=== Block External Requests ===
Contributors: ingobaab
Tags: external requests, block http, performance, slow requests
Requires at least: 6.6
Tested up to: 6.9
Requires PHP: 8.0
Stable tag: 3.2.2
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Speed up WordPress admin by blocking slow or unwanted external HTTP requests. Manage hosts in Settings → Blocked Requests.

== Description ==

**Block External Requests** is a WordPress plugin designed to speed up your WordPress administration by blocking unwanted external HTTP requests.

Features:
* Block external requests by host, domain, or URL fragment.
* Hosts list is fully editable via Settings → Blocked Requests.
* Supports regular expressions for flexible host matching.

== Installation ==

1. Upload the plugin folder to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory, or install via WordPress plugin uploader.
2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.
3. Navigate to **Settings → Blocked Requests** to edit the host list.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Can this plugin break other plugins? =

Yes, blocking certain external requests may interfere with plugins that require API access, updates, or check-ins. Review your blocked hosts list if another plugin stops communicating with an external service.

= How do I use regular expressions? =

Any line in the blocked hosts list that starts and ends with a slash (`/pattern/`) is treated as a regex pattern. Example: `/example\.com/i`.

== Changelog ==

= 3.2.2 =
* Improved WordPress.org plugin review readiness.
* Removed the Domain Path header because no language files are bundled.
* Improved permission error text for better clarity and translation.
* Added uninstall cleanup for the stored blocked host rules option.
* Confirmed WordPress Coding Standards, PHP compatibility, and i18n checks.

= 3.2.1 =
fixed texts (typos)
plugin review changes
* Removed logging, stats, auto-blocking, and upload-directory file storage.
* Stores blocked host rules in a WordPress option.

= 3.0.8 =
* Nonce verified before touching any user input.n
* All forms are routed via admin-post.php with explicit actions.
* Added direct link to 'Settings' of the plugin.

= 3.0.6 =
* Fixed typos in readme.txt and added media files for the repository.

= 3.0.4 =
* Added regex support.

= 3.0.2 =
* Added auto-blocking, stats.

= 3.0.0 =
* Complete rewrite with logging.

= 1.0.4 =
* Initial version: hardcodend host blocking using pre_http_request.

== Upgrade Notice ==

From version 3.2.2, the plugin stores blocked host rules in a WordPress option and no longer writes log or host files to the uploads directory.

== License ==

GPLv2 or later. See [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html)

