Core Forms uses a license key system for automatic plugin updates. The plugin is fully functional without a license, but automatic updates require an active license.
License Activation
- Go to Core Forms > License in the WordPress admin.
- Enter your license key.
- Click Activate License.
The license is verified against the licensing server at gauravtiwari.org using the FluentCart Pro licensing API.
License Verification
After activation, the plugin verifies your license in two ways:
- On-demand: When checking for plugin updates, the license status is verified.
- Scheduled: A weekly cron job (
core_forms_verify_license) contacts the licensing server to confirm the license is still valid.
The weekly cron schedule is registered on plugin activation. If the schedule does not exist, the plugin registers it automatically.
Automatic Updates
With an active license, Core Forms integrates with the WordPress plugin update system. The plugin hooks into:
pre_set_site_transient_update_plugins– Checks for new versions.plugins_api– Provides plugin information for the update details modal.
When a new version is available, it appears in Dashboard > Updates alongside other plugin updates. Update with one click, just like WordPress.org plugins.
Update information is cached in a transient (core_forms_update_info) to avoid hitting the licensing server on every page load.
License Deactivation
To deactivate your license (e.g., when moving to a different site):
- Go to Core Forms > License.
- Click Deactivate License.
Deactivating the license stops automatic updates but does not disable any plugin functionality.
License Status
The license page shows your current status:
- Active – License is valid. Automatic updates are enabled.
- Expired – License has expired. Renew to re-enable updates.
- Inactive – No license key entered or license has been deactivated.
Admin notices appear on plugin pages when the license requires attention.
Plugin Action Links
The Plugins screen shows relevant action links based on license status:
- When inactive: “Activate License” link pointing to the license settings page.
- When active: Status indicator in the plugin row.
Technical Details
- License server: gauravtiwari.org
- Product ID: 1149394 (FluentCart)
- API method: POST requests to the FluentCart Pro licensing endpoints
- Option key:
core_forms_license(stores key and activation data) - Last check key:
core_forms_license_last_check(stores verification timestamp) - Update transient:
core_forms_update_info(caches version check results) - Cron hook:
core_forms_verify_license(weekly verification)