WP-CLI and Ops

When to use

Use this skill when the task involves WordPress operational work via WP-CLI, including:

• wp search-replace (URL changes, domain migrations, protocol switch)
• DB export/import, resets, and inspections (wp db *)
• plugin/theme install/activate/update, language packs
• cron event listing/running
• cache/rewrite flushing
• multisite operations (wp site *, --url, --network)
• building repeatable scripts (wp-cli.yml, shell scripts, CI jobs)

Inputs required

• Where WP-CLI will run (local dev, staging, production) and whether it’s safe to run.
• How to target the correct site root:
  • --path=<wordpress-root> and (multisite) --url=<site-url>
• Whether this is multisite and whether commands should run network-wide.
• Any constraints (no downtime, no DB writes, maintenance window).

Procedure

0) Guardrails: confirm environment and blast radius

WP-CLI commands can be destructive. Before running anything that writes:

1. Confirm environment (dev/staging/prod).
2. Confirm targeting (path/url) so you don’t hit the wrong site.
3. Make a backup when performing risky operations.

Read:

• references/safety.md

1) Inspect WP-CLI and site targeting (deterministic)

Run the inspector:

• node skills/wp-wpcli-and-ops/scripts/wpcli_inspect.mjs --path=<path> [--url=<url>]

If WP-CLI isn’t available, fall back to installing it via the project’s documented tooling (Composer, container, or system package), or ask for the expected execution environment.

2) Choose the right workflow

A) Safe URL/domain migration (search-replace)

Follow a safe sequence:

1. wp db export (backup)
2. wp search-replace --dry-run (review impact)
3. Run the real replace with appropriate flags
4. Flush caches/rewrite if needed

Read:

• references/search-replace.md

B) Plugin/theme operations

Use wp plugin * / wp theme * and confirm you’re acting on the intended site (and network) first.