SOFTWARE PRESERVATION

WordPress plugin archives: evidence without unsafe revival

A responsible plugin archive documents what software did, where evidence survives and why historical code may no longer belong in production.

Independent archive3 min readReviewed 2026-09-03

Useful archive sources

  • Official WordPress.org plugin pages and SVN history when available.
  • Read-only Git mirrors that preserve files and tags.
  • Developer repositories and release notes tied to the project.
  • CVE and reputable vulnerability databases for reported security issues.
  • Archived website captures and backlinks for old URL context.

What an archive page should state

Identify the plugin slug, original purpose, known authorship signal, last verifiable compatibility, current listing status and security evidence. Separate verified facts from inference. Never fabricate download counts, release dates or tests to make an archive appear complete.

Why downloads are excluded here

Making retired packages easy to install can create risk, especially when a known unpatched vulnerability exists. KatesGasis links to research sources but does not provide a production download for Sideblog.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

Is archived plugin source safe to install?

No. Availability is not evidence of security or compatibility. Archived code should be reviewed in an isolated research environment and replaced with supported software for production.