Installation Methods

Installation Methods

You can install the Private Comments plugin using one of the two methods outlined below. We recommend using the WordPress Dashboard for its ease of use and automated handling of file permissions.

Method 1: WordPress Dashboard (Recommended)

This is the simplest way to install the plugin. Ensure you have downloaded the latest .zip file from the Releases page.

1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
3. Click the Upload Plugin button located at the top of the page.
4. Click Choose File and select the wp-private-comments.zip file you downloaded.
5. Click Install Now.
6. Once the installation is complete, click the Activate Plugin button.

Method 2: Manual Installation via FTP/SFTP

Use this method if you have restricted permissions on your WordPress dashboard or prefer managing files via a client like FileZilla or WinSCP.

1. Download the plugin .zip file and extract its contents to your local computer. This will create a folder named wp-private-comments.
2. Connect to your web server using your preferred FTP/SFTP client.
3. Navigate to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory of your WordPress installation.
4. Upload the extracted wp-private-comments folder into the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
5. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
6. Navigate to the Plugins > Installed Plugins screen.
7. Locate Private Comments in the list and click Activate.

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Verifying the Installation

Once activated, the plugin works automatically. You can verify the installation by checking the following:

• Plugin List: Confirm that "Private Comments" appears in your active plugins list.
• Visibility Test: Log in as a standard "Subscriber" or "Contributor," leave a comment on a post, and then view that post as a different non-administrative user. The comment should not be visible to the second user.

Note: Administrators and the Post Author will always be able to see all comments regardless of who posted them.