Automatically download, install and activate plugins that my plugin depends, how?

Question

I'm developing a plugin that requires a couple of plugins from WordPress repository to work correctly.

Is it possible to download and install from WordPress repository and activate one or more plugin that my custom plugin requires automatically on plugin activation?

There is a safe and correct way to do this via PHP?

Answer 1

TGMPA is a useful php class to perform the required actions: http://tgmpluginactivation.com/

Answer 2

In addition with Andrea Somovigo's answer, this is a list of services and open sources that might be useful:

• WP Package Editor

WP2E is a service allowing developers to create and manage installation packages to deliver and maintain sets of interdependent themes and plugins.

• TGM Plugin Activation

TGM Plugin Activation is a PHP library that allows you to easily require or recommend plugins for your WordPress themes (and plugins).

• WPFavs

It is a Free WordPress plugin manager and bulk installation tool

• WordPress Packagist

This site mirrors the WordPress plugin and theme directories as a Composer repository.

• WP Plugin Dependencies

This meta-plugin allows regular plugins to specify other plugins that they depend upon.

• WP Dependency Installer

A lightweight class to add to WordPress plugins/themes to automatically install plugin dependencies.