When modifying a WordPress site, small adjustments to design elements, core functionalities, or monetization features are often needed. While plugins can be useful, a code snippet may be a simpler solution for single edits.
Table of contents
- What is a Code Snippet?
- How to Easily Add Code Snippets to WordPress with a Plugin
- How to Manually Add Code Snippets to WordPress
- Conclusion
What Is a Code Snippet?
In the context of WordPress, a code snippet is a compact block of PHP, JavaScript, CSS, or HTML code. Instead of introducing entirely new files or installing a plugin, snippets are used to tweak existing WordPress features.
What Does a Code Snippet Do?
Typically, a code snippet introduces a specific feature or function to your website. Each snippet serves a distinct, direct purpose, and its function depends on the snippet itself.
Examples of Code Snippets
- Add a snippet to automatically display the current year using a shortcode, eliminating the need to manually update the copyright notice every January.
- Modify the number of posts displayed in your search results to maintain site organization.
- Customize the admin menu bar in the WordPress backend to display specific menu items, quick links, or a custom welcome message.
- Disable default WordPress functions, such as embeds or lazy loading for images.
- Curate your RSS feed by excluding specific categories, adding images, delaying posts, and more.
How to Easily Add Code Snippets to WordPress with a Plugin
Although you can add code directly to your theme files, using a plugin is a more user-friendly approach. Several code snippet plugins are available for WordPress.
A plugin lets you add snippets to WordPress without creating a child theme or manually editing files. It also centralizes your snippets for easy management, editing, or removal.
Step 1: To get started, install the plugin.
Step 2: From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New.
Step 3: Search for a code snippet management plugin and click Install.
Step 4: Activate the plugin.
Step 5: Look for the new Code Snippets section in your WordPress dashboard, and click on + Add Snippet.
Step 6: Add a title to your snippet, then paste the code into the editor.
Step 7: Choose where to run the snippet in your WordPress installation.
Step 8: Consider setting conditions for when your snippet should run.
Step 9: Save and activate your snippet.
Step 10: Check your website to ensure that the snippet is functioning as expected.
How to Manually Add Code Snippets to WordPress
Another method to add code snippets is to manually create a child theme with the WordPress files you intend to modify. While not overly complex, this approach is recommended only for users comfortable with coding. The steps involved are highly dependent on the specific theme and snippet.
Step 1: Back up your website.
Because you’ll be creating a child theme and editing files, creating regular, complete backups of your site is essential.
Step 2: Create a child theme.
Avoid adding custom code directly to your original WordPress theme files. Theme updates will overwrite any customizations. To preserve custom code, use a child theme.
Step 3: Add necessary files.
You’ll need a code editor and FTP access to your WordPress site. Create a new theme folder under wp-content/themes. Upload a style.css file for design edits and a functions.php file containing code to enqueue the stylesheet from your parent theme.
Step 4: Activate your child theme.
Once your child theme is ready, activate it on your WordPress site from Appearance > Themes.
Step 5: Edit files.
Open your child theme’s functions.php file in a code editor (or the WordPress Appearance > Theme File Editor) and add your snippets. Most snippets are added to the functions.php file.
Step 6: Follow snippet directions.
Follow the instructions provided with the snippet to copy, paste, and edit the code correctly. Stick to reputable sources for code snippets to ensure correctness and safety.
Hopefully, this guide will provide you with the knowledge to confidently add code snippets to your WordPress site. For beginners, using a plugin is the best approach, as it simplifies the process and offers easy management of your snippets.