Customization

Getting Data from Custom Fields in Order When building a WordPress site, you may want to retrieve posts ordered by custom field values rather than the default parameters like date or title. However, the common WordPress functions like get_posts() and WP_Query() do not provide direct ways to sort by custom fields. In this article, we…

Identifying the Problem The WordPress admin menu allows easy site management access for admins and editors within the WordPress dashboard interface. By default, it appears as a vertical icon and text navigation bar anchored to the left side of the screen. However, Chrome browser users frequently encounter admin menu layout problems such as float alignment,…

Premium WordPress themes often bundle customized versions of jQuery for additional functionality and browser compatibility. However, failure to update these bundled jQuery versions can lead to problems. Why Update jQuery There are a few key reasons it is important to stay updated on the jQuery versions used in your WordPress theme: Security Vulnerabilities in Outdated…

What is Advanced WordPress Customization? Advanced WordPress customization refers to making changes that go beyond switching themes. It involves directly editing WordPress core files and functions to alter functionality, as well as extending WordPress through custom code. Some common examples of advanced customization include: Editing core WordPress files and functions – This allows you to…

Why WordPress Search Falls Short The default WordPress search functionality has limitations that can create a poor user experience. The basic search relies on less advanced SQL queries to the database, often returning irrelevant results or missing relevant content. There is no built-in support for instant or autocomplete search either. These shortcomings impact site visitors’…

Core WordPress Architecture Limitations The monolithic design of WordPress core creates tight coupling between components leading to dependencies that make the software rigid and resistant to change. Attempting to add custom asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) handlers requires directly modifying files in wp-admin and wp-includes which can cause conflicts with core, plugins and themes. Monolithic…

Troubleshooting Intermittent Admin Menu Issues The WordPress admin menu allows site owners to access key functionality to manage their website. However, intermittent defects can disrupt the admin menu display and limit admin access. Troubleshooting elusive admin menu defects requires methodically checking common root causes like plugin/theme conflicts, database errors, and server misconfigurations. Identifying the Core…

Defining the Problem: Shortcodes vs Widgets for Customization When building a WordPress theme, developers need ways to allow users to add custom content in various places. Two common approaches for enabling theme customization are shortcodes and widgets. Shortcodes are snippets of code that perform a specific function wherever they are placed. Developers define custom shortcodes…