Getting through WordPress.org plugin review: what counts as "trialware"

Описание и применение

Плагин Sales Igniter Rentals & Bookings Lite был отклонён WordPress.org из‑за trialware. Разработчики удалили все гейты и скрытый код из бесплатной версии, перенесли премиум‑функции в отдельный ад‑он и использовали хуки для расширения функционала.

Задача

The free edition of the Rentals & Bookings plugin was rejected by WordPress.org for containing trialware – features that are present in the free code but only enabled by a paid add‑on.

Результат

After refactoring, the Lite plugin complies with WordPress.org guidelines, removing all trialware and ensuring that premium features are only present in the paid add‑on.

Рабочий процесс

• 1. Identify all Feature::enabled() calls and other gated code in Lite.
• 2. Remove the Features gate class and Admin/AddonFields class from Lite.
• 3. Replace gated functionality with registries that expose complete free features.
• 4. Move premium code (e.g., additional inventory views, pickers, layouts) into the Regular add‑on.
• 5. Register premium views and functionality in Regular via add_filter hooks.
• 6. Test that Lite functions fully without the Regular add‑on and that Premium features are only available when Regular is active.

Доказательства

Plugins may not contain functionality that is restricted or locked, only to be made available by payment or upgrade.

Источник

We recommend the use of add‑on plugins, hosted outside of WordPress.org, in order to exclude the premium code.

Источник

Lite did not get in on the first try. One review round came back with a guideline 5 finding, trialware, and a warning that more of the same would end the review.

Источник

In 1.0.9 we deleted Model/Features.php and Admin/AddonFields.php, along with the fixed-length classes, the extra pickers' scripts and the overdue email.

Источник