I had a client come to us recently, completely bewildered. They’d spent months on a fantastic WordPress plugin, solid code, clever features, the works. Submitted it to the directory, and it got bounced. Not once, but twice. Their frustration was palpable, man. They were convinced there was some obscure bug in their code, some conflict with a core hook. But after digging into their submission, the primary keyword for their headache became painfully clear: the English readme requirement.
See, they’d thrown together a quick `readme.txt` in their native tongue, then ran it through a basic online translator. Figured it was “good enough” for the WordPress plugin review team. And that was it. Total nightmare for them, because the plugin itself was solid.
The Unseen Gatekeeper: Your English README
It’s easy to get lost in the PHP, the JavaScript, the database queries. We developers, myself included early in my career, often treat documentation as an afterthought. My first thought was always to check their custom post types or their REST API endpoints. But the `readme.txt`? It’s not just some throwaway file. It’s the very first impression, the basis for your plugin’s listing on wordpress.org, and critically, the foundation for all future translations. The WordPress plugin review team has made it explicitly clear, as detailed in a recent post on make.wordpress.org/plugins, that your `readme.txt` must be in English. Period.
Think about it. The review team is a diverse, global group. English acts as the common language, streamlining the entire review process and facilitating clear communication with authors. If your `readme.txt` is poorly translated or in another language, it’s not just a minor oversight; it’s a roadblock. It delays your plugin, creates unnecessary back-and-forth, and honestly, it looks unprofessional.
And here’s the kicker: English isn’t just for reviews. It’s the base for `translate.wordpress.org`. If your source `readme.txt` isn’t clean English, then every subsequent translation into German, Spanish, Japanese, whatever—is going to be built on a shaky foundation. Your plugin’s global reach, its ability to connect with users worldwide, hinges on this.
Crafting a Compliant `readme.txt` for WordPress Plugins
So, what does a good, English-first `readme.txt` look like? It follows the WordPress readme standard, clearly outlining everything a user or reviewer needs to know. Here’s a basic structure example:
=== Bbioon Awesome Plugin ===
Contributors: bbioonteam
Donate Link: https://bbioon.com/donate
Tags: awesome, utility, tools
Requires at least: 5.8
Tested up to: 6.5
Stable tag: 1.0.0
Requires PHP: 7.4
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
A short description of the plugin.
== Description ==
This is where the detailed description goes. Explain what your plugin does, its main features, and why someone should use it. Make sure this is clear, concise, and in proper English. Use **bbioon_plugin_function()** for clarity.
== Installation ==
1. Upload the entire `bbioon-awesome-plugin` folder to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.
3. Configure settings via the **Bbioon Settings** menu.
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
= Does this plugin work with all themes? =
Yes, **bbioon_plugin_init()** is designed to be theme-agnostic.
= How do I use the [bbioon] shortcode? =
Simply insert `[bbioon_shortcode]` into your posts or pages.
== Changelog ==
= 1.0.0 =
* Initial release of the **Bbioon Awesome Plugin**.
* Added **bbioon_admin_notice** filter.
== Upgrade Notice ==
= 1.0.0 =
Initial release.
Notice the clear sections, the English explanations. This isn’t just about making the review team’s job easier—though it certainly helps. It’s about ensuring your work is understood, appreciated, and adopted by the widest possible audience. It’s about professionalism, and frankly, it’s about respect for your users and the WordPress community.
So, What’s the Real Takeaway Here?
Don’t let a simple documentation oversight derail your WordPress plugin’s launch. The `readme.txt` is an integral part of your submission, and adhering to the English-only requirement for its content is non-negotiable. It ensures a smoother review, enables accurate internationalization, and maintains consistency across the Plugin Directory.
Look, this stuff gets complicated fast. If you’re tired of debugging someone else’s mess and just want your site to work, drop my team a line. We’ve probably seen it before.
Leave a Reply