Tutorial: How to Add Automated Unit Tests to Your WordPress Plugin

[bph]

Discussed in #384

^{Originally posted by davidperezgar August 4, 2025}
Currently, there is no clear guide on how to install and run unit tests in WordPress plugins.

I propose creating a tutorial that provides a step-by-step guide on how to write and run unit tests in plugins.

[bph]

Welcome to the developer blog @davidperezgar - I am excited to read your first draft. It's a great topic!

In case you haven't yet, please review these links.

• Tips and guidelines for writers
• How to contribute
• Notes on creating and formatting a Google Doc #242

I am happy to answer any questions just ping me either here or in the #core-dev-blog channel

[davidperezgar]

Thanks! I'll try to do my best!

[davidperezgar]

Hello, I've started the Tutorial. Here is the document:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/150AgY1K1qgDy-BMBczntGYMd1UKJnEfa2bLoQfm9rLo/edit?usp=sharing

There are a lot of things missing, but it's my start.

I'll keep you informed when I finished.

[bph]

Thank you @davidperezgar I'll take a look at it next week.

[davidperezgar]

Hello, I've finished the tutorial. Please review and tell me if you need anything else. Thanks.

[bph]

Hi there @davidperezgar I did a first pass at the article. Great work.
Don't get overwhelmed when you look at my suggestions. They are relatively minor, so you should get through them quickly despite the numbers...

• Replace "we" with "you" and update all pronouns.
• I tightened up some language a bit.
• Links always with Link text and URL, no raw https URLs in the article.
• Change of acronyms handling. first spell it out, then introduce the acronym, example Test Driven Development (TDD)

It also could use a couple of paragraphs introducing what your reader learns/accomplishes in the article before diving in.

It will be easier to follow if you use an example plugin and example tests for the reader to follow along. An example plugin is a great attraction for the reader to feel save and when lost, how to find her way back. It could just say "Hello, David" in an admin notice.

When you look at other articles, you'll find that they often take the reader along from the beginning to the end. It also makes it easier to review the article, as it's a closed system and quickly reveals assumptions or a need to explain a little more.

It's not a hill I would want to die on, but I am also thinking about readers that are not advanced developers, who really could use your article to level up their skill.