norml-wordpress-copilot-advanced · skill guide · for humans

Norml WordPress Copilot Advanced

v1.3.0

Rebuild a Squarespace capture or HTML mockup as editable WordPress locally, then connect hosting and launch.

For: WordPress developers working in CLI runtimesActs on: A local WordPress theme, then its connected GitHub and hostingLocal first · CLI only
The problem

WordPress development context is often scattered across a laptop, GitHub, hosting notes, SSH config, and one developer's memory.

Advanced records verified local capabilities first, then verifies hosting connections and stores the architecture, deployment contract and work history in the theme repo.

CLI only
Use Claude Code, Codex, or Gemini CLI with filesystem and terminal access. Local-only migration can start before GitHub or hosting; remote work requires full onboarding. Run the install command from your target project folder for a project-local skill.
What it does

Choose verified local-only rebuilding or hosting-connected development.

Rebuild locallybefore hosting
Turn a preserved mirror or HTML mockup into editable WordPress in Local.
Connect the projectremote work
Verifies local Git, GitHub origin, production SSH, remote WP-CLI, and optional staging.
Map architecturegenerated docs
Record local evidence first; run the remote architecture scanner after hosting onboarding.
Develop themesSage or inherited
Builds within the recorded stack and project mode.
Ship through GitHubgated
Branches, commits, CI/CD, staging QA, and production promotion.
Run in Desktopnot supported
Desktop / Cowork uses the REST/API Norml WordPress Copilot instead.
Inside the skill

The installed package keeps the CLI operating boundary, onboarding gates, cross-platform project tools, development guidance, generated contracts, and install path explicit.

norml-wp-developer/
SKILL.mdCLI development boundary, project modes, onboarding gates, and delivery workflow.
onboarding.mdRequired GitHub, SSH, WP-CLI and scanner sequence for remote work.
scripts/Cross-platform initialization, architecture scans, sync, SSH checks, and staged deployment.
development-guides/Local-only migration, development conventions, Git workflow, QA and safety.
templates/Theme-local capabilities, architecture, CI/CD, changelog, docs, and workflow contracts.
install.mdSupported CLI runtimes, prerequisites, first run, and credential rules.

This installed source stays separate from the committed theme-local .claude/ project record it generates.

How it flows
01
Install
Add the skill to Claude Code, Codex or Gemini CLI.
02
Verify Local
Record a local-only contract with remote work disabled.
03
Map and build
Preserve the reference and build editable pages in a separate theme.
04
Check editing
Test desktop/mobile appearance and WordPress field changes.
05
Connect hosting
Verify GitHub, SSH, remote WP-CLI and the deployment contract.
06
Launch
Transfer the full site and verify it before the approved domain switch.
Say this to Claude
“use WordPress Copilot Advanced in local-only mode
“verify I can edit this site’s text, images, navigation and repeated content in WordPress
“set up this project for Norml WordPress Copilot Advanced
“explain this architecture and capabilities.md
“add an ACF block following this theme's existing structure
“rescan the WordPress and theme architecture
“ship this branch to staging and run the QA gate
“promote the verified staging release to production
Boundary
No Claude Desktop / Cowork runtime; terminal and local filesystem are required.
Local-only mode cannot deploy. Hosting onboarding requires a readable GitHub origin, production SSH and remote WP-CLI.
No secret in chat, project config, .claude/, Git, or workflow source.
No production write without confirmation and verified backup acknowledgement.
A theme-only deployment does not transfer WordPress content, uploads or required plugins.

For REST/API content work without server access, use Norml WordPress Copilot.

Where it sits
rest work site copy norml-wp-manager norml-mirror-website norml-wp-developer ● you are here
norml-wp-developer You are here
norml-wp-manager Feeds into this skill · rest work
norml-mirror-website Feeds into this skill · site copy
feeds into this skill