WordPress.org plugin submission: upload seems easy until login unleashes 20 hidden errors and a one-day fix frenzy

A WordPress plugin developer recently submitted their first plugin to WordPress.org, revealing a two-stage review process that is not immediately apparent to submitters. The initial upload stage provides instant automated checks, including plugin name and file structure verification. However, a second stage of checks, which includes scans for security issues and deprecated functions, only runs after the submitter logs into their WordPress.org account. The WordPress Plugin Review Team confirmed that addressing these issues promptly can expedite the review process, as updated versions do not reset the queue position. The developer's plugin required four iterations over one day to resolve 15 initial errors, and is now awaiting human review, expected to take two to three weeks. Utilizing tools like the Plugin Check plugin and PHPCS with WordPress Coding Standards can help developers identify and fix issues before submission, streamlining the process and reducing wait times.