How to build a plugin that update WooCommerce product stock from an external API

  • darkslayer1982 · Member ·

    I am trying to start making my first WordPress plugin but I need some help. I want to make a plugin that connects to an API from an accounting software of a local store, and when the stock of a product changes in the software it updates on the WooCommerce store. I have some basics about PHP, API and postman but I would like to know more and what can I learn and where to start to develop such plugin. I already tried some YouTube videos and tutorials but none suits my needs. If you have any information about a tutorial, website or even a course I would appreciate. Thank you

  • jmills39 · Staff ·

    Hi there,

    Great to hear you’re venturing into WordPress plugin development! Creating a plugin to sync stock levels between your accounting software and WooCommerce is an exciting project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and some resources to further your knowledge: Getting Started

    1. Understand the Basics:
    Since you already have a foundational understanding of PHP, APIs, and Postman, you’re well on your way. Here are some key areas to focus on:

    • PHP: Deepen your knowledge of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) as it will help you structure your plugin efficiently.
    • WordPress Plugin Development: Familiarize yourself with the basic structure of a WordPress plugin, including hooks, actions, and filters.

    2. WooCommerce Integration:

    • WooCommerce REST API: Learn how to utilize the WooCommerce REST API to update product stock levels. WooCommerce offers comprehensive documentation for this.
    • WooCommerce Hooks: Understand the hooks in WooCommerce to trigger stock updates as needed.

    Development Environment

    We have a new tool called Studio by WordPress.com for setting up a local development environment. This setup will allow you to test your plugin safely and effectively. Step-by-Step Development

    1. Set Up Plugin Structure:

    • Create a new directory in wp-content/plugins/ for your plugin.
    • Add a main PHP file (e.g., accounting-api-sync.php) and include the necessary plugin headers.
    <?php
/*
Plugin Name: Accounting API Sync
Description: Syncs stock levels with accounting software.
Version: 1.0
Author: Your Name
*/

    2. API Integration:

    • Use wp_remote_get() or wp_remote_post() to interact with the API.
    • Parse the API response to get the stock levels.

    3. Update WooCommerce Stock:

    • Use WooCommerce’s REST API or functions like wc_update_product_stock() to update stock levels.

    4. Schedule Updates:

    • Implement WordPress cron jobs (wp_schedule_event()) to periodically check for stock updates.

    Additional Question

    Do you primarily develop websites for clients or work on your own projects? If you build client sites, I wanted to let you know about an exciting new initiative, Automattic for Agencies. This program offers tailored solutions and resources for agencies. You can find more information here: Automattic for Agencies.

    I hope this helps! If you have any further questions or need more specific guidance, feel free to ask.

    Best of luck with your plugin development!

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