WordPress / API IntegrationNovember 2018
Proficient Auto Transport – VIN Lookup App & WordPress Plugin
Built a lightweight JavaScript VIN lookup app that connects to a third-party API and injects into WordPress via a custom plugin and shortcode.
Technologies Used
JavaScript (ES6)WordPressPHPWebpack & BabelMySQLREST API
Project Metrics
Architecture
Standalone JS app bundled with Webpack, exposed in WP via custom plugin + shortcode
Deployment
Custom WordPress plugin with HTML/PHP template and responsive CSS
Integration
3rd-party VIN lookup API with client-side validation
Performance
Instant VIN query responses (API-bound)
Compatibility
Desktop, tablet, and mobile table layouts
Challenges
- Embed a modern JS app into WordPress without theme conflicts.
- Normalize VIN API responses for a clean, responsive table layout.
- Allow non-technical admins to place the tool anywhere.
Solutions
- Built ES6 app compiled with Webpack/Babel; shipped as a WP plugin.
- Created shortcode + template wrapper for easy placement on pages.
- Added defensive handling for API errors and invalid VINs.
Results
- Self-contained VIN lookup tool deployable via shortcode.
- Rapid API lookups with clear, responsive results UI.
- Follow-on maintenance: 2021 bugfix on VIN form handling.
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