In the context of WordPress, the directory named wp-content/plugins/plugins might seem redundant or even incorrect at first glance, but it holds specific significance in certain scenarios:
Redundancy: The repeated use of "plugins" in the path could be due to historical reasons or specific configurations. This could occur if:
Historical Context: Over time, WordPress's directory structure has evolved. Initially, plugins were not as organized, and developers might have used nested directories to categorize their plugins or to keep backups. While this structure is not standard or recommended by WordPress core guidelines, it can still be found in older installations or in custom setups.
Functionality: Despite the unusual structure, if the plugins are correctly placed within this nested directory, WordPress can still recognize and load them provided the wp-config.php or similar configurations are set to look for plugins in this path. This could be achieved through:
$plugin_dir
variable in WordPress's core functions.Security and Maintenance: Such an unusual directory structure might complicate maintenance and security practices:
For those managing WordPress installations, it's important to understand that while this directory structure exists, it's not typical or recommended. Here are some external resources for further reading:
Related topics: