Getting started with building Gutenberg blocks and Gutenberg apps can feel like climbing a steep hill — and you’re not alone in thinking that.
One of the biggest challenges in Gutenberg development is setting up the development environment. From installing the right tools to configuring everything properly, the process can be overwhelming — especially if you’re new to the game.
And here’s the catch: you’ll need to have a strong grip on the following to build even a basic custom Gutenberg block:
- JavaScript
- Node.js
- React
- Redux
Yes, these are the must-have ingredients in the recipe for WordPress block success.
While the WordPress Block Editor Handbook offers a ton of helpful info for WordPress development, it’s easy to get lost in that sea of technical details. It’s like trying to drink from a firehose — valuable, but hard to digest.
Here’s the good news: once your block editor environment is set up and you understand the core concepts, creating custom Gutenberg blocks becomes a lot smoother.
Gutenberg Block Development Prerequisites
Before diving into this Gutenberg tutorial, let’s talk about what you’ll need to get started.
The good news? You don’t need to be a full-stack genius.
But for smooth sailing, here are the minimum skills you should bring to the table:
- A good understanding of WordPress plugin development
- Basic working knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React
That’s it — no PhD in coding required.
Will this be an ambitious project? Absolutely. But totally doable, especially with the right mindset and roadmap.
Finding the right balance between completeness and simplicity was no small task. We had to carefully choose what to cover now and what to leave for later.
So here’s a heads-up for our intermediate and advanced developers:
We won’t be diving deep into more advanced concepts like:
- React state
- Redux store
- High-order components (HOCs)
Not because they’re not important — they are. But because they require dedicated focus and might overwhelm anyone who’s just starting with block development (unless, of course, you’re already a React developer).
If you’re just getting started with WordPress development or creating your first custom blocks in the block editor, this guide is designed to help you build confidence without drowning in complexity.
Bonus Tip: Knowing how to work with tools like @wordpress/scripts or using boilerplates like create-block can save you hours in setup time.
What Is a Gutenberg Block?
Let’s rewind a bit. When Gutenberg first launched in December 2018, it was met with mixed reviews. But fast forward to today — and wow, it has come a long way!
The WordPress block editor has been seriously upgraded in almost every department:
- More powerful Gutenberg APIs
- A smoother, more intuitive user interface
- Big wins in usability
- Dozens of new WordPress blocks
- And of course, the introduction of Full Site Editing
In short, while Gutenberg is still under active development, it’s now a reliable page builder and site builder — and a solid alternative to third-party tools.
A Developer’s Take on Gutenberg
From a developer’s lens, Gutenberg is much more than a visual editor. It’s a React-based Single Page Application (SPA) that lets WordPress users:
- Create content in WordPress
- Edit content in WordPress
- Delete content in WordPress
Sounds powerful? It is. But don’t mistake it for a fancier version of the classic WordPress content editor.
Let’s clear something up:
Gutenberg isn’t your typical WYSIWYG editor.
It completely reimagines the editing experience in WordPress.
So, What Exactly Is a Gutenberg Block?
In Gutenberg, everything revolves around blocks. Think of them as digital LEGO bricks — reusable, drag-and-drop elements that help you build posts and pages, and even entire websites.
These Gutenberg blocks could be:
- Paragraphs
- Images
- Galleries
- Buttons
- Columns
- Custom HTML
- And more
But here’s the official WordPress definition of a block, which really hits the nail on the head:
“Block” is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed together, form the content or layout of a webpage. The idea combines concepts of what in WordPress today we achieve with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent API and user experience.
In other words: blocks are the new building language of WordPress development.
Where do I actually learn all of this?
1. WordPress Theme Handbook (optional, but helpful)
Let’s be honest—if you’re just starting out with WordPress, the WordPress Theme Handbook is a great warm-up. It’s not mandatory, but it helps you understand the basics of how WordPress themes work. You’ll learn about template files, the loop, and how themes interact with the WordPress content editor. This guide assumes you already know HTML, CSS, and PHP. If not, consider brushing up on those first. They’re the building blocks—pun intended—of everything that comes next.
2. WordPress Plugin Handbook (also optional, but recommended)
Here’s a little secret: most custom blocks (or a collection of blocks) in WordPress are built using plugins. That’s why checking out the WordPress Plugin Handbook is a smart move. You’ll get a good grip on how WordPress plugins work under the hood—especially if you’re aiming to build custom functionality or dive deeper into plugin development. Again, not essential, but trust me—it helps.
3. JavaScript and React
Now we’re getting into the core stuff. If you’ve already built themes or plugins before, and you’re ready to level up, you’ll need to learn JavaScript—and more importantly, React. Why? Because Gutenberg, the WordPress block editor, is a React-based Single Page Application (SPA). You can’t build custom blocks without understanding how these two languages work.
Good news? There’s no shortage of resources. From high-quality YouTube tutorials to premium courses on Udemy (Maximilian Schwarzmüller’s tutorials are gold), there’s plenty out there to help you ramp up fast.
4. WordPress Block Editor Handbook
Once you’ve got JavaScript and React under your belt, it’s time to dig into the WordPress Block Editor Handbook. This is the official WordPress documentation and your ultimate guide to understanding how the Gutenberg editor works. You’ll learn how to create your first block, extend existing ones, and work with the block editor in more advanced ways. Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can jump into more specific tutorials and even start building production-ready tools.
5. Explore the WordPress Plugin Directory
Once you’re familiar with the basics, a smart next step is diving into the WordPress Plugin Directory. Browse through existing blocks created by developers in the community. It’s like peeking under the hood of Gutenberg to see what’s actually possible—and how different blocks are put together. Think of it as reverse-engineering success: when you see what others have built, you’ll start to piece together your own ideas even faster.
6. Learn from the Best – Watch Tutorials
Want to fast-track your block development skills? Tap into some of the best tutorials already out there. A simple Google search can pull up a goldmine of guides. If you’re into video learning, the YouTube tutorial series by wpBros is a solid pick for beginners. Prefer reading? Carlo Daniele’s tutorial at Kinsta is one of the best text based tutorials available—clean, practical, and straight to the point. Whether you’re a visual learner or a reader, there’s something out there tailored for you.
7. Practice: The Real Game Begins
Now comes the fun (and a little messy) part: practice. Once you’ve gone through the learning resources, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start building your own custom blocks. Yes, it might feel overwhelming at first. You’ll hit roadblocks, you’ll question your code, and you’ll definitely end up doing a bit of extra research. But that’s all part of the journey. The only real way to master coding for WordPress and Gutenberg is to build. The more you create, the more confident you’ll get.
8. Extra Resources
Create Block Package – A command-line tool that scaffolds a complete WordPress plugin to register a block. Super handy if you want to skip the boilerplate and jump straight into development.
Multi Block Plugin – An advanced adaptation of the create-block package that supports registering multiple blocks in one go. Perfect if you’re planning a full suite of blocks.
Gutenberg GitHub Repo – This is the official Gutenberg project on GitHub. Dive into the source code, explore reusable packages, and stay in sync with what’s happening behind the scenes.
wp-gb – A powerful library packed with React components tailored for WordPress. It’s a fantastic time-saver when you’re building complex block interfaces.
Gutenberg Times – Your go-to for everything about the WordPress Block Editor and Gutenberg plugin. News, tutorials, updates—it’s all here, curated by an industry expert.
Gutenberg Hub – A brilliant educational hub with templates, block patterns, and guides that make mastering the WordPress Block Editor easier and way more fun.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring.
Gutenberg block development isn’t just a skill—it’s a door to endless possibilities. Whether you’re creating tailored solutions for your WordPress clients or building commercial block plugins, the tools above will help you hit the ground running.
Conclusion
Custom Gutenberg block development might feel overwhelming at first, but once you break through the initial learning curve, it opens up a world of possibilities. You’re no longer limited to pre-built blocks you’re creating your own tools, shaping unique user experiences, and building faster, cleaner WordPress sites. And the best part?
You’re future-proofing your skills in a WordPress ecosystem that’s rapidly shifting toward full site editing and block-based everything. But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to do it all alone.
At Protocloud Technologies, we help developers, agencies, and business owners bring their custom Gutenberg ideas to life faster and without the guesswork. Whether you need a single block, a complete block plugin, or want to integrate advanced React functionality into your WordPress site, our team has the hands-on experience to make it happen. We’ve been building with Gutenberg since day one, and we know what works (and what doesn’t). So, if you’re serious about unlocking the full potential of WordPress blocks — and want a trusted partner to help you do it right — Protocloud Technologies is here to help you level up.