Retro Version Manager is a WordPress plugin that simplifies managing plugin versions. It allows users to browse, download, or install older versions of WordPress plugins hosted on WordPress.org. Ideal for resolving compatibility issues or testing specific versions (e.g., wordpress-seo, contact-form-7).

Current Version: 1.0.2

• 🔍 Search Plugin Versions – View all available versions by entering a plugin slug (e.g., contact-form-7). Installed version is highlighted.
• 📥 Install Older Versions – One-click install for any version (if not already installed).
• 💾 Download ZIP Files – Save plugin ZIPs for manual installation or backup.
• 🖥️ User-Friendly Interface – Clean and intuitive UI with helpful instructions.
• 🔐 Secure and Reliable – Utilizes WordPress core APIs for safe operations.

Note: If a plugin is already installed, deactivate and delete it manually from the Plugins page before installing another version.

• Clone the repository:

  git clone https://github.com/sadathimel/retro-version-manager.git

• Or download the ZIP from the Releases page.

• Copy the retro-version-manager folder to /wp-content/plugins/.
• Or upload the ZIP via Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin in the WordPress dashboard.

• Go to Plugins in the dashboard and activate Retro Version Manager.

• Navigate to Tools > Retro Version Manager.
• Enter a plugin slug, search for versions, and install or download as needed.

• WordPress: 6.3 or higher
• PHP: 7.4 or higher
• Tested up to: WordPress 6.8

1. Go to Tools > Retro Version Manager.
2. Enter a plugin slug (e.g., wordpress-seo) and click Search Versions.
3. View all available versions; installed version is highlighted.

1. Click Install Now next to the desired version.
2. If already installed, a popup will guide you to deactivate and delete the existing plugin.
3. Activate from the Plugins page if needed.

• Click Download ZIP to save for manual use or backup.

• Backup: Always back up your site before downgrading.
• Manual Steps: Deactivate and delete existing plugins manually before installing older versions.

For developers who want to contribute or test locally:

1. Install XAMPP (PHP 7.4+, Apache, MySQL).
2. Extract WordPress to C:\xampp\htdocs\wordpress.
3. Complete installation at http://localhost/wordpress.

cd C:\xampp\htdocs\wordpress\wp-content\plugins
git clone https://github.com/sadathimel/retro-version-manager.git

Edit C:\xampp\php\php.ini:

extension=curl
extension=openssl
upload_tmp_dir="C:\xampp\tmp"
max_execution_time=60
memory_limit=256M

Set permissions (Windows):

icacls "C:\xampp\htdocs\wordpress\wp-content\plugins\retro-version-manager" /grant Everyone:F /T
icacls "C:\xampp\tmp" /grant Everyone:F /T

Restart Apache.

Edit wp-config.php:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );

• Activate Retro Version Manager
• Example: Install contact-form-7 version 6.0.6
• Verify popup on conflict with existing version
• Test:
  • Nonces and permission checks
  • Read-only directory behavior
  • Nonexistent version errors

Use WP-CLI:

wp plugin check retro-version-manager

Test temp directory (test.php):

<?php
echo sys_get_temp_dir();
var_dump(is_writable(sys_get_temp_dir()));
?>

Test cURL (curl-test.php):

<?php
$ch = curl_init('https://downloads.wordpress.org/plugin/contact-form-7.6.0.6.zip');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_NOBODY, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_exec($ch);
$http_code = curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE);
echo 'HTTP Code: ' . $http_code;
if ($http_code !== 200) {
    echo ' cURL Error: ' . curl_error($ch);
}
curl_close($ch);
?>

Contributions are welcome!

1. Fork the repository.

2. Create a branch:

   git checkout -b feature/your-feature

3. Follow these guidelines:

   • Use plugin_dir_path() and defined constants.
   • Avoid deactivate_plugins() or delete_plugins().
   • Use nonces and permission (install_plugins) checks.
   • Follow WordPress Coding Standards.

4. Test thoroughly:

   • wp plugin check retro-version-manager
   • WordPress 6.3+ / PHP 7.4+
   • Use WordPress Playground for testing

5. Submit a Pull Request:

   • Push to your fork.
   • Open a PR to main.
   • Reference issues (e.g., #123)

Licensed under the GNU General Public License v2.0 or later.

• Issues: Report bugs or feature requests on GitHub Issues.
• WordPress.org: Once published, support will also be available in the forum.
• Buy Me a Coffee: Support the developer ☕.

• Fixed WordPress.org review issues:
  • Replaced WP_PLUGIN_DIR/WP_CONTENT_DIR with plugin_dir_path().
  • Removed automatic plugin deactivation/deletion.
  • Removed debug logging.
  • Added nonce and permission checks.
• Updated UI to clarify manual deactivation/deletion.

• Improved security with nonces and input validation.
• Removed unnecessary translation loading.
• Updated prefix to retrvema.

• Initial release with version search, install, and download features.

Last updated: May 5, 2025