Client: Digital Agency (Custom WordPress Development)
Role: Full-Stack WordPress Developer
Technologies: PHP, JavaScript, WordPress, HubSpot API, AJAX
Key Features Implemented
Real-Time Validation System
- Built AJAX-powered validation that checks email addresses and phone numbers against HubSpot contacts in real-time
- Implemented debounced input validation to optimize API calls and improve user experience
- Created custom popup modals for banned users with branded messaging and support links
Security & Privacy Architecture
- Enforced HTTPS requirements with automatic redirects for security compliance
- Implemented rate limiting with IP hashing to prevent abuse
- Built secure API key storage using WordPress Settings API with no frontend exposure
- Added CSRF protection using WordPress nonces and comprehensive input sanitization
Template-Specific Loading
- Configured plugin to only load on specific WordPress templates
- Optimized performance by preventing unnecessary script loading on irrelevant pages
Advanced Phone Number Handling
- Developed multi-format phone number validation supporting various US formats
- Implemented intelligent phone number parsing and HubSpot API querying across multiple format variations
Administrative Controls
- Created comprehensive admin settings panel with granular logging controls
- Implemented separate toggles for debug logging, banned attempt logging, and rate limit logging
- Built user-friendly configuration interface for HubSpot API integration
Technical Challenges Solved
- API Rate Management: Designed efficient caching and rate limiting system to balance security with performance
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensured plugin works across different hosting environments with Cloudflare support
- User Experience: Created seamless validation that doesn’t disrupt form flow while maintaining security
- Privacy Compliance: Implemented ephemeral data storage with no long-term user data retention
Results
- Successfully deployed security solution that prevents unauthorized access while maintaining smooth user experience
- Reduced client’s support tickets related to banned user access attempts
- Implemented scalable solution that handles high-traffic scenarios with proper rate limiting
- Delivered comprehensive documentation and admin controls for easy client management
This project demonstrates expertise in WordPress plugin development, third-party API integration, security best practices, and creating user-friendly administrative interfaces.