=== GCheck – WordPress Certificate Plugin & Verification System ===
Contributors: mhamoudaa
Tags: certificate, education, lms, course, verification
Requires at least: 5.0
Tested up to: 6.8
Requires PHP: 7.2
Stable tag: 1.3.6
License: GPLv3 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

The ultimate WordPress Certificate Plugin. Issue, manage, and verify certificates with Google Sheets, CSV, and REST API.

== Description ==

**GCheck** is a powerful **WordPress Certificate Plugin** designed for training centers, academies, and online course creators. It simplifies the process of issuing and verifying certificates, ensuring authenticity and building trust with your students.

Whether you need to **verify certificates** manually or automate the process via API, GCheck provides a robust solution. Its seamless **Google Sheets integration** allow you to manage thousands of records effortlessly.

### 🚀 Why Use GCheck Certificate Plugin?
*   **Boost Credibility:** Allow employers and students to verify course completion instantly using a unique ID.
*   **Save Time:** Bulk upload thousands of certificates via **CSV** or sync directly from **Google Sheets**.
*   **Developer Friendly:** robust **REST API** to connect with your custom LMS, mobile app, or external systems.

### 🌟 Key Features
*   **Instant Certificate Verification:** Add a `[validate_certificate_form]` shortcode anywhere to let users check certificate validity in real-time.
*   **Google Sheets Sync:** The only certificate plugin that lets you manage student data effectively using your favorite spreadsheet tool.
*   **Bulk CSV Upload:** Import massive datasets of student records in seconds.
*   **REST API Support:** Full programmatic access to Create, Read, Update, and Delete (CRUD) certificates.
*   **Customizable Data:** Store essential details like Student Name, Course Name, Hours, Date, and Unique Serial Numbers.
*   **Secure & Lightweight:** Optimized for performance with a focus on data integrity.

### 🔗 Integrations
*   **Google Sheets:** Connects directly for real-time bulk management.
*   **LMS Compatibility:** Works alongside popular LMS plugins by handling the verification layer independently.

---

### 🟢 How to Use
1.  **Install & Activate:** Get GCheck from the WordPress Repository.
2.  **Add Certificates:** Use the admin dashboard, upload a CSV, or connect Google Sheets.
3.  **Publish Verification Form:** Place `[validate_certificate_form]` on your "Verify Certificate" page.
4.  **Done!** Your students can now validate their achievements.

== Installation ==
1.  Upload `gcheck-certificate` folder to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
2.  Activate the plugin through the **Plugins** menu in WordPress.
3.  Go to the **GCheck** menu to start adding and managing certificates.

== Instructions ==
### **Using Google Sheets for Bulk Upload**

Managing certificates via Google Sheets is efficient and prevents data entry errors.

#### **1. Get the Template**
*   Open the official [Google Sheets Template](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dOEz3FLGsEuzFrAKBX00eG0HtYeKN-CZA1womx05iKA/edit?usp=sharing).
*   Click **File > Make a copy** to save it to your Drive.

#### **2. Add Your Data**
*   **Row 1 & 2:** DO NOT CHANGE (These contain system headers).
*   **Columns:**
    *   **B (Full Name):** Student's name.
    *   **C (Course):** Course or Workshop title.
    *   **D (Hours):** Duration (numeric).
    *   **E (Date):** Completion date (DD/MM/YYYY).

#### **3. Export & Upload**
*   In Google Sheets, go to **File > Download > Comma-separated values (.csv)**.
*   In WordPress, go to **GCheck > Bulk Upload** and select your file.

== REST API ==
Developers can use the GCheck REST API to build custom integrations.
*   **Base URL:** `https://your-site.com/wp-json/gcheck/v1/`
*   **Header:** `X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY`

**Endpoints:**
*   `POST /certificates` - Issue a new certificate.
*   `GET /certificates?code={CODE}` - Verify a certificate.
*   `PATCH /certificates/{id}` - Update details.
*   `DELETE /certificates/{id}` - Revoke a certificate.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==
= Can I use this for university degrees? =
Yes, GCheck is perfect for universities, training centers, and online schools needing a verification system.

= Does it work with Elementor or Divi? =
Absolutely. The shortcode `[validate_certificate_form]` works in any page builder text widget.

= Is the Google Sheets integration free? =
Yes, the feature is built-in and free to use.

= How do I generate API Keys? =
Go to **GCheck > Settings > API Keys** to generate and manage secure access keys.

== Screenshots ==
1. **GCheck Dashboard** - Overview of your certificate system.
2. **Add Certificate** - Manual entry form for single records.
3. **Bulk Upload** - Interface for CSV and Google Sheets imports.
4. **Upload History** - Track all your bulk import batches.
5. **Instructions** - In-dashboard guide for admins.
6. **Settings** - Configure plugin options.
7. **REST API** - Manage API keys and permissions.
8. **API Docs** - Developer documentation.

== Changelog ==
= 1.3.6 =
*   Minor improvements and stability fixes.

= 1.3.5 =
*   Fixed Guideline Violation: Removed admin notice cleaner.
*   Fixed: "Sorry, you are not allowed to access this page" error by updating capability checks.
*   Updated: Contributors and tags to comply with guidelines.

= 1.3.4 =
*   Fixed critical fatal error on activation.
*   Added UI help text for API Keys.
*   Database schema stability improvements.

= 1.3.3 =
*   **New:** Full REST API support.
*   **New:** Google Sheets bulk operation workflow.
*   **Improvement:** Enhanced Admin UI.

= 1.3.2 =
*   Initial public release.

== Upgrade Notice ==
= 1.3.4 =
Critical update fixing activation errors. Recommended for all users.