Generate WordPress REST API boilerplate with register_rest_route(), optional Controller Class mode, automatic path parameter detection, dynamic args table, and curl examples.
Building custom endpoints in the WordPress REST API is powerful, but it often involves repetitive boilerplate: route registration, permissions, arguments, validation, and consistent response handling.
The REST Route Generator helps you generate clean, developer-ready REST API route code for WordPress — including support for path parameters, dynamic args, Controller Class mode, optional CRUD, and auto-generated curl examples.
What Is a WordPress REST API Route?
A WordPress REST API route is an endpoint registered with register_rest_route() that allows external systems, frontend apps, or internal tools to interact with WordPress data using HTTP methods such as:
GET(read)POST(create)PUT/PATCH(update)DELETE(remove)
REST routes can power dashboards, integrations, mobile apps, headless WordPress sites, and custom admin tooling.
What This REST Route Generator Creates
This generator outputs WordPress code that includes:
register_rest_route()boilerplate with namespace + route- Permission callbacks (public or capability-based)
- A dynamic arguments table (
args) with:- types
- required flags
- defaults
- sanitization placeholders
- Support for path params like:
(?P<id>\d+)
- Auto-detection of
idwhen using a single-item route pattern - Optional Controller Class mode (
WP_REST_Controller) - Optional CRUD generation (collection + single routes)
- curl examples automatically generated for testing
The output is displayed in a readable code editor (CodeMirror) and can be copied instantly.
Why Use a REST API Generator?
Manually writing REST routes often leads to:
- Inconsistent permissions or missing capability checks
- Arguments not validated or sanitized correctly
- Duplicate boilerplate across projects
- Missing examples for testing and documentation
This generator reduces setup time and helps you start with a clean, predictable structure that you can adapt to your project.
How to Use the REST Route Generator
- Enter your REST namespace (example:
my-plugin/v1) - Enter your route path (example:
/itemsor/items/(?P<id>\d+)) - Choose the HTTP method (GET/POST/PUT/PATCH/DELETE)
- Configure permissions (public or capability-based)
- Add request arguments using the dynamic args table
- (Optional) Enable Controller Class output
- (Optional) Enable CRUD generation
- Click Generate
- Copy the generated code and paste it into your plugin
Path Params Support (Auto id Detection)
If you generate a route like:
/items/(?P<id>\d+)
the generator detects the id parameter automatically and includes it in the route args configuration.
This makes it faster to create “single item” routes without forgetting required params.
Controller Class Mode (WP_REST_Controller)
When enabled, the generator outputs a WP_REST_Controller-style class structure.
This is useful if you want:
- clearer organization
- easier maintenance
- a scalable pattern for multiple endpoints
- standardized method naming (
get_items,get_item,create_item, etc.)
CRUD Generation (Collection + Single)
When CRUD generation is enabled, the generator can output:
Collection endpoints
GET /itemsPOST /items
Single endpoints
GET /items/(?P<id>\d+)PUT/PATCH /items/(?P<id>\d+)DELETE /items/(?P<id>\d+)
This is ideal for building internal APIs, admin tooling, or custom integrations quickly.
curl Examples for Testing
The generator can create curl examples for your endpoint(s), making it easy to test routes locally and document your API.
This is especially useful when sharing endpoints with teammates or integrating external systems.
Best Practices (Quick Notes)
- Always validate and sanitize user input (
sanitize_callback,validate_callback) - Use capability-based permissions for private data
- Keep route namespaces versioned (
my-plugin/v1) - Return consistent JSON responses using
rest_ensure_response() - Test with curl before building clients
Who Is This Tool For?
This generator is designed for:
- WordPress developers building plugins and integrations
- Teams creating internal APIs for admin tooling
- Developers building headless WordPress projects
- Anyone needing repeatable, clean REST boilerplate
