Some problems with updating plugins by uploading zip archive

[pavelevap]

I found several UX problems with updating (re-installing) plugins by uploading zip archive.

1) I installed small plugin (outside official WordPress plugins directory) foo.php (zipped in foo.zip) by uploading zip archive. Then I wanted to install updated version (also foo.php in foo.zip). But new folder foo1 with file foo.php was created, so my plugin is duplicated in WP plugins directory. It is not expected behaviour for users, I guess...

2) When foo.php is in foo folder and together zipped (foo/foo.php in foo.zip), then it is not possible to update (re-install) this plugin (directory already exists) by uploading zip archive. So, for plugins outside WordPress plugins directory (or with nonfunctioning automatic updates) it is problem, because there is no way to update plugins by uploading zip file (only manually through FTP). Another possibility is deactivate and delete plugin first, but some plugins use hooks to delete all plugins data when they are deleted through administration.

3) I automatically installed plugin (inside WordPress plugins directory) which is in folder foo. I changed several files and wanted to re-install plugin with the same (original) version from plugins repository. I did not find a way to do it from admin (I did not want to run FTP manager). When there is possibility for re-installing core, then it could be possible also for plugins, I guess...

4) Another problem was with installing plugins beta versions, but there is Plugin Beta Tester plugin available (but old).

​http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/plugin-beta-tester/

[dd32]

The entire upload-a-zip function is a mess really, and should have never been shipped in the first place IMHO (that being said, I wrote it)

For point 1, it should kill off the installation with a 'plugin already exists' error, usually with a "The plugin directory already exists" error. If it's not, that's probably a bug

Only installing new plugins is supported - Updates of new plugins is not a 'Installation' - #9757 covers point 2,

for point 3, you should delete the plugin, then install it again - as you can't perform upgrades using the upload-zip

for point 4, old plugin versions are not supported by WordPress, you can -install- an old version by uploading the zip, but you can't install an old one from the plugin browser. you can't update to an old version either - see point 2.

[dd32]

for point 4, old plugin versions are not supported by WordPress, you can -install- an old version by uploading the zip, but you can't install an old one from the plugin browser. you can't update to an old version either - see point 2.

Sorry, I mus-remembered that point.. but yes, only the Latest Stable version of plugins can be installed, 99% of users will never need, or want, to install a different version, so leaving it to the plugin is best.

[DrewAPicture]

Based on feedback from @dd32 four years ago, closing as invalid. Please reopen if you continue to experience unexpected results with expected behavior.