Packages Overview
WP Kernel is organized into focused packages that work together to provide a complete WordPress development framework. Each package serves a specific purpose and can be used independently or as part of the complete framework.
Core Packages
@wpkernel/core
The foundation package containing resources, actions, events, and jobs. This is the core framework that other packages build upon.
Key Features:
- Resource definitions with typed REST contracts
- Action orchestration for write operations
- Canonical event system
- Background job processing
@wpkernel/ui
WordPress-native UI components that integrate seamlessly with WP Kernel patterns and @wordpress/components.
Key Features:
- DataViews controllers (
ResourceDataView,createResourceDataViewController) - Action-triggered buttons and forms
- Resource-aware data components
- Block binding utilities and Interactivity helpers
@wpkernel/cli
Command-line tools for scaffolding and managing WP Kernel projects, following Rails-like conventions.
Key Features:
- Project initialization
- Resource and action generators
- Development workflow automation
- TypeScript and build tooling setup
@wpkernel/e2e-utils
Testing utilities built on @wordpress/e2e-test-utils-playwright with kernel-specific helpers for comprehensive E2E testing.
Key Features:
- WordPress environment setup
- Kernel-aware test fixtures
- Resource and store testing utilities
- Event capture and verification
Package Architecture
Each package follows the same conventions:
- Typed APIs with full TypeScript support
- Multiple import patterns (scoped, namespace, flat)
- WordPress-first building on core primitives
- Comprehensive testing with high coverage requirements
Installation Patterns
Complete Framework
pnpm add @wpkernel/core @wpkernel/uiDevelopment Tools
pnpm add -D @wpkernel/cli @wpkernel/e2e-utilsIndividual Packages
Each package can be installed independently based on your needs. See individual package documentation for specific installation instructions and peer dependencies.