DVLA Vehicle Information

DVLA Vehicle Information is a WordPress plugin designed to streamline the process of retrieving detailed information about a vehicle using its registration number. The plugin integrates with the DVLA API, allowing users to effortlessly access essential details about a car directly from their WordPress website.

Plugin Overview:

1. Plugin Structure:

   • The plugin is structured as a WordPress plugin with a main PHP file (dvla-vehicle-information.php) and a corresponding stylesheet (style.css).
   • It adds an options page under the “Settings" menu in the WordPress admin dashboard to configure the DVLA API key.

2. Settings Page:

   • Users can set and manage the DVLA API key through the WordPress admin dashboard under “DVLA Vehicle Info Settings."
   • Two tabs are available on the settings page: “API Settings" and “Shortcode Details."

3. Shortcode:

   • The plugin provides a shortcode, [dvla_vehicle_info_form], which users can embed in their posts or pages to display a form for entering a car's registration number.

4. Form Submission:

   • The form allows users to input a car's registration number and submit the information.

5. Styling:

   • The plugin enqueues a stylesheet (style.css) to style the form and results.

6. Activation and Deactivation Hooks:

   • Activation hook initializes the DVLA API key option.
   • Deactivation hook deletes the DVLA API key option.

How to Use:

1. Installation:

   • Upload the plugin files to the /wp-content/plugins/dvla-vehicle-information directory.
   • Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.

2. API Key Setup:

   • Visit the “DVLA Vehicle Info Settings" page under the “Settings" menu.
   • Enter your DVLA API key. If you don't have one, a link is provided to register for it.

3. Shortcode Usage:

   • In any post or page, use the shortcode [dvla_vehicle_info_form] to embed the DVLA vehicle information form.

4. Form Submission:

   • Users can enter a car's registration number and submit the form.

5. Results Display:

   • Upon form submission, the plugin uses the DVLA API to retrieve information about the vehicle.
   • The results are displayed in a styled format with each piece of information labeled and disabled input fields.

Use Case:

1. Vehicle Information Retrieval:

   • Users, such as car buyers or enthusiasts, can use this plugin to quickly retrieve information about a vehicle using its registration number.
   • The plugin streamlines the process by providing a shortcode for easy integration into posts or pages.

2. DVLA API Integration:

   • The plugin seamlessly integrates with the DVLA API, abstracting the complexity of API requests and responses for users.
   • Users only need to set up their API key through the WordPress admin dashboard.

3. Customization:

   • The plugin's code is structured for easy customization. Developers can modify the styling, form behavior, or enhance the plugin's features to meet specific requirements.

Notes:

• API Key Requirement:

  • The plugin emphasizes the need for a valid DVLA API key, displaying an admin notice if the key is missing.

• Error Handling:

  • The plugin includes basic error handling for cases where the DVLA API request fails.

• Styling:

  • The plugin enqueues a custom stylesheet (style.css) to ensure a visually appealing and consistent display of the form and results.

• Scalability:

  • The plugin can be extended to include additional features or data points from the DVLA API, enhancing its functionality over time.