Using and Managing License Keys
Event Espresso’s license key system is designed to manage and validate the use of their software across different sites. Below is an overview of how the system works and how it accommodates staging domains.
1. License Key Issuance
When you purchase an Event Espresso license, you receive a unique license key. This key corresponds to your specific license type (e.g., Personal, Business, Developer) and grants you access to the plugin and updates.
2. License Activation
To activate your license, you enter the license key into the Event Espresso settings on your WordPress site. This step validates the license against Event Espresso’s servers and associates it with your domain. The activation allows you to receive automatic updates and support for the plugin directly through your WordPress dashboard.
3. Domain Association
The license key becomes associated with the domain of your WordPress site upon activation. If you need to move the license key to a different domain (e.g., migrating your site to a new domain), you typically need to reset or reassign the key in your Event Espresso account.
4. Updates and Support
Once activated, the license key enables you to receive automatic plugin updates and access to premium support based on the license level. This ensures your site stays secure and benefits from new features and bug fixes.
5. License Key Expiration
License keys are generally valid for one year from the date of purchase. Renewing the license key is necessary to continue receiving updates and support. If the license expires, Event Espresso will still function, but you won’t receive updates or support until it’s renewed.
6. Multiple Sites (Developer Licenses)
For those with developer licenses or multi-site licenses, the same license key can be used on multiple domains (up to the limit specified in the license). Each domain will need to enter the same license key to access updates and support.
7. Deactivation or Reset
If you no longer wish to use Event Espresso on a particular domain, you can deactivate the license key in your Event Espresso account dashboard or directly from the plugin settings. This will free up the key for use on another site, assuming your license supports it.
Staging Domain Support
Event Espresso’s license key system also accommodates staging domains, allowing developers to work on staging sites without using up a license activation. Here's how it works:
1. Staging Domain Recognition
Event Espresso’s system automatically recognizes and excludes common staging domain patterns like:
- Subdomains:
staging.example.com,dev.example.com,test.example.com - Subdirectories:
example.com/staging,example.com/dev - Specific top-level domains (TLDs) used for development:
.dev,.local,.test
2. License Key Activation Not Required
On these recognized staging domains, the license key does not need to be activated. Event Espresso will allow the plugin to function normally without using up one of your available license slots.
3. Full Functionality
Even without the license key being activated, staging domains still receive updates and function as they would on a production site. This is intended to ensure that developers can test updates, configurations, and new features in a staging environment without affecting their license limits or needing to deactivate keys.
4. Manually Adding Custom Staging Domains
If your staging domain doesn’t follow the typical patterns recognized by Event Espresso, you may need to add it manually within your Event Espresso account. Some licenses provide an option to register custom staging domains through their online dashboard, ensuring that these domains don’t consume license slots.
5. Migrating from Staging to Production
If you move your staging site to production, you may need to reset and reactivate the license on the new domain to ensure updates and support continue properly. This is a straightforward process through the Event Espresso dashboard.