Using add_plugins_page to create a custom plugin page in WordPress
The WordPress add_plugins_page function is used to add a new submenu item to the Plugins menu in the WordPress admin dashboard. This function allows developers to create custom plugin settings or configuration pages that can be accessed directly from the Plugins menu.
When a submenu item is added using the add_plugins_page function, it appears under the Plugins menu, providing an entry point for administrators to manage plugin-specific settings or features. This can help in organizing plugin-related options and making them easily accessible within the WordPress admin interface.
The add_plugins_page function is typically called during the admin menu setup phase, often within a hook such as admin_menu. This ensures that the submenu item is registered and displayed correctly when the admin dashboard is loaded.
Parameters
$page_title(string), required. The text shown in the title tags of the page when the menu is selected.$menu_title(string), required. The text used for the menu.$capability(string), required. The capability needed for this menu to be displayed to the user.$menu_slug(string), required. The unique slug name to refer to this menu.$callback(callable), optional. Default value: ”. The function called to output the content for this page.$position(int), optional. Default value: null. The position in the menu order where this item should appear.
Return Value
The function returns a string representing the resulting page’s hook_suffix, or false if the user lacks the required capability.
Examples
How to Add a Simple Plugin Page
This example shows how to add a simple plugin page to the WordPress admin menu. The page will be accessible only to users with the ‘manage_options’ capability, typically administrators.
function my_plugin_menu() {
add_plugins_page(
'My Plugin Settings', // Page title
'My Plugin', // Menu title
'manage_options', // Capability
'my-plugin-settings', // Menu slug
'my_plugin_settings_page'// Callback function
);
}
function my_plugin_settings_page() {
echo '<h1>My Plugin Settings</h1>';
echo '<p>This is the settings page for My Plugin.</p>';
}
add_action('admin_menu', 'my_plugin_menu');
Conclusion
In summary, the add_plugins_page function in WordPress serves the purpose of adding a submenu item specifically to the Plugins menu in the WordPress admin dashboard. This function is instrumental for developers who wish to extend the functionality of their plugins by providing an interface for settings, options, or additional features directly accessible from the Plugins menu. By defining a custom page through add_plugins_page, developers can ensure that their plugin’s configuration or management options are easily accessible to site administrators, thereby integrating seamlessly with the WordPress admin experience.