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

说明与用途

Sales Igniter Rentals & Bookings Lite因包含试用软件被WordPress.org拒绝。开发者从免费版本中删除所有门控代码，将高级功能迁移到单独的插件，并使用钩子扩展功能。

问题

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.

结果

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.

工作流

• 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.

证据

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

来源

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

来源

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.

来源

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.

来源