Adding a settings section to a WordPress theme using add_settings_section
The add_settings_section function in WordPress is used to create a new section within a settings page. This function allows developers to organize settings fields into logical groupings, which can enhance the structure and readability of the settings page.
When a new section is added using add_settings_section, it provides a way to group related settings fields together. This can help in maintaining a clear separation between different types of settings, making it easier for users to navigate and manage the settings.
Each section created with add_settings_section can include a title and a callback function. The title is displayed as the section heading on the settings page, while the callback function is used to display any descriptive text or HTML that should appear within the section.
The function also integrates with the WordPress settings API, ensuring that the sections are properly registered and displayed on the specified settings page. This integration facilitates the addition of custom settings fields to the section, allowing for a structured and organized approach to settings management.
Parameters
The add_settings_section function accepts the following parameters:
$id(string), required. Slug-name to identify the section. Used in the ‘id’ attribute of tags.$title(string), required. Formatted title of the section. Shown as the heading for the section.$callback(callable), required. Function that echos out any content at the top of the section (between heading and fields).$page(string), required. The slug-name of the settings page on which to show the section. Built-in pages include ‘general’, ‘reading’, ‘writing’, ‘discussion’, ‘media’, etc. Create your own usingadd_options_page().$args(array), optional. Default value:array(). Arguments used to create the settings section.before_section(string): HTML content to prepend to the section’s HTML output. Receives the section’s class name as %s.after_section(string): HTML content to append to the section’s HTML output.section_class(string): The class name to use for the section.
Return Value
The add_settings_section function does not return a value.
Examples
How to Add a Custom Settings Section to the General Settings Page
This code snippet demonstrates how to add a custom settings section to the General Settings page in WordPress using the add_settings_section function.
add_settings_section(
'my_custom_section', // ID
'My Custom Section', // Title
'my_custom_section_callback', // Callback
'general' // Page
);
function my_custom_section_callback() {
echo '<p>Custom settings for my plugin.</p>';
}
How to Add a Settings Section with Additional Arguments
The following code snippet illustrates how to add a settings section with additional arguments like before_section and after_section.
add_settings_section(
'my_custom_section_with_args', // ID
'My Custom Section with Args', // Title
'my_custom_section_with_args_callback', // Callback
'general', // Page
array(
'before_section' => '<div class="before-section">',
'after_section' => '</div>',
'section_class' => 'my-custom-class'
)
);
function my_custom_section_with_args_callback() {
echo '<p>Custom settings with additional arguments.</p>';
}Conclusion
The add_settings_section function in WordPress is a valuable utility for developers looking to organize and structure their settings pages. By using this function, developers can create distinct sections within a settings page, each of which can contain related settings fields. This function enhances the modularity and readability of settings pages, making it easier to manage and maintain different configuration options. Overall, add_settings_section provides a structured approach to grouping settings, which can be particularly beneficial when dealing with complex or numerous settings within a WordPress plugin or theme.