The document discusses the WordPress REST API, its importance in connecting WordPress with various applications and devices, and its potential for creating new user experiences and integrations. It outlines the timeline for its inclusion in the WordPress core and presents practical use cases, including custom front ends and interactions with the Internet of Things. Additionally, it promotes resources for learning more about the REST API and upcoming webinars on project management and profitability.

1. The WordPress REST API
as a Springboard for Website Greatness
Let’s think towards the future of WordPress
November 18th, 2015
#wprestapi

2. Ask Questions as We Go!
Please use the “Questions”
pane throughout the webinar
#wprestapi

3. Quick Intros!
#wprestapi
Josh Pollock
Owner/Developer,
CalderaWP
❖ CalderaWP.com
❖ IngotHQ.com
❖ JoshPress.net
Anthony Burchell
Operations Engineer,
WP Engine
❖ Started on WordPress 2.8
❖ Casual Core Contributor
❖ antpb.com

4. What We’ll Discuss
❖ What is the REST API, and why should you care?
❖ Timeline on REST API in WordPress Core
❖ Practical, useful and possibly wacky use cases for the
WordPress REST API (to get you thinking differently about what is
possible)
#wprestapi

5. What is the WP REST API
A way to connect to WordPress using
a standards-compliant RESTful API --
from within WordPress or from
another application.
#wprestapi

6. Okay...SIMPLY what is the WP REST API?
Essentially, WordPress will be open to the internet of things!
#wprestapi

7. Why is the WordPress REST API Important
❖ Opens WordPress to the app world and allows app
developers to use a CMS to manage their content. This
could save many development hours
❖ This opens WordPress to any device or software. You
can now integrate anything with WordPress
❖ The community has been given an arsenal of tools to
make completely new applications on the WordPress
platform
#wprestapi

8. Why is the WordPress REST API Important (cont’d.)
We’re also opening things up to
developers that are not WordPress
savvy. This provides a nicer gate of entry
for non WordPress developers.
#wprestapi

9. Timeline for inclusion into WordPress Core
Infrastructure merged for 4.4
Endpoints will be merged in 4.5
What does this mean?
You will still need the WP REST API Plugin!
Version to use now: WP REST API 2.0 Beta 6
If using v1.0: use the latest update (1.2.4) before
WordPress 4.4!
http://wpeng.in/api-release/
#wprestapi

10. Let’s talk through some ideas
#wprestapi

11. Custom Front Ends
❖ Use WordPress only when you absolutely need it!
❖ Improve users experience (ttfb is drastically
decreased)
❖ Use JavaScript MVC Frameworks
❖ Improve conversions
#wprestapi

12. Web Component REST API Example
#wprestapi
Both Pages are calling for the same information
(Post Title, Featured Image, Author Info, and Content of Post)
HTML WordPress

13. Web Component REST API Example
#wprestapi
This simple use case proves a valid point:
we can now use WordPress when we NEED to.
If something isn’t dynamic, there’s no sense in using
WordPress to call database & load all dependencies on
every load.

14. Web Component REST API Example
#wprestapi
https://github.com/Shelob9/web-component-rest-api-
example

15. Custom Back Ends
❖ Quicker Plugin/Theme Development
❖ Snappier admin experience
❖ Potential for custom control panels
#wprestapi

16. Ingot Automatic A/B Tester
#wprestapi
WordPress Plugin Admin Made With AngularJS

17. Ingot Automatic A/B Tester
#wprestapi
http://bit.ly/1l68Tqt

18. What about the Internet of Things?
#wprestapi

19. The Internet of Things and WordPress
❖ If a device can make requests via the web,
it can now interact with WordPress.
❖ Think of all the different sensors that you
can hook through technologies such as
Arduino. You can configure literally anything
to communicate with WordPress.
#wprestapi

20. Go crazy with it!
#wprestapi

21. Resources
eBook: The Ultimate Guide to the WordPress REST API
http://wpeng.in/rest-api-ebook/
The WordPress API: An Untechnical Guide for Non-Developers
http://wpeng.in/untech/
#wprestapi

22. CalderaWP
REST API Course
CalderaWP.com
Q&A
Feel free to ask away in
the “Questions” pane!
Are you an agency or freelancer?
Learn how you can finish more sites in less time and enjoy
unlimited staging installs for your WordPress projects for as
little as $29 per month.
Ask about qualifying for a listing in our online consultants directory!
Call +1-512-827-3500, or
Chat with us wpengine.com

23. ❖ Tips & tricks for higher project fees
❖ How to find and sell $10K+ web projects
❖ High-level tools for building, maintaining and
supporting WP sites
Next
Setting the Foundation for a Super-Productive, Super-
Profitable 2016
Increase project fees and profitability...but not your workload
Wednesday, December 9th, 12 pm EDT/ 11 am CDT/ 9 am EDT/ 5 pm GMT+1
Register Now! http://hs.wpengine.com/super-profitable-2016
Next Webinar