Prerequisites :- Check list and Guide

🖥️ Server Requirements

PHP Requirements

  • PHP Version: PHP 5.4 or higher (minimum requirement)
  • PHP Extensions:
    • GD Extension: Required for image processing and optimization
    • WebP Support: imagewebp() function available for WebP image
      conversion
  •  

File System Permissions

  • Upload Directory: Write permissions for optimized images

🔧 WordPress Requirements

WordPress Version

  • WordPress Version: 4.5 or higher (minimum requirement)
  • WordPress Multisite: Compatible but may require additional
    configuration

WordPress Configuration

  • Pretty Permalinks: Enabled (required for proper .htaccess
    functionality)
  • WordPress Cron: Enabled for scheduled tasks
  • Memory Limit: At least 128MB (256MB recommended for image
    optimization)
  • Execution Time: At least 60 seconds for batch operations

🗄️ Database Requirements

MySQL/MariaDB

  • Database Version: MySQL 5.6+ or MariaDB 10.1+
  • Database Permissions: Full access to WordPress database
  • Storage Space: Additional space for plugin options and cache
    metadata

🌐 Network & Connectivity

Internet Connectivity

  • Outbound HTTP/HTTPS: Required for external resource caching
  • DNS Resolution: Working for external domains
  • SSL Certificate: Valid SSL certificate for HTTPS sites
  • CDN Compatibility: If using CDN, ensure proper configuration

🔒 Security Requirements

File Security

  • Secure File Permissions: Proper file ownership and permissions
  • Firewall Configuration: Allow necessary outbound connections
  • Security Headers: Compatible with existing security plugins

📦 Plugin Dependencies

WordPress Hooks & Functions

  • WordPress Hooks: plugins_loaded,
    wp_ajax_*, admin_init available
  • WordPress Functions: get_option(),
    update_option(), wp_verify_nonce() available

⚙️ Configuration Requirements

Server Configuration

  • Allow URL Fopen: allow_url_fopen = On (for
    external resource caching)
  • Max Execution Time: Sufficient for batch operations
  • Memory Limit: Adequate for image processing
  • Upload Limits: Sufficient for optimized images

Browser Compatibility

  • Modern Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge support
  • JavaScript Enabled: Required for admin interface
  • Cookies Enabled: Required for cache management

🚫 Conflicts to Avoid

Plugin Conflicts

  • Image Optimization Plugins: Prevent conflicts with image
    features
  • Security Plugins: Ensure compatibility with security measures

Theme Conflicts

  • Page Builders: Test compatibility with Elementor, Divi, etc.
  • Custom Themes: Verify theme compatibility
  • Child Themes: Ensure proper inheritance

📊 Performance Requirements

Server Resources

  • CPU: Adequate processing power for image optimization
  • RAM: Sufficient memory for batch operations
  • Storage: Extra space for cached files and optimized images
  • Bandwidth: Adequate for external resource downloads

🔍 Testing Requirements

Functionality Testing

  • Cache Functionality: Test browser caching with different file
    types
  • Minification: Verify CSS/JS minification works correctly
  • Image Optimization: Test WebP/AVIF conversion
  • External Caching: Verify external resource caching
  • Admin Interface: Test all admin features and settings

Compatibility Testing

  • Theme Compatibility: Test with active theme
  • Plugin Compatibility: Test with other active plugins
  • Mobile Responsiveness: Verify mobile functionality
  • Cross-Browser Testing: Test in different browsers

📋 Pre-Installation Checklist

Before Installation

  • Backup Website: Complete backup of files and database
  • Deactivate Conflicting Plugins: Temporarily disable similar
    plugins
  • Check Server Logs: Review error logs for potential issues
  • Test Site Performance: Baseline performance measurements

Post-Installation

  • Test All Features: Verify each plugin feature works
  • Monitor Performance: Check for performance improvements
  • Review Error Logs: Monitor for any new errors

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Premium Features: Some features require the Pro version
  • Server Support: Contact hosting provider if server modules are missing
  • Regular Updates: Keep plugin updated for security and compatibility
  • Monitoring: Regularly check plugin status page for issues
  • Backup Strategy: Maintain regular backups before making changes

Note: This checklist ensures optimal performance and functionality of the Lightning
Load Speed Optimization plugin. Address any missing requirements before installation to prevent issues and maximize the
plugin’s effectiveness.