You want to download an extension file from WordPress but don’t want to install it directly because you fear breaking something else. You can use a couple of tricks to make the process easier. In this blog post, you’re going to learn about some easy ways to download WordPress extensions.
The Direct Installing Way
The first and most straightforward way to download WordPress extensions is to click on the link to the file you want in your dashboard. This will take you to the WordPress extension store. You can then choose to install the file directly from there. When you’ve chosen to download the file, click on ‘Install’.
This method of downloading has several advantages. You can try out the extension without having to install WordPress or create a blog. You can also delete it easily if something goes wrong. However, this method does have its disadvantages. For one, you need to be online for the installation process. This means you can’t do it on a phone or tablet. Also, if the file is large, it can take a while for the process to complete. Finally, the installation of a WordPress extension directly from your browser is a bit of a security risk. Malicious actors could potentially access your computer and install harmful software or perform other malicious acts.
Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) provides you with a dedicated IP which allows you to install WordPress extensions without worrying about breaking your website’s performance. Instead of installing the file directly from your computer, you upload it to a CDN server. Then, you tell your website’s browser to request the file from there.
This has several advantages. You can use a CDN regardless of whether you have an existing website or whether you’re just getting started. You can also install the file to a separate folder on your server which is then synced to your site’s `weddingplugin` folder. This ensures the file is always available and that you don’t have to worry about breaking your website’s performance.
The downside is that you need to have an existing website to use a CDN. You can’t simply create a blog and have it automatically setup with a CDN.
Use a Virtual Machine
Another way to download WordPress extensions is to use a virtual machine. A virtual machine allows you to create as many computers as you need to download the file. Then, you simply download the WordPress extension to each one.
This is a great way to create multiple copies of your site. Just remember that not all virtual machines are made equal. You need to ensure the virtual machine you choose has enough bandwidth and storage. If you’re running low on storage, you can always purchase an external hard drive.
The advantage of using a virtual machine for this purpose is that you can set one up with minimal effort whether you have an existing website or blog. Just make sure you back up your database before proceeding as virtual machines are not exactly indestructible.
Use a WordPress.org/CLI Tools Installer
WordPress.org/CLI Tools Installer is a free tool available from the WordPress repository which makes installing WordPress extensions a breeze. All you need to do is download the tool, run it, and follow the prompts. When the tool is done installing the extensions, simply save the file to your computer. Then, you can upload it to a CDN or integrate it with a virtual machine.
The great thing about the CLI Tools Installer is that it handles all the hard work for you. You just need to follow the prompts and save the file when done. This makes the process of installing WordPress extensions very easy regardless of whether you have an existing website or blog. It also makes it very convenient as you can do it all from within WordPress.
Manually Download and Install
If none of the above work for you and you’d like to try out a particular WordPress extension manually, there’s no need to despair. Simply navigate to the file’s directory on your hard drive and download the `.zip` or `.tar.gz` file. Then, unzip or untar it to see the contents. When you’ve unzipped or untared the file, you can move to the `INSTALL` directory and begin following the on screen instructions. When you reach the end, you’ll be asked to restart your computer. When you do, log back in and the extension will be available under Manage Plugins in WordPress.
The advantage of doing it this way is that you can ensure the file is downloaded correctly. If there’s a step which is missing or if the file is corrupt, you can simply try again. This is especially convenient if you’re trying to install a newer version as you don’t need to worry about the process breaking your site. It also gives you the ability to try out a plugin without risking your site’s performance.
The downside is that you’ll need to have specific software on hand to uncompress and install the plugin. Without it, you’ll need to do all of that manually. It’s not the most convenient method but it has its perks if you don’t mind doing the heavy lifting yourself.
Use Incisive Media’s WordPress Video Embed](https://wordpress.com/embed/)
Incisive Media’s WordPress Video Embed is a free tool designed for WordPress video creators who want to easily integrate video into their content. The great thing about this plugin is that it’s very easy to use and, as the name suggests, it embeds videos easily within posts and pages. This means you don’t need to have a separate video site to host your content. You can simply use the plugin and benefit from the ease of use and convenience.
This is a great option for WordPress users who want to integrate video into their content but don’t necessarily want to commit to running their own video hosting site. The downside is that you need to have a WordPress account to use the plugin. However, it’s free and open source which means it’s available to anyone regardless of technological know-how.
Use [Cloudflare’s One-Click-Install](https://app.cloudflare.com/pages/one-click-install) for WordPress
Cloudflare’s One-Click-Install (O.C.I) is a free tool for WordPress users which makes installing extensions and themes a breeze. Simply go to the plugin’s directory on your hard drive and download the `.zip` file. Then, when Cloudflare’s extension installer is done, click on the ‘Extensions & Themes’ tab and you’ll be able to install any of the apps you’ve downloaded to your WordPress dashboard.
The great thing about Cloudflare O.C.I is that it handles all the hard work for you. Simply click on the ‘Install Now’ button and the tool will begin installing the app to your computer. When it’s done, you can then access your app’s dashboard where you can configure the app’s settings and, if needed, delete it completely.
The downside is that you need to have specific software on hand to utilize the tool. Without it, you’ll need to do all of that manually. It’s also a fairly complex process as you’ll need to download and install several apps before being able to use it. This can be a lot to take in especially if you’re not tech-savvy.
Use [Ajax Press’s Theme Mynder](https://theme-mynder.com/)
Ajax Press’s WooCommerce Product Display enables you to display product images in a grid format with text above each image. To use this plugin, simply upload your products to the plugin directory on your computer. Then, in your WordPress dashboard, go to the Product Manage screen and you’ll see a grid of your products. Just hover over each product and a menu will appear with several options including; show images, show featured products, or show all products.
What makes this option special is that it allows you to preview each product’s image before making a purchase. Just imagine how much time this could save you if you’re deciding whether or not to buy an item. You can click on any of the product images to be taken to that product’s page on the website where you can make a purchase. Once you’ve made the purchase, the item will be added to your cart as normal. However, instead of having the item added to your physical inventory, you’ll have it added to your WordPress dashboard’s inventory. Your WordPress inventory is separate from your physical inventory which means when you make a purchase from an item on your WordPress dashboard, it won’t show up on your books.