Defining Custom Meta Boxes A custom meta box provides an interface for adding custom fields to WordPress posts and pages. Meta boxes allow you to collect structured data and associate it with a post, page, or custom post type. This enables storing and retrieving custom information related to content in WordPress. You may want to…
The Problem of Duplicate GUIDs A globally unique identifier (GUID) is a unique reference number used as an identifier in WordPress database tables. GUIDs are stored in the guid column of key tables like wp_posts and wp_comments. They help WordPress track and relate pieces of content. Ideally, every post, page, attachment, revision, and comment should…
The Problem with Storing Custom Data in Plugins A common way developers extend WordPress is by using plugins to create custom meta data fields. However, storing custom post meta data exclusively in plugins can cause problems down the road. Plugins carry certain risks that can result in lost or inaccessible data if not properly maintained….
What are Meta Boxes? Meta boxes in WordPress are customizable sections within the post and page editors that allow users to input and manage custom fields and data. They appear as boxes with fields, inputs, select menus, and other elements that enable the user to store additional details about a post that are not part…
Why Store Custom Post Meta WordPress stores built-in information about posts, pages, and custom post types like titles, content, dates, authors, tags, categories, featured images, etc. However, you may need to store additional custom data for advanced functionality. For example, if you are building a directory website, you need to store extra information like addresses,…
The Need for Custom Core Modifications The default WordPress platform enables users to create full-featured websites and blogs without requiring advanced technical skills. However, many users have specific needs that exceed the out-of-the-box capabilities. Modifying the WordPress core code allows developers to add custom features, optimize performance, and tailor sites to client requirements. Why default…
The WordPress core files are the foundational code that powers WordPress. They contain interdependent functions, hooks, and components that enable key site capabilities and features. As such, the core codebase is highly sensitive and tampering with it incorrectly can easily break your site. Here are reasons why you should avoid hacking the WordPress core if…
The Problem of Locked-In Data WordPress sites often start out using the default MySQL database for storing all site data including posts, comments, users, metadata, etc. However, over time requirements may change and the limitations of MySQL may begin to pose problems. For example, as a WordPress site grows to have lots of traffic and…
Understanding wpdb for Multi-Database Access Managing multiple databases in WordPress can be challenging. The core database class, wpdb, provides methods for accessing the main WordPress database. However, it can also facilitate connections to secondary databases. This article provides an in-depth guide on using wpdb for multi-database WordPress installations. We cover key concepts like establishing database…
The Problem of Custom Fields and Site Speed Excessive use of custom fields can significantly slow down WordPress site performance. Every custom field added to a post is stored in the WordPress database. As the number of custom fields increases, database queries become more complex, resulting in slower load times. Specifically, extensive custom fields cause…
