin Support Forums
If you have identified the conflicting plugin, head to its support forum for assistance. There may already be discussions or solutions for the conflict you are experiencing. Create a thread in the forum or contact the developers directly to seek help. Utilizing the support resources available can often lead to a resolution.
7. Replace the Minor Plugin if Resolution Isn’t Possible
If there is no solution to the conflict, consider replacing the minor plugin with an alternative that performs a similar function. Take the time to search for a replacement plugin with good support and recent updates. Contact the developers of the new plugin to ensure compatibility with your main plugins. If necessary, consider custom code as a replacement for plugins, as it gives you more control over your website and reduces the reliance on third-party developers.
By following these steps, you can minimize the occurrence of major plugin conflicts on your WordPress website. Remember to always backup your site, keep plugins updated, and seek support when needed.
