Thank a Plugin Developer Day

Thank a Plugin Developer Day is observed annually on January 28. This day is dedicated to recognizing the software engineers and hobbyists who build the extensions, add-ons, and plugins that enhance digital platforms. From content management systems like WordPress to professional development environments, these tools allow users to customize their software without writing a single line of code themselves.

History of Thank a Plugin Developer Day

Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress, established Thank a Plugin Developer Day on January 28, 2009. At the time, the WordPress plugin directory had just surpassed 4,000 plugins, and Mullenweg wanted a formal way to recognize the creators who provided these tools for free. He encouraged users to reach out to their favorite developers via email or contact forms to express gratitude for the work that makes the web more functional.

While the day began within the WordPress community, it has since expanded to include developers across the entire tech landscape. Companies like JetBrains and various open-source communities now participate by highlighting the contributors who build essential tools for IDEs, browsers, and productivity apps. The observance serves as a reminder that much of the internet’s infrastructure is maintained by individuals who often work behind the scenes without formal recognition. ¹

Why is Thank a Plugin Developer Day important?

Plugins are the building blocks that allow websites and applications to scale beyond their basic features. Most users rely on dozens of these small programs daily to handle security, SEO, image optimization, and social media integration. Without these independent developers, software would remain rigid, forcing every user to hire a specialist to implement even the most minor functional changes.

Many plugin developers maintain their projects as a labor of love, offering support and updates for free or through small donations. This day highlights the human effort required to keep digital tools secure and compatible with evolving web standards. By showing appreciation, the community helps prevent developer burnout and encourages the continued release of open-source tools that benefit everyone from small bloggers to large corporations.

• It brings visibility to the people who build free digital resources.
• The day encourages users to provide feedback that helps improve software.
• It fosters a sense of community between software users and creators.
• Positive recognition motivates developers to continue maintaining older tools.
• The observance highlights the importance of open-source contributions to the economy.

How to Celebrate Thank a Plugin Developer Day

A direct way to celebrate is by leaving a positive review on the official repository or marketplace where you downloaded a plugin. High ratings and detailed comments help a developer’s work gain visibility and credibility among other users. If you have the means, look for a “donate” button or a link to the developer’s buy-me-a-coffee page to provide a small financial token of appreciation for their time.

You can also celebrate by sharing your favorite tools on social media to help others discover useful functionality. Simply tagging a developer and mentioning how their plugin solved a specific problem for you can be a significant boost to their morale. For those with technical skills, contributing to the documentation or reporting a bug with a clear fix is a practical way to give back to the project.

• Write a five-star review for a plugin you use every day.
• Send a short thank-you email to an extension creator.
• Share a list of your most essential plugins on your blog.
• Make a small donation to an open-source project you value.
• Offer to help translate a plugin into another language.

Thank a Plugin Developer Day Dates Table

1. https://wordpress.org/news/2009/01/thank-a-plugin-developer-day/[↩]