[wp-meta] [Making WordPress.org] #2753: Plugin directory search sorting and filtering

[Making WordPress.org]

#2753: Plugin directory search sorting and filtering
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 Reporter:  tellyworth                           |       Owner:  (none)
     Type:  enhancement                          |      Status:  new
 Priority:  high                                 |   Milestone:  Improved
                                                 |  Search
Component:  Plugin Directory                     |  Resolution:
 Keywords:  needs-design has-ui-feedback needs-  |
  screenshots has-patch                          |
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Comment (by zio3d):

 Hello everyone,

 I previously submitted a request regarding the need for better filtering
 and sorting in the WordPress plugin search:
 "https://wordpress.org/support/topic/request-for-improved-plugin-search-
 functionality/".
 Unfortunately, it was closed without any clear explanation, which left me
 wondering about the reasoning behind it. 🤔

 I started digging through the numerous duplicate requests (such as
 [https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/21284 #21284],
 [https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/31102 #31102],
 [https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/31192 #31192],
 [https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/32958 #32958],
 [https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/33456 #33456],
 [https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/38333 #38333],
 [https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/44060 #44060],
 [https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/44873 #44873],
 [https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/47677 #47677], and
 [https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/53838 #53838]), which clearly show
 that many users are asking for the same improvement.
 Finally, I found this related ticket.

 It is surprising that this request hasn't been prioritized yet. To provide
 better context, here is my original proposal:
 > I am writing to suggest an improvement to the plugin search
 functionality on WordPress. Currently, the search results do not seem to
 prioritize plugins based on compatibility with my WordPress version,
 number of downloads, ratings, or how recently they were updated.
 > For example, the first result I received for a recent search was a
 plugin that is not compatible with my version of WordPress, has very few
 downloads, no ratings, and was last updated 8 years ago.
 > I believe it would greatly enhance user experience if we could have the
 ability to filter and sort plugin search results based on these factors.
 This would make it easier for users to find the most relevant and reliable
 plugins for their needs.
 > Furthermore, I am surprised that such a feature has not been implemented
 yet. Given the importance of plugins in the WordPress ecosystem, it seems
 intuitive to have more advanced search capabilities. I find it hard to
 understand why this hasn't been addressed yet.
 > Thank you for considering my suggestion.

 Additionally, I commented that this same issue exists in the backend
 plugin search page (./wp-admin/plugin-install.php). There is no filtering
 or sorting, which makes it incredibly difficult to find relevant plugins.

 To my surprise, a user commented on a similar request in Core Trac
 ([https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/31192 #31192]) saying, "I think
 this is a great idea!". But honestly, I don't see this as just a great
 idea—it feels like an obvious necessity that should have existed years
 ago.

 So here’s my sincere question: How do developers currently find the
 plugins they need?
     Do they just browse randomly through thousands of plugins?
     Do they rely on external search engines?
     Or are they lucky enough to let AI tools guide them?
 I really can't understand why such a fundamental search improvement is
 still missing.


 I have read all the comments on this ticket. The timing seems to be
 approaching, but it has been lingering for eight years, which in my
 opinion is quite a long time to add filtering and sorting options.
 I don’t expect everything to be implemented all at once, but rather
 gradually, starting with:
 - The ability to filter plugins to only show those compatible with a
 specific version of WordPress.
 - The option to sort results by number of downloads.
 - If there is a sponsorship system that influences ranking, the sponsored
 plugins can be excluded from filtering/sorting and mark them as
 "Sponsored".
 I believe that even these two features alone would significantly enhance
 the usability of plugin search.
 Then, over time, other filters and other sortings can be added.
 I hope this will help raise the priority of something that, I repeat, I
 find it surprising that it’s still missing.

 Thanks.

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Ticket URL: <https://meta.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/2753#comment:71>
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