Setting terms to posts and pages in WordPress using wp_set_object_terms
The wp_set_object_terms function in WordPress is used to set the terms (categories, tags, etc.) for a specified object (post, page, custom post type, etc.). This function can be useful for programmatically assigning or updating the terms associated with an object, such as when importing data or creating custom functionality.
By using wp_set_object_terms, developers can easily manage and manipulate the taxonomy terms associated with WordPress objects without having to manually update them through the admin interface. This can save time and streamline processes when working with large amounts of content or when implementing custom functionality that requires term assignment.
Parameters Accepted by wp_set_object_terms Function
The wp_set_object_terms function accepts the following parameters:
$object_id(int) – Required. This is the object to which the terms will be related.$terms(string|int|array) – Required. This parameter can be a single term slug, single term ID, or an array of either term slugs or IDs. It will replace all existing related terms in this taxonomy. Passing an empty value will remove all related terms.$taxonomy(string) – Required. This is the context in which to relate the term to the object.$append(bool) – Optional. Default value: false. If set to false, it will delete the difference of terms.
Value Returned by wp_set_object_terms Function
The wp_set_object_terms function returns either an array of term taxonomy IDs of the affected terms or a WP_Error object on failure.
Examples
How to set object terms for a post
$post_id = 123;
$taxonomy = 'category';
$terms = array( 'news', 'events' );
wp_set_object_terms( $post_id, $terms, $taxonomy );
This code snippet sets the terms ‘news’ and ‘events’ for the post with ID 123 in the ‘category’ taxonomy using the wp_set_object_terms function.
How to set object terms for a custom post type
$post_id = 456;
$taxonomy = 'genre';
$terms = array( 'action', 'adventure' );
wp_set_object_terms( $post_id, $terms, $taxonomy );
This code snippet sets the terms ‘action’ and ‘adventure’ for the custom post type with ID 456 in the ‘genre’ taxonomy using the wp_set_object_terms function.
How to handle errors when setting object terms
$post_id = 789;
$taxonomy = 'category';
$terms = array( 'news', 'events' );
if ( ! is_wp_error( wp_set_object_terms( $post_id, $terms, $taxonomy ) ) ) {
echo 'Terms set successfully.';
} else {
echo 'Error setting terms.';
}
This code snippet sets the terms ‘news’ and ‘events’ for the post with ID 789 in the ‘category’ taxonomy using the wp_set_object_terms function, and then checks if there is an error using an if statement and handles it accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wp_set_object_terms function is an essential tool for managing taxonomy terms in WordPress. By using this function, developers can easily assign or remove terms from a specific object, such as a post or a custom post type. This function provides a simple and efficient way to manipulate taxonomy terms programmatically, saving time and effort when working with large amounts of data. With its flexibility and ease of use, wp_set_object_terms is an essential function for any WordPress developer looking to streamline their taxonomy management processes.