Beginner’s guide to using Code Snippets in WordPress
Learn how to find, use, and manage Code Snippets in WordPress
by Remco Nieuwenhuizen
Owner of WPsupporters
Code Snippets – refer to reusable blocks of code, help users extend WordPress functionality without learning how to code.
For example, without changing a Theme’s core, code snippets help you change your site’s color scheme with CSS.
In this resource, we’re going to explain Code Snippets for WordPress. Here is a list of what you’ll learn in this write-up.
Table of Content
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Introduction to WordPress Code Snippets
Code snippets are small, re-usable, and default code blocks to solve specific problems in WordPress.
In most cases, code snippets are used by WordPress developers. In case of repeating coding standards, using code snippets becomes undeniable for developers.
However, normal users of WordPress can also use code snippets. For example – a simple code snippet helps Divi users remove the default Footer.
Note: In most cases, code snippets are placed in Functions.PHP file, accessible at Appearance -> Theme File Editor page in dashboard. However, CSS code snippets go inside the Advanced CSS section.
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Use Cases: WordPress Code Snippets
A use case highlights the use of Code Snippets in WordPress. Let’s learn how to use WordPress code snippets in various manners possible.
Design
Code snippets help users quickly change WordPress design elements.
For example – without changing your Theme’s Functions.PHP, code snippets help you change your Theme’s color psychology.
Similarly – you can change various design elements with code snippets, including Text formatting, CSS animations, and font sizes.
Default Factors
Code snippets help users manage WordPress defaults – such as Widgets, Footers, or Formatting presets.
For example – by using code snippets, users can remove Divi’s default Footer. Changing WordPress defaults comes handy; especially, when a user can’t afford hiring Developers for WordPress customization.
Security
By using code snippets, we can hide WordPress’ sensitive information from bad guys. For example – Code snippets help users hide WordPress’ version number.
If a specific version of WordPress is vulnerable, hiding version number quickly helps users strengthen site’s security.
Admin Factors
Changing admin’s Footer, removing admin’s Bar, and creating welcome messages are examples of changes with code snippets.
Similarly – admins can increase WordPress performance with code snippets, without using plugins – such as allowing contributors to upload images.
Maintenance
Ever wondered – how to use code snippets for WordPress maintenance?
For example, if you don’t prefer automatic updates in WordPress, a simple code snippet helps you disable WordPress updates.
In the same manner, you can also disable WordPress automatic emails about updates, notifications, and actions.
Error Handling
In WordPress, errors on front end can cause information leakage.
In this case, code snippets help users handle WordPress errors, in a smarter way possible. For example – by using code snippets, WordPress login errors are kept hidden for security purposes.
Users can also change WordPress error messages with code snippets; however, may require Technical expertise.
Examples of Code Snippets in WordPress (Brief Explanation)
Wanted to change WordPress settings without learning how to code? Here is a list of WordPress code snippets with brief descriptions.
Disable the Admin Bar
Admin Bar in WordPress helps users quickly access frequently-used options, such as adding a page or post. While, WordPress may help users disable Admin bar in Settings, you can also take smart move with a code snippet – instead.
To disable the Admin Bar in WordPress, paste the following code snippet in Functions.PHP file.
// Code Snippet: Helps you remove the admin Bar
add_filter( 'show_admin_bar', '__return_false' );
Note: To access and edit Functions.PHP file, land on the Theme File Editor page in WordPress dashboard.
Change in Text color in WordPress
Let’s learn how to change WordPress paragraph-Text color with a code snippet.
Here – the following code snippet needs to be placed in Advanced CSS section – accessible at Appearance -> Customize page in dashboard.
P {
color: red;
}
Note: In the above example, you can choose and set the color you’d like to the paragraph-Text. You can also place a color code.
Disable XML-RPC for Improved Security
XML-RPC is a built-in feature in WordPress – helping users transmits data over HTTP.
If XML-RPC is not deactivated by default, it can cause serious damage to WordPress security. So – here is the code you can use to disable XML-RPC in WordPress.
add_filter('xmlrpc_enabled', '__return_false');
Note: Place the above code snippet in Theme’s Functions.PHP file in dashboard. For more information, access the Theme File Editor page in dashboard.
Writing Code Snippets with Chat GPT
ChatGPT falls under artificial intelligence robots. It can help you write code snippets for WordPress – too.
Let’s experience how to write simple code snippets with ChatGPT.
Remove WordPress version number (Security)
We asked ChatGPT, how we can remove WordPress version number with a code snippet – here is the screenshot of what Chat GPT did.
Disable Gutenberg Editor in WordPress
Many of you don’t like the WordPress block editor – called the Gutenberg Editor.
So – we asked ChatGPT, in a more creative manner, how to disable the Gutenberg Editor in WordPress. Here – what you can see in the following screenshot is a pure gem.
Remove Welcome Panel from Dashboard
Chat GPT is smart enough, helped us how to remove Welcome Panel from the WordPress dashboard.
Here is the result – when we asked Chat GPT to generate a code snippet to remove Welcome Panel from the WordPress dashboard.
How to change Excerpts length in WordPress?
We asked ChatGPT – how to change Excerpts length in WordPress? Here s what answer ChatGPT’s engine has created.
The following code snippet helps users understand how to use the code snippet – as described in the above examples.
Note: While ChatGPT can help users quickly generate code snippets, you’ve to check ChatGPT’s snippets on a staging site first. Testing code snippets on a staging site ensures your site’s safety, in case ChatGPT’s code doesn’t work for some reason.
How to use Code Snippets in WordPress?
Users can use WordPress Code Snippets in various ways – as described below.
In the following lines, various methods describe the way users can use Code Snippets in WordPress. Depending on how you feel safe, you can proceed and use code snippets with a favorite method.
The first method, WordPress Advanced CSS feature – helps users use WordPress’ built-in option to use CSS code snippets. As described above, the mentioned feature is built-in in WordPress and doesn’t ask for additional installations.
Similarly – we have discussed using WordPress Child Themes to use code snippets. Here – you will learn about child themes, how we can use Child Themes for code snippets, and how to proceed with practical steps.
In the last, we’ve addressed using WordPress plugins used for code snippets. Such plugins help users use code snippets quickly, easily, and without learning how to code.
The plugins used for code snippets include sample codes, even help users set code snippets in proper ways, without human assistance in this case. Once applied a code snippet with a plugin, you can see the changes right away.
In this case – as long as you remain calm with the plugin you have used for code snippet, your site will run with the changes, unless you’ve removed the plugin used for code snippets.
WordPress Advanced CSS
WordPress Advanced CSS is a built-in feature – helping users use CSS code snippets in WordPress. Once logged into WordPress dashboard, users can access the feature on Appearance -> Customize page.
As its name suggests, the feature supports CSS code snippets for a Theme’s customization purposes.
For example – Advanced CSS has got you covered, if you want to change a Theme’s section background color with a Code Snippet.
Note: One Thing – while using Advanced CSS feature, make sure you’ve found the exact CSS property mentioned in a code snippet. In this case, code snippet will affect WordPress areas you want to change. Here – incorrect values can affect your WordPress site, section properties, or information leakage policies.
Let’s learn how to use Code Snippets in WordPress via Advanced CSS feature.
First – by using Chrome’s Inspect Element, find which property you’d like to change with a Code Snippet. Remember – using Chrome’s Inspect Element is a Technical routine and may leave newbie(s) empty-handed. In the start, make sure you’re fluent with using Chrome’s Inspect Element feature.
Second – once you’ve found CSS property you’d like to change with a Code Snippet, place appropriate changes in the WordPress advanced CSS area.
Here – let’s suppose you want to change color for paragraph Text. In this case, you’ll need to place the following code snippet in Advanced CSS area.
P {
color: red;
}
Once you’ve saved changes, you can see your site’s paragraph Text’s color has changed.
Custom Codes in a Child Theme
Child Themes are used for customization purposes in WordPress. For example – if you wanted to change your site’s theme without affecting original Theme’s files, you’ve to proceed with a Child Theme.
A Child Theme is best-known to inherit styles, scripts, and functionality elements from original, the parent Theme in WordPress.
Here – our aim is to learn how we can use Code Snippets in a Child Theme, let’s proceed to address more details.
The purpose of using code snippets in a Child Theme is to prevent gaps, such as affecting a Parent Theme with culprit codes.
In this case, you will need to learn how to create a Child Theme first. The process of creating a Child Theme is easy but requires Technical expertise, follow instructions in this detailed tutorial.
Once completed, you can activate and see how your site look likes with a Child Theme.
Now – you’re ready to proceed and save code snippets in the WordPress Advanced CSS feature, Functions.PHP, .HTaccess, and WP-config.PHP file.
In this case – the Child Theme you have applied may look empty. As you add more styles, code snippets, and functionality, you can see how it looks on the front end.
As described above, here is the breakdown of steps to use Code Snippets in a Child Theme.
- Create a Child Theme first, visit the above tutorial for more information.
- Activate the Child Theme
- Install a plugin for code snippets or place snippets manually
- Finalize code snippet results, make changes in the Parent Theme, and save changes.
Note: We use a Child Theme for code snippets, which helps us prevent Parent Theme from taking effect. Once the changes are satisfied, we can proceed to make and save changes in the Parent Theme.
Tips regarding Child Themes for Code Snippets
- A Child Theme should contain necessary files – style.css and Functions.PHP file. Once created with other files, if any – you can proceed to land on Appearance -> Themes page in dashboard.
- Use the Themes page to activate your Child Theme, the way you install and activate a regular Theme in WordPress.
- Once a Child Theme is activated, you can perform using code snippets in a variety of ways – including installation of a WordPress plugin, Advanced CSS features, or by using Functions.PHP file.
- The purpose of using a Child Theme for code snippet highlights prevention against edits in a Parent Theme. Here – a Parent Theme is updated once an update rolls out which makes edits clear from a WordPress website. The updating routine is not automated in a Child Theme, helping users keep changes with Code Snippets in WordPress.
- If you don’t have a staging website, you can use a Child Theme to test your developmental routines. In this case, using code snippets manually in WordPress falls under developmental routines.
WordPress Code Snippets via a Plugin
Let’s learn how to use code snippets in WordPress using plugins.
In this case, installation, activation, and management of plugins are identical to normal ones in WordPress.
There are many candidates for using code snippets in WordPress. However, we will be using Code Snippets to use code snippets in a WordPress website.
Here – once you’ve logged into WordPress dashboard, you can proceed to install a new Plugin.
In the search bar, look out for “code snippets” and install the first plugin that appears, as shown in the screenshot below.
Note: Code Snippets is a popular plugin for WordPress code snippets. Once installed, you can access the WordPress home screen for appropriate options.
Once installed and activated, you can see a new menu in Dashboard – titled as Snippets on the left panel.
Once clicked on All Snippets in dashboard, you can see a list of pre-created snippets. Here – you can edit, activate, or remove a snippet with a few clicks.
Note: If you need one the available code snippets, proceed and use one as desired. On the other hand – if you want to add a custom code snippet, you can use the plugin’s Add New feature.
Once clicked on the Add New option, you can see the following screen on the next page.
Here – you can add a headline, description, and the code snippet to save changes at the end. In this case – you don’t need to get worried about placing code snippets in specific areas, instead the plugin handles everything.
Once made necessary changes on screen, you can proceed to save changes.
Finally, you’re ready to experience and use your custom code snippet in WordPress. Next – click on All Snippets in the dashboard and see a list of available snippets.
Here – you can see the one you just created, the custom code snippet with headline, description, and source code.
Here – you can manage the code snippets like others or proceed to activate and see the difference on WordPress’ front end.
Note: Like Code Snippets in WordPress, you can use other plugins for code snippets. In this case – WP Code, Woody Snippets, and Post Snippets are examples of plugins used for WordPress code snippets.
Note 2: Using code snippets with plugins helps users prevent developmental gaps. For example, if you are manually placing code snippets in WordPress, chances of creating WordPress errors are high for beginners. Instead, a plugin specifically used for code snippets allows users to quickly create, apply, or use a custom snippet in WordPress, without dealing with Functions.PHP file.
Where to find WordPress Code Snippets?
No doubt – WordPress code snippets are easy to find and use in WordPress. Let’s address ways, places, or steps to find code snippets for WordPress.
Note: First – remember, finding and using code snippets for normal routines is quick and easy. However – if you need to treat a particular case in WordPress, you may need to hire developers for the purpose.
WordPress Plugins
WordPress Code Snippet plugins are packed with snippets – ready to use in WordPress. Once you’ve installed and activated a plugin, you can use the snippets right away.
For example, as described in this write-up, the moment you install and activate Code Snippets, you can see a separate menu in WordPress dashboard – helping you create, use, and manage code snippets in WordPress.
Note: Here are the best candidates for code snippets on the WordPress official Plugins Directory.
Online Code Snippet Libraries
WordPress users can also find code snippets online – free to use.
For example – WP Code provides a free library of WordPress code snippets. You can access, use, or change hundreds of snippets by using WP Code’s snippets. For more information, land on the WP Code library’s official page.
The WP Code’s library contains pro-snippets as well. If you’re eager, you can pay a small fee for extra support, extended version of library, or more features.
CSS Hero
CSS Hero is awesome – no doubt.
Without learning how to code, CSS Hero helps WordPress users find, edit, and use CSS code snippets in WordPress.
Once set up CSS Hero, you can surf your site’s Theme on Front end, find and edit a specific CSS on page, and copy/use snippets in WordPress Advanced CSS feature.
CSS Hero is undeniable for those who want to make changes in site’s Theme – without learning how CSS attributes work.
Of course, you need to check CSS Hero’s official resource on This Page.
Professional Tips
- Code Snippets are useless, if don’t know how to place code snippets the right way in WordPress.
- Use WordPress plugins for Code Snippets – helping you setup snippets in WordPress, without learning how to code or perform manual routines.
- Always – Test code snippets on a staging site, before you’re able to apply Things on a live website.
- Depending on the purpose and nature of a code snippet, users can use various places for snippets – including the Advanced CSS feature, Functions.PHP, or HTaccess file.
- If possible – even if you’re using a staging site, take WordPress backups before using code snippets in WordPress.
Over to You
Code Snippets in WordPress – provide no-Code possibilities for users who are not Technical. In this case, users who are looking to change their WordPress sites’ behavior, without learning how to code – can use Code Snippets.
In this detailed resource, we’ve covered Code Snippets scenarios, from basic to advanced users. We learned how to use code snippets in WordPress, how to place code snippets manually, or how to use a WordPress plugin for WordPress code snippets.
If you lack Technical expertise, taking your site’s backup is necessary before using code snippets in WordPress. In this case – backup plans help users quickly restore WordPress sites, if something unusual happens.
However – you can take a variety of ways to use code snippets in WordPress. Above all, if you’re not confident, we recommend hiring WordPress Support Specialists for a safe journey with Code Snippets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I write Code Snippets in WordPress?
Depending on the purpose of a code snippet, WordPress supports placing code snippets in various areas. For example – if you’re changing CSS attributes, the place where you’d place a code snippet is Advanced CSS.
Similarly – if a code snippet is geared for configurative changes, WordPress allows placing code snippets in Functions.PHP and WP-config.PHP files.
What is the best code snippet plugin for WordPress?
The WordPress official Plugins Directory contains options for Code Snippets. There are many – WP Code, Code Snippets, Woody snippets to name a few.
If you need a custom solution, you may need to hire WordPress specialists or find someone’s assistance online.
Where are Code Snippets in WordPress?
By default, WordPress doesn’t provide code snippets. Instead, if you have installed and activated a plugin, you can see relevant information, a Call to Action, or menu in the WordPress dashboard.
For example, as described in the above lines, the moment we installed Code Snippets plugin in WordPress, we could see a separate menu created on the left side.
What is an example of Code Snippets?
A code playing well for changing a WordPress section color is an example of a coding snippet. Here – let’s consider an example.
Let suppose, you’re changing Text color, paragraph’s color, or a section’s background, you’ve to use Chrome’s Inspect Element feature first.
The first thing you need to do is to find the respective section’s CSS id, property, or class. Once identified, writing code snippet(s) for a paragraph-color change is easy. In this case, the following code in Advanced CSS plays well.
P {
color: red;
}
Note: According to what you’re changing, such as a paragraph’s Text, section color, or Border line – you’ll find, address, and write a code snippet for the respective/particular CSS attribute.
What is the purpose of using Code Snippets in WordPress?
Code snippets are used to make minor changes in WordPress – without learning how to code.
In this case – pick a code script, place in Advanced CSS or Functions.PHP file and you’re good.
Of course – other measures do play a role, the basic psychology of how code snippets in WordPress are hassle-free. If you’re not concerned about validity, for example – placing code snippets at a wrong place in WordPress can create WordPress issues.
Where can we place code snippets in WordPress dashboard?
Once logged into WordPress dashboard, using a code snippet depends on its type, function, or purpose.
For example – some code snippets are made to work in Functions.PHP file, while others are placed inside the Advanced CSS section. Similarly, WordPress also supports code snippets in WP-config.PHP core file.
In this case – if you have installed a code snippet plugin, you can skip placing code snippets manually in WordPress. In this case, the plugin handles everything, automatically while providing users interface That helps creation, editing, or managing code snippets in WordPress, by using point-and-click options.
What are HTML snippets?
HTML snippets refer to snippets written in HTML language – refers to the standard markup language for web pages – Hyper Text Markup Language.
In simple words, coding Texts, Blocks, or raw snippets are called HTML code snippets or simply – HTML snippets.
What’s the relation between Code Snippets and WordPress Child Themes?
The relation of WordPress Child Themes and Code Snippets is tailored towards functionality, portability, and safety.
In this case – a Child Theme in WordPress replicates functionality, styles, and features from a Theme, called a Parent Theme, in order to provide customization features without affecting the Parent Theme settings.
Here – when using Code snippets in WordPress, using a Child Theme helps users safely run snippets on a Child Theme. In this case, if something goes wrong, the Parent Theme is not affected, as the Child Theme is acting as a staging site for code snippets.
After a code snippet passes a Test, you can place the snippet into Parent Theme’s functionality and save changes at the end.
What are some Code Snippet’s use cases in WordPress?
Code snippets are used for a variety of purposes in WordPress. From simple tweaks to changing WordPress post revisions, code snippets help users make changes without learning how to code.
Code snippets also help users avoid hiring or spending money on developers. In this case, with a simple code snippet, you can tune in WordPress functionality, Theme’s functions, or Admin status without coding involvement.
What’s the difference between procedures used for WordPress code snippets?
Manual code writing, using WordPress plugins, or hiring Developers’ assistance fall under procedures for code snippets in WordPress.
Having That clarified – manual routines require expertise of how Things work in WordPress CMS. In the same manner, WordPress plugins are easy to use and help beginners use code snippets in WordPress.
Similarly – if you need to create complex or custom code snippet, you’ll need to hire developers’ assistance in this case.
Can we automate creating and using code snippets in WordPress?
Automating everything – from code creation to using in WordPress is slightly impossible in CMS. However, we can manually use Chat GPT, as described in this write-up – helping us create code snippets for various Things possible in WordPress.
Let’s describe an example.
Ask ChatGPT about code snippet for removing WordPress number. After ChatGPT has created a snippet, it can also direct to use the code in specific place in WordPress.
Who can use Code Snippets in WordPress?
A WordPress user who is not intended to use Coding expertise is subject to use Code Snippets in WordPress.
We can say – WordPress users who are not Technical enough and are aiming at achieving WordPress changes, are subject to using Code Snippets in WordPress.
What’s the recommendation for Beginners if they want to use Code Snippets in WordPress?
Learning how to use code snippets in WordPress is hard. For beginners, using a plugin for code snippet in WordPress is ideal and hassle-free.
Let suppose, you don’t prefer using a WordPress plugin, you can also learn manually – how to create and write code snippet for regular routines in WordPress, such as changing Text’s color with a CSS code snippet.
In this case – learning how to write code snippet requires manual expertise, takes Time, and leaves you empty handed – if something goes wrong.
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