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WordPress REST API (Version 2)

By Ryan McCue

Developer Tools & Customization / API & Webhook Integration

WordPress REST API (Version 2) Review - In-Depth Analysis

Access your site's data through an easy-to-use HTTP REST API. This plugin allows for simple data retrieval and updates via JSON format.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.62/10

User Rating

4.2/5 (based on 34+ reviews)

Active Installations

10,000+

Update Frequency

Below Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

1 / 10 (Very Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

WordPress is moving towards becoming a fully-fledged application framework, and we need new APIs. This project was born to create an easy-to-use, easy-to-understand and well-tested framework for creating these APIs, plus creating APIs for core.

This plugin provides an easy to use REST API, available via HTTP. Grab your site's data in simple JSON format, including users, posts, taxonomies and more. Retrieving or updating data is as simple as sending a HTTP request.

Want to get your site's posts? Simply send a GET request to /wp-json/wp/v2/posts. Update user with ID 4? Send a PUT request to /wp-json/wp/v2/users/4. Get all posts with the search term 'awesome'? GET /wp-json/wp/v2/posts?filter[s]=awesome. It's that easy.

The WordPress REST API exposes a simple yet easy interface to WP Query, the posts API, post meta API, users API, revisions API and many more. Chances are, if you can do it with WordPress, the API will let you do it.

The REST API also includes an easy-to-use JavaScript API based on Backbone models, allowing plugin and theme developers to get up and running without needing to know anything about the details of getting connected.

Check out our documentation for information on what's available in the API and how to use it. We've also got documentation on extending the API with extra data for plugin and theme developers!

All tickets for the project are being tracked on GitHub. You can also take a look at the recent updates for the project.

Comparing to Alternatives

The WordPress REST API (Version 2) plugin provides a standardized way to interact with WordPress content via RESTful endpoints. While it is the foundational plugin for REST API functionality, it has been integrated into WordPress core, making standalone alternatives less common.

Top alternatives

WordPress REST API (Version 2)

Strengths

Enables RESTful access to WordPress content and data.
Widely supported and integrated into WordPress core.
Facilitates development of mobile and external applications.
Provides a standardized API for developers.

Weaknesses

No longer actively maintained as a standalone plugin.
Compatibility issues with newer PHP versions reported.
Limited user creation capabilities due to permission restrictions.
Lacks updates and clear communication about its status.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback highlights both the plugin's utility and its limitations, reflecting mixed experiences.

Positive highlights

"I love this plugin, so I made a ruby gem to wrapper calls and use RESTful content in a ruby application." - devyohan
"Obrigado.. agora eu tenho muitas possibilidades em meus projetos com app mobile." - raphaelnikson
Enables integration with various applications and mobile projects.

Common complaints

Unable to create users due to permission errors.
Compatibility issues with PHP 7.2 and deprecated functions.
Plugin appears abandoned with no clear notices about its status.
Errors and bugs reported in plugin files.

Weaknesses

Lack of updates leads to compatibility problems.
Insufficient documentation on user permissions and capabilities.
No clear communication from developers regarding plugin status.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Developers and advanced users who need RESTful access to WordPress data and are comfortable troubleshooting compatibility issues.

Not ideal for

Casual users or those seeking a fully supported and regularly updated REST API plugin with user management features.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers core REST API functionality allowing external applications to interact with WordPress content via standard endpoints.

Final Verdict

The WordPress REST API (Version 2) plugin is a foundational tool that enables RESTful interactions with WordPress content, essential for developers building external or mobile applications.

However, its lack of recent updates, compatibility issues, and limited user management features mean it may not meet the needs of all users, especially those seeking a fully supported and maintained solution.