Top 10 Free Tools Every WordPress Developer Should Be Using in 2025
Top 10 Free WordPress Developer Software Tools
Whether you’re a seasoned WordPress developer or just starting out, having the right tools in your workflow can save time, improve code quality, and help you build more efficiently. Fortunately, there are several free software solutions available that offer powerful features tailored specifically for WordPress development. Here are the top 10 free tools every WordPress developer should consider using:
1. Local WP by WP Engine
Category: Local Development Environment
Website: https://localwp.com
Local is a free, user-friendly tool for setting up local WordPress sites with just a few clicks. It supports PHP version switching, SSL, database access, and live link sharing.
Key Features:
- Instant site setup
- Live share URLs
- Easy push/pull to WP Engine
2. Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
Category: Code Editor
Website: https://code.visualstudio.com
VS Code is one of the most popular code editors, offering a robust extension marketplace with tools tailored for PHP, JavaScript, and WordPress.
Key Features:
- Git integration
- Syntax highlighting for PHP, HTML, CSS, JS
- WordPress snippets and IntelliSense via extensions
3. Query Monitor
Category: Debugging Plugin
Website: https://wordpress.org/plugins/query-monitor/
Query Monitor is a developer-focused plugin for debugging database queries, hooks, HTTP requests, and more—right inside the WordPress admin area.
Key Features:
- Identify slow database queries
- View AJAX and REST API calls
- Detailed hooks and conditionals
4. DevKinsta
Category: Local WordPress Development
Website: https://kinsta.com/devkinsta/
DevKinsta allows you to build, test, and deploy WordPress sites locally with powerful debugging tools and database management features.
Key Features:
- Email testing
- One-click WordPress install
- Works offline
5. Poedit
Category: Translation and Localization
Website: https://poedit.net
Poedit is a powerful tool for editing .po and .mo files used in WordPress translations, ideal for theme and plugin developers.
Key Features:
- Translation memory
- Syntax highlighting
- WordPress-specific features
6. WP-CLI
Category: Command Line Interface
Website: https://wp-cli.org
WP-CLI allows developers to manage WordPress installations via command line, making tasks like plugin updates, backups, and site migrations much faster.
Key Features:
- Install and update plugins/themes
- Manage users and databases
- Automate tasks with scripts
7. Theme Check
Category: Theme Development
Website: https://wordpress.org/plugins/theme-check/
Theme Check is a must-have plugin for theme developers to ensure that their theme meets official WordPress coding standards and best practices.
Key Features:
- Runs through theme review tests
- Identifies deprecated functions
- Ensures WordPress.org submission readiness
8. Brackets
Category: Lightweight Code Editor
Website: https://brackets.io
Brackets is a lightweight, open-source editor with a live preview feature that’s useful for front-end WordPress development.
Key Features:
- Real-time browser preview
- Inline editing
- Extensive plugin support
9. BrowserStack (Free Tier)
Category: Cross-Browser Testing
Website: https://www.browserstack.com
Test your WordPress site across multiple browsers and devices without setting up a testing lab. BrowserStack offers a limited free tier ideal for developers.
Key Features:
- Test responsive layouts
- Real device cloud
- Debug console support
10. GitHub Desktop
Category: Version Control
Website: https://desktop.github.com
A simplified Git client for developers who want version control and collaboration without needing to use the command line.
Key Features:
- Easy branch management
- GitHub integration
- Visual diff viewer
Final Thoughts
These tools help streamline WordPress development from coding and debugging to local testing and version control. Best of all, they’re all free, making them perfect for freelancers, hobbyists, or professionals looking to expand their toolset without breaking the bank.
Have a favorite tool that’s not listed here? Drop it in the comments and share what makes it essential for your WordPress workflow.
*These scripts and plugins are provided as is with no guarantees or warranties. If you need assistance or run into issues, feel free to reach out via the contact page.
Comments: