Here’s a structured workflow for WordPress development in a free environment using Docker and Continuous Integration (CI):

1. Planning and Preparation

• Define Project Scope: Understand the client's requirements, goals, and target audience.
• Create a Sitemap: Outline the structure and hierarchy of the website.
• Wireframes and Mockups: Design wireframes to map out the layout and user interface.

2. Setting Up the Development Environment with Docker

• Install Docker: Install Docker on your development machine.
• Create Docker Compose File: Create a docker-compose.yml file to set up the WordPress environment.

version: '3.7'

services:
  wordpress:
    image: wordpress:latest
    ports:
      - "8000:80"
    environment:
      WORDPRESS_DB_HOST: db
      WORDPRESS_DB_USER: wordpress
      WORDPRESS_DB_PASSWORD: wordpress
      WORDPRESS_DB_NAME: wordpress
    volumes:
      - ./wp-content:/var/www/html/wp-content

  db:
    image: mysql:5.7
    environment:
      MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: wordpress
      MYSQL_DATABASE: wordpress
      MYSQL_USER: wordpress
      MYSQL_PASSWORD: wordpress
    volumes:
      - db_data:/var/lib/mysql

volumes:
  db_data:

• Start Docker Containers: Run docker-compose up -d to start the WordPress and MySQL containers.

3. Version Control with Git

• Initialize Git Repository: Initialize a Git repository in your project directory.
• Commit Initial Setup: Add and commit the initial Docker setup files.

4. Continuous Integration Setup

• Choose CI Tool: Use a free CI tool like GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or Travis CI.
• Create CI Configuration: Add a CI configuration file to your repository. For GitHub Actions, create .github/workflows/ci.yml.

name: CI

on: [push, pull_request]

jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest

    services:
      mysql:
        image: mysql:5.7
        env:
          MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD: wordpress
          MYSQL_DATABASE: wordpress
          MYSQL_USER: wordpress
          MYSQL_PASSWORD: wordpress
        ports:
          - 3306:3306
        options: --health-cmd='mysqladmin ping --silent' --health-interval=10s --health-timeout=5s --health-retries=3

    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v2
      - name: Set up Docker Buildx
        uses: docker/setup-buildx-action@v1
      - name: Cache Docker layers
        uses: actions/cache@v2
        with:
          path: /tmp/.buildx-cache
          key: ${{ runner.os }}-buildx-${{ github.sha }}
          restore-keys: |
            ${{ runner.os }}-buildx-
      - name: Build and push
        run: docker-compose -f docker-compose.yml up -d
      - name: Run tests
        run: |
          docker-compose exec -T wordpress curl -s --head http://localhost:8000 | head -n 1

• Content Management: Add and organize content (pages, posts, media).
• Custom Post Types and Taxonomies: Create custom post types and taxonomies if needed.
• Plugins Installation: Install essential plugins for SEO, security, performance, and additional functionalities.
• Custom Development: Write custom code for unique features (use a child theme to ensure updates don’t overwrite customizations).

6. Testing

• Browser and Device Testing: Ensure the website is responsive and works on various browsers and devices.
• Functionality Testing: Test all functionalities, forms, and interactive elements.
• Performance Testing: Optimize for speed and performance using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.

7. SEO and Analytics

• SEO Optimization: Use plugins like Yoast SEO to optimize content for search engines.
• Analytics Setup: Integrate Google Analytics or other tracking tools to monitor traffic and user behavior.

8. Security and Backup

• Security Plugins: Install security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri.
• Regular Backups: Set up automated backups using plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy.

9. Deployment

• Staging Environment: Deploy to a staging environment for final testing.
• Go Live: Move the website to the live server and perform a final check.

10. Maintenance and Updates

• Regular Updates: Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Regularly monitor the website for performance, security, and content updates.

Tools and Resources:

• Local Development: Docker, Docker Compose
• Version Control: Git, GitHub
• CI Tools: GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Travis CI
• Code Editor: Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, Atom
• Design: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch
• Testing: BrowserStack, Google PageSpeed Insights
• SEO: Yoast SEO, All in One SEO Pack
• Security: Wordfence, Sucuri
• Backup: UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy