WordPress Editor and Blocks

WordPress Block Development Book

Wp block editor book nobg

WordPress EDITOR AND BLOCKS

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO WORDPRESS BLOCK DEVELOPMENT.

Updated for WordPress 6.9+ | Interactivity API | Block Bindings

Everything you need to master blocks in one place — from first block to enterprise architecture.

  • 500+ pages, 14 chapters
  • Code companion (10+ plugins)
  • Free updates with each major WP release
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60-Day 100% Money-Back Guarantee. Zero risk.

“The new bible for WordPress and Gutenberg”
— César Saiz, CEO Gyoza Studio

Why this book?

You will follow a progressive learning structure from basic concepts to enterprise implementations.

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COMPREHENSIVE

From `@wordpress/create-block` to enterprise multisite.
No gaps, no jumping between 20 browser tabs.

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PRACTICAL

Every concept includes working code. Clone the companion repo and run the examples in your local environment.

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CURRENT

Covers Interactivity API, Block Bindings, and patterns that aren’t in the official docs yet.

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EVERGREEN

Buy once, get updates free. When a new WordPress version is released, your book will be updated too.

See what’s inside

/ From Chapter 8: Interactivity API
import { store, getContext } from '@wordpress/interactivity';

store('myPlugin/counter', {
    state: {
        get doubleCount() {
            const ctx = getContext();
            return ctx.count * 2;
        }
    },
    actions: {
        increment() {
            const ctx = getContext();
            ctx.count++;
        }
    }
});
Code language: JavaScript (javascript)

This is the actual code from the book, it explains:

  • Why use getContext() instead of global state.
  • How to handle multiple block instances.
  • Server-side rendering without hydration.
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What you’ll find inside

500+

pages

6.9+

optimized

ES6+

modern JavaScript

14

chapters

83K+

words

Complete curriculum

PART 1: FOUNDATIONS (Chapters 1-4)

  • Ch 1: Understanding the Block Editor Ecosystem
    • Architecture, data layer, component system
  • Ch 2: Building Your First Block
    • @wordpress/create-block, block.json, edit/save
  • Ch 3: Attributes, Controls, and InnerBlocks
    • Inspector controls, toolbar, useBlockProps
  • Ch 4: Dynamic Content and Server-Side Rendering
    • PHP render callbacks, useSelect, REST integration

PART 2: EXTENDING WORDPRESS (Chapters 5-7)

  • Ch 5: Extending and Customizing Core Blocks
    • Styles, variations, filters, transforms
  • Ch 6: Block Patterns and Reusable Components
    • Registration, synced patterns, locking
  • Ch 7: Block Themes and Full Site Editing
    • theme.json, templates, template parts

PART 3: MODERN APIS (Chapters 8-10)

  • Ch 8: Interactivity API and Block Bindings ⭐ NEW
    • State, actions, directives, custom sources
  • Ch 9: Building Complete Interactive Applications
    • TODO app case study, optimistic updates
  • Ch 10: Data Persistence and Security
    • Post meta, CPTs, nonces, validation

PART 4: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES (Chapters 11-14)

  • Ch 11: Performance Optimization
    • Code splitting, lazy loading, caching
  • Ch 12: Accessibility (A11Y)
    • WCAG 2.1, ARIA, keyboard navigation
  • Ch 13: Professional Tooling and Workflow
    • wp-env, ESLint, testing, CI/CD
  • Ch 14: The Future of WordPress Block Development
    • Roadmap, emerging patterns, career paths
DOWNLOAD SAMPLE (PDF) →
View chapter 1 online →

What people are saying

César Saiz

César Saez

CEO and founder of Gyoza Studio—
What @paulocarvajal_ wrote looks like it’s going to become the new bible for anyone working with WordPress and Gutenberg.
Carlos Longarela

Carlos Longarela

WordPress and Codeable Expert—
I’m impressed by the depth and clarity with which the topics are covered. A must-have for anyone involved in WordPress development.
Jesus Olazagoitia

Jesús Olazagoitia

Senior Frontend Developer—
This is not just theory but the architectural blueprint for next-gen WordPress applications, with practical examples and clear insights.

Frequent Answered Questions

What is the book about?

It’s a comprehensive guide for developers seeking to master the Block Editor (Gutenberg) ecosystem. The book covers everything from extending existing blocks to building custom implementations and enterprise-grade solutions, with the goal of transforming readers into Block Editor experts.

How is this different from the official Block Editor Handbook?

The handbook is excellent reference documentation. This book is a structured learning path. You’ll understand not just WHAT to do, but WHY and WHEN. Plus, we cover advanced patterns (Interactivity API state management, enterprise multisite) that aren’t fully documented yet.

Who is this book intended for?

The book is targeted at:

  • WordPress developers.
  • JavaScript developers wanting to dive into the WordPress world.
  • Theme and plugin developers.
  • Agencies working with WordPress.
  • Technical content creators.
  • WordPress site builders.
I’m a React developer new to WordPress. Is this for me?

Yes! Chapters 1-3 assume React familiarity but explain WordPress- specific patterns. You’ll learn the data layer (@wordpress/data), the component system, and how blocks differ from typical React apps.

What topics are covered in the book?

The book teaches how to extend and customize WordPress core blocks, including the use of Block Variations, Block Styles, Block Filters, Block Supports, and Block Transforms. It also delves into creating custom blocks and complex solutions.

What if WordPress 7.0 changes everything?

Your purchase includes free updates. When WordPress releases break changes, we update the book and you get the new version automatically via Leanpub.

Is there a blog or additional resources on the website?

Yes, the website has a blog with recent technical articles, such as:

  • Static vs. Dynamic WordPress Blocks.
  • @wordpress/create-block Major Updates & New Features Guide.
  • Mastering Complex Attributes in WordPress Blocks.
How extensive is the book?

The book surpasses 500 pages (83,000+ words) with 14 chapters plus front matter and three appendixes, making it a comprehensive resource for WordPress block development.

Does the book have a code companion?

Yes, there is a GitHub repository containing all the book’s code, packaged as functional WordPress plugins.

Is there a team/company license?

Yes, there is a GitHub repository containing all the book’s code, packaged as functional WordPress plugins.

What’s the refund policy?

Leanpub offers a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee. If the book isn’t what you expected, get a full refund, no questions asked.

Ready to master WordPress blocks?

Stop relying on fragmented documentation and start building solutions.

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Not sure yet? Download the sample PDF →

About the Author

Paulo carvajal

Paulo Carvajal

  • 25+ years of experience
  • Senior Developer
  • Founder of Vudumedia Agency
  • WordPress, PHP and JavaScript specialist
  • Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts

Website | LinkedIn | GitHub

Paulo Carvajal is a senior web developer and WordPress specialist with over two decades of experience in front-end development and content management systems. Based in Bilbao, Spain, he has dedicated the past 20 years to advancing custom WordPress solutions, focusing on component-based development.

Paulo started Vudumedia Agency and was its lead developer for twenty years. He made custom websites and apps for clients in different industries by using modern JavaScript frameworks, PHP development, and RESTful API design. He has also been part of platforms such as Toptal and Codeable, where he has successfully balanced client demand and project requirements.

Recently, he has contributed as a senior developer to large-scale projects at leading digital consultancies, including Flat 101 and VML-The Cocktail, where his work focused on architecting scalable, maintainable WordPress platforms. This includes headless solutions using technologies such as Vue.js and Next.js and multisite environments.

Paulo holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a specialization in audiovisual media from the University of the Basque Country (EHU), which informs his design sensibility, attention to accessibility, and user-centered approach in digital environments.

This book distills two decades of production experience into a structured curriculum for the modern block era. You can learn more about his work at paulocarvajal.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.