A WordPress plug-in to convert WordPress theme to Ghost theme ?

Creating a WordPress plugin to convert a WordPress theme into a Ghost theme involves several complex steps due to the fundamental differences between WordPress and Ghost platforms. Below is a basic outline for developing such a plugin:

Step 1: Planning

• Understand Differences:
  • WordPress uses PHP templates, whereas Ghost uses Handlebars for templating.
  • WordPress has a complex loop system, while Ghost has simpler post rendering.
  • WordPress themes often rely on many functions and hooks; Ghost uses routes and helpers.
• Define Scope:
  • Decide what elements of the WordPress theme you aim to convert (e.g., layout, posts, pages, navigation, etc.).

Step 2: Plugin Structure

1. Plugin Header:

<?php
/*
Plugin Name: WordPress to Ghost Theme Converter
Description: Convert WordPress themes to Ghost themes
Version: 1.0
Author: Your Name
License: GPL2
*/

2. Initialization:

function wptg_init() {
    // Hook into theme modification or admin page
}
add_action('init', 'wptg_init');

Step 3: Conversion Logic

• PHP to Handlebars Conversion:
  • Parse WordPress PHP files to extract HTML structure.
  • Convert WordPress loop structures to Ghost's {{#post}} or {{#foreach posts}} helpers.
  • Replace WordPress functions with Ghost's equivalent or custom helpers.

function wptg_convert_template($template_path) {
    // Read the WordPress template file
    $template_content = file_get_contents($template_path);
    
    // Convert PHP tags to Handlebars
    $template_content = preg_replace('/<\?php.*?the_content.*?;.*?>/s', '{{content}}', $template_content);
    $template_content = preg_replace('/<\?php.*?the_title.*?;.*?>/s', '<h1>{{title}}</h1>', $template_content);
    
    // More conversions...
    
    // Write the converted template
    file_put_contents(dirname($template_path) . '/converted_' . basename($template_path), $template_content);
}

• CSS Conversion:
  • WordPress themes might use CSS with PHP variables; these need to be converted or hardcoded.
• JavaScript Conversion:
  • Ghost uses a different approach for JavaScript, mainly for dynamic content. You might need to rewrite JavaScript for compatibility.
• Metadata and Configuration:
  • Generate package.json for Ghost, including necessary dependencies.
  • Create or convert routes.yaml for defining Ghost routes.

Step 4: User Interface

• Admin Page for Conversion:
  • Provide a UI where users can select themes or templates to convert.
  • Show progress and any issues encountered during conversion.

function wptg_admin_menu() {
    add_menu_page('Convert to Ghost', 'Convert to Ghost', 'manage_options', 'convert-to-ghost', 'wptg_admin_page');
}
add_action('admin_menu', 'wptg_admin_page');
function wptg_admin_page() {
    // Here you would echo out your conversion UI
}

Step 5: Execution

• Run Conversion:
  • Upon user initiation, run the conversion process.

function wptg_run_conversion() {
    // Logic to fetch themes, templates, etc., and call conversion functions
}

Step 6: Post-Conversion

• Download or Export:
  • Allow users to download the converted Ghost theme or provide instructions on how to use it.

Notes:

• This is a simplified overview. Each theme will have its unique features that might require manual adjustments.
• The plugin would need extensive error handling, logging, and probably some form of API interaction if you're planning to push directly to a Ghost instance.
• Legal considerations regarding theme licensing should be taken into account.
  Developing such a plugin would be a major project requiring deep understanding of both WordPress and Ghost internals, along with extensive testing across various themes to ensure compatibility.