Roadmap Plugin Product System

Overview

The Roadmap Plugin uses a product-based architecture where roadmap items are organized by products. This allows you to have separate roadmaps for different products, services, or projects.

Free vs Pro Version

Free Version (Base Plugin)

• Single Product: Limited to the default "main" product
• Shortcode: [roadmap product="main"] (product parameter is required)
• Product Taxonomy: Registered but not editable
• Admin Menu: No Products menu item

Pro Version (With Pro Addon)

• Multiple Products: Create unlimited products
• Shortcode: [roadmap product="your-product"]
• Product Management: Full access to add/edit/delete products
• Admin Menu: Products menu item visible
• Product Settings: Each product can have custom settings

How It Works

1. Default Product

When the plugin is activated, it automatically creates a default product called "main". This ensures the plugin works out of the box.

2. Shortcode Behavior

Free Version:

[roadmap product="main"]     → Works normally (product parameter required)
[roadmap product="mobile"]   → Shows error (Pro required)

Pro Version:

[roadmap product="main"]     → Shows main product roadmap
[roadmap product="mobile"]   → Shows mobile product roadmap
[roadmap product="desktop"]  → Shows desktop product roadmap

3. Product Taxonomy Column

When viewing the Products taxonomy in the admin (Pro only), you'll see a "Shortcode" column that displays the exact shortcode to use for each product. Click to copy!

4. Admin Menu Structure

Free Version:

Roadmap
├── Dashboard
├── All Items
├── Add New Item
├── Statuses
├── Categories
└── Settings

Pro Version:

Roadmap
├── Dashboard
├── Products (Pro only)
├── All Items
├── Add New Item
├── Statuses
├── Categories
└── Settings

5. Product Capabilities

The product taxonomy uses WordPress capabilities to control access:

• Free Version: Can assign products to items but cannot create/edit/delete products
• Pro Version: Full management capabilities for products

6. URL Structure

Each roadmap item has a product-specific URL:

/roadmap/{product-slug}/{item-slug}/

Examples:

• /roadmap/main/user-authentication/
• /roadmap/mobile/offline-mode/
• /roadmap/desktop/dark-theme/

Implementation Details

Product Registration

// Products are registered with conditional capabilities
'capabilities' => [
    'manage_terms' => ROADMAP_PRO_ACTIVE ? 'manage_categories' : 'do_not_allow',
    'edit_terms'   => ROADMAP_PRO_ACTIVE ? 'manage_categories' : 'do_not_allow',
    'delete_terms' => ROADMAP_PRO_ACTIVE ? 'manage_categories' : 'do_not_allow',
    'assign_terms' => 'edit_posts',
],

Default Status Integration

When creating new items:

1. Global default status is used (configurable in Settings)
2. Product-specific default status overrides global (Pro feature)
3. All items are created with post_status = 'publish'

Benefits

1. Organization: Keep different product roadmaps separate
2. Scalability: Add new products as your business grows
3. Flexibility: Each product can have its own settings (Pro)
4. User Experience: Visitors only see relevant roadmap items
5. SEO: Product-specific URLs help with organization

Migration Path

Starting with Free version:

1. All items use the "main" product
2. Shortcodes must include the product parameter

Upgrading to Pro:

1. Existing items remain in "main" product
2. Create new products via Products menu
3. Move items to appropriate products
4. Update shortcodes to use specific products

Best Practices

1. Product Naming: Use descriptive, URL-friendly names (e.g., "mobile-app", "web-platform")
2. Organization: Create products for major offerings, not minor features
3. Documentation: Document which shortcode to use for each product
4. Testing: Test shortcodes after creating new products

Updated on: 25/09/2025