question about cPanel access for coders

by 8 replies
10
Hello

I am having some coding written for a WP plugin; is it common/safe practice for coders to be given access to one's cPanel account for testing?

thanks
#programming #access #coders #cpanel #question
  • Not really. You can give them FTP access to the file folders for the site they are working on.

    Although they should have their own site to test plugins unless it is something specific to yours.

    How to create an FTP account in cPanel « HostGator.com Support Portal
  • It all depends on what the plugin does, what data it touches in what manner.

    When I do custom work, I require complete access - this lets me generate/restore database backups as needed, and account-level FTP access.

    You can - and should - always change your passwords after your developer is done. When I work on someone's site, I have 1- and 2-week reminders to try and log into their hosting accounts. If I can, they get a 'PLEASE change your password!' email from me.

    Bottom line is, if you install code on your hosting account, you've pretty much opened up your server to the developer, regardless of cPanel access level. If you don't trust your developer, find someone else.
    • [1] reply
    • Yes, usually a coder should have cPanel access for the database to read the database structure etc. Just make sure before giving access you backup your current website just in case something goes wrong!
      • [1] reply
  • It should be possible to setup phpMyAdmin into any folder under "public_html" to provide database access without providing cPanel access.
    • [1] reply
    • Thanks all. I suggested that I was surprised they didn't have their own "test" cPanel to use, regardless of anyting else. However, i have now created another account for potential similar projects.
  • When I install a script for someone I give them 2 options.

    1. Provide me cpanel access and I do all the work.

    2. Give them instructions for what needs to be done through cpanel. Empty database creation etc. Then they just provide me with FTP access.

    99% choose option 1.

    Re's
    Rob Whisonant
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