Written by If you have spent enough time building WordPress plugins or themes, you already know that writing functional code is only half the job. The other half is making sure that code passes WordPress Coding Standards. This usually means running PHP CodeSniffer, reviewing a long list of warnings and errors, and then fixing them one by one. File by file. Function by function.
This process is necessary, but it is also repetitive. Over time, it becomes clear that a large portion of a WordPress developer’s effort goes into formatting, naming, spacing, and compliance work that follows predictable rules.
This article shares a personal journey and a practical idea that grew out of real conversations with WordPress developers. It explains why I built WPCS MCP Server, how the idea came together during WordPress Contributor Day in Bangkok, and how AI can be used responsibly to improve WordPress development workflows without replacing developer judgment.
The Everyday Reality of WordPress Code Quality
WordPress has one of the most mature coding standards ecosystems in open source. The official WordPress Coding Standards help ensure that code is readable, secure, and consistent across thousands of plugins and themes.
In practice, the workflow often looks like this:
- A developer writes a feature or fixes a bug
- PHPCS is run locally or in CI
- Dozens of warnings appear
- Most are not logical errors
- They are formatting, documentation, or escaping issues
The developer then goes back through the code and fixes these issues manually. The process repeats until the code passes.
This happens regardless of experience level. Senior developers deal with it daily. Junior developers often struggle with it. Open-source contributors sometimes abandon pull requests because the cleanup feels overwhelming.
The standards themselves are not the problem. The manual enforcement is.
Why Manual Enforcement Became the Default
When WordPress standards were first introduced, tooling options were limited. Detecting violations was already a big step forward. Fixing them by hand was simply accepted as part of the job.
Even today, while PHPCS provides limited auto-fixing, it does not cover all rules and can fail on complex cases. Developers still need to inspect code carefully and make adjustments themselves.
This approach worked for years, but development practices have evolved. The way we write, review, and ship code has changed. The way we enforce standards has largely stayed the same.
The Bangkok Conversation That Triggered the Idea
During WordPress Contributor Day in Bangkok, I spent time talking with other developers about:
- Core patches
- Plugin development
- GitHub pull request reviews
- CI failures caused by PHPCS
The same frustration came up again and again. The code was correct, but the pull request failed because of standards issues.
At some point, the conversation shifted to AI. Many of us already use AI tools to draft code, refactor functions, or explore ideas. Someone made a simple observation: if AI can help us write code, why are we not using it to help us fix coding standards?
That question stuck with me.
The idea was not to let AI decide architecture or logic. It was much simpler. Let AI handle the repetitive, rule-based cleanup that PHPCS already identifies.
That was the starting point for WPCS MCP Server.
What Is WPCS MCP Server
WPCS MCP Server is an experimental Model Context Protocol (MCP) server designed to assist with WordPress Coding Standards enforcement.
Project repository:
https://github.com/vapvarun/wpcs-mcp-server
At a high level, it acts as a bridge between:
- WordPress PHP code
- PHPCS and WPCS rules
- AI-based reasoning
Instead of a developer manually fixing every PHPCS warning, the server reads the PHPCS output, understands the relevant rules, and applies safe fixes while preserving the original intent of the code.
PHPCS remains the source of truth. The AI does not invent rules. It follows them.
Why Context Is Critical
Most AI-based code tools fail because they lack context. They treat code as plain text rather than as part of a structured system with rules and expectations.
MCP allows structured context to be provided alongside the code. This includes file boundaries, function scope, and the specific PHPCS rules being violated.
With proper context, AI can make better decisions. It can understand why a rule exists and apply fixes that align with WordPress best practices instead of blindly modifying code.
This is especially important in WordPress, where standards are closely tied to security and long-term maintainability.
What This Actually Solves for Developers
In real WordPress projects, developers repeatedly fix the same categories of issues:
- Indentation and spacing
- Function and variable naming
- Docblock completeness
- Missing escaping or sanitization
- Incorrect use of WordPress APIs
None of these tasks are conceptually difficult. They are procedural and predictable. They are ideal candidates for responsible automation.
By offloading this work to an AI-assisted system, developers can focus more on architecture, performance, and feature development instead of mechanical cleanup.
Installation and One-Time Setup
WPCS MCP Server is designed to be plug-and-play after a one-time setup. It does not require deep configuration or changes to your existing workflow.
Prerequisites
Before installing, make sure you have:
-
- Node.js (18 or later recommended)
- PHP installed
- PHPCS installed
- WordPress Coding Standards configured
https://github.com/WordPress/WordPress-Coding-Standards
You should already be able to run PHPCS on your project before using the MCP server.
Step 1: Clone the Repository
git clone https://github.com/vapvarun/wpcs-mcp-server.git
cd wpcs-mcp-server
Step 2: Install Dependencies
npm install
This installs the MCP server dependencies.
Step 3: Start the MCP Server
npm start
The server will start locally and wait for requests from your AI client or MCP-compatible tool.
This is a one-time setup. Once running, it can be reused across projects.
Step 4: Connect Your AI Client
Configure your MCP-compatible AI client (for example, Claude or other MCP-supported tools) to connect to the local MCP server.
Once connected, the AI will be able to:
- Receive PHPCS output
- Understand WPCS rules
- Suggest or apply fixes
No plugin installation inside WordPress is required. This runs alongside your development workflow.
Step 5: Run PHPCS and Apply Fixes
- Run PHPCS on your WordPress project
- Send the PHPCS output to the MCP server
- Let the AI process and apply fixes
- Re-run PHPCS to verify
In practice, this can be integrated into scripts, pre-commit hooks, or CI pipelines.
How This Helps Open Source Contributions
One of the biggest barriers to contributing to WordPress projects is coding standards enforcement. New contributors often submit valid logic but struggle with style compliance.
AI-assisted standards fixing reduces this friction. Contributors can focus on learning how WordPress works rather than fighting formatting rules. Maintainers receive cleaner pull requests and can focus on reviewing logic instead of spacing.
Standards are not lowered. They are simply easier to meet.
Built as a Prototype, Not a Finished Product
WPCS MCP Server started as a prototype built quickly in response to a real problem. I enjoy working this way. I like identifying pain points, building something tangible, and iterating based on real feedback.
The project is intentionally open-ended. It could evolve into:
- A CLI tool
- A GitHub Action
- A local development companion
- Part of a broader WordPress tooling ecosystem
The goal is not to dictate the final form, but to explore a better approach.
Using AI Without Losing Craftsmanship
There is understandable concern about AI reducing code quality or encouraging careless development. That risk exists when AI is used without boundaries.
In this case, the boundary is clear. AI does not decide what the code should do. It helps enforce rules that already exist. The developer remains responsible for logic, architecture, and intent.
Used this way, AI supports craftsmanship rather than replacing it.
Why This Matters for the WordPress Ecosystem
WordPress powers a large portion of the web. Its long-term success depends on sustainable development practices and a healthy contributor base.
Reducing unnecessary friction improves developer experience. Improving developer experience improves contribution quality. This, in turn, strengthens the ecosystem.
Projects like WPCS MCP Server explore how modern tools can be integrated into WordPress development without compromising its values.
Closing Thoughts
This project came from a simple realization. Much of the work we do to enforce code quality is repetitive and predictable. That does not make it unimportant, but it does make it a good candidate for automation.
By combining established standards, proven tools like PHPCS, and modern AI techniques, we can improve how WordPress developers work without changing what WordPress stands for.
WPCS MCP Server is one step in that direction. It is open, experimental, and meant to start conversations.
If it helps developers spend less time fixing formatting and more time building meaningful things, it has already achieved its purpose.
About the Author
Varun Dubey is a WordPress developer and open-source contributor who enjoys building fast prototypes, exploring AI-assisted workflows, and turning practical ideas into tools that improve developer experience.
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