WordPress - Overriding a function in a plugin

Question

I\'ve been wonder for some time what the best practice is for modifying a plugin created by a WordPress user?

For example there are a couple lines of code I want to chan

Answer 1

I definitely think you should add your updates to functions.php or to a custom plugin. It's a hassle right now, but MUCH less hassle every time you upgrade the plugin.

You'll always have to reference the changes made in updates no matter what. Even if you're able to extend the functionality without copying this file, you'll have to at least check and make sure your changes still work. And WinDiff/BBEdit's compare will make quick work of that.

So my first suggestion is to override that function.

Second suggestion: I noticed there's some extensions (a, b, c) to this plugin; perhaps you can find out how they made their extensions and use those details to make your own. Well, that's like suggesting you make a new house in order to fix the dripping faucet, but it's an idea.