plugin administration

list, install, administer

[smallcompany]

I'm trying to find a plugin that would allow me to list, and possibly bulk install plugins based on some kind of a list.
I came across a few, i.e. to have a post that lists installed plugins. Or, there was another one that could (should) install plugins in bulk based on the list. But there was always something missing, either that a plugin was abandoned or that people complained that it did not work in all/some cases.

I was just thinking that, after some time, we tend to forget all what we have installed in our WP based sites, especially if we maintain more than one site of a different nature and therefore with different installations, including plugins.

I do have a backup plugin that saves plugins, so in the case of a failure, I should be able to get them installed via restore process (I hope, as I have already experienced some backup tools that did not work as supposed).

Anyhow, is there a plugin that would allow me to somehow maintain a list of my installed plugins that I could use for future installations? It would be nice to have some kind of plugin administrator.

Thanks

[not2easy]

I keep a screenshot with date in the filename, right in the folder with all notes for that site. Makes checking it easy, but no, it is not automated.

Just a note about plugins in general - I'm not saying that this applies to you smallcompany, but just observations from having fixed a few sites. Plugins aren't magick, many are not even needed if you can do some minor editing. The number of plugins added to a WP install increases the likelihood of issues, some by a larger factor than others. I have seen horrendous collections of every imaginable plugin "just in case" that are not being maintained at all. There are plugins with vulnerabilities and others that have hidden links, so be careful and even miserly about grabbing plugins. Use recommendations from friends or 'authority' users.

A few years ago, many plugins were built that may have done a great job, but they were offered as a way to create bulk backlinks to the creator's site or someone who paid for the service. Given today's status of auto backlinks, many of these older plugins are no longer being supported and may even cause errors. So it is a good idea to periodically visit the plugin's page and check on its current status. Just because there is no update in you plugins panel for it doesn't mean it is still doing fine.

[lorax]

If you need a plugin to manage your plugins you have too many plugins! :) As not2easy noted the more you have, the more likely you are to run into issues.

We keep a spreadsheet of our plugins by website with a one liner about what they do along with any notes that relate to it's particular use on each site.

[smallcompany]

a screenshot

a spreadsheet

I agree with any of these. I was doing screenshots before. Spreadsheet is good as well as I could organize a single list with multiple sites listed and simply maintain the dots or crosses in site columns.

I also agree with the less the better. Especially for security purpose.

Thanks