Translating and escaping HTML text using esc_html_e function in WordPress

The esc_html_e function in WordPress is used to escape and display a translated string. It is useful for ensuring that any HTML or script tags within the translated string are properly escaped to prevent cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

By using the esc_html_e function, developers can safely output translated strings without having to manually escape them, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities in their WordPress themes or plugins.

Parameters Accepted by the WordPress esc_html_e Function

The esc_html_e function accepts the following parameters:

  • $text (string, required): Text to translate.
  • $domain (string, optional, default value: ‘default’): Text domain. Unique identifier for retrieving translated strings. Default value is ‘default’.

The function does not return a value.

Examples

How to use esc_html_e to escape and echo a string

<?php 
$text = "Hello, <strong>world!";
echo esc_html( $text, 'text-domain' );
?>

This code snippet demonstrates how to use the esc_html_e function to escape the HTML tags within the string and then echo the escaped string. The esc_html_e function is used to prevent XSS (cross-site scripting) attacks by escaping the HTML entities in the string before outputting it to the browser.

How to use esc_html_e within an HTML attribute

<?php $attribute = "value";
esc_html_e( $attribute, 'text-domain' );
?>

In this example, the esc_html_e function is used to escape the value of an HTML attribute. This is important to prevent any HTML or JavaScript code within the attribute from being executed as part of a potential XSS attack. By using esc_html_e, the attribute value is properly escaped before being outputted to the browser.

How to use esc_html_e with a dynamic string

<?php $dynamic_text = get_option( 'dynamic_text' );
esc_html_e( $dynamic_text, 'text-domain' );
?>

This code snippet showcases the usage of esc_html_e with a dynamic string retrieved from a WordPress option. By using esc_html_e, the dynamic text is properly escaped before being displayed, ensuring that any potential HTML or JavaScript code within the dynamic text does not pose a security risk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the esc_html_e function is a crucial tool for ensuring the security and integrity of your website. By using this function to escape and sanitize HTML output, you can protect your site from potential vulnerabilities and attacks. It is important to always use this function when outputting dynamic content to the browser, as it helps to prevent cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. Additionally, the esc_html_e function aids in maintaining code readability and consistency, making it an essential part of any developer’s toolkit. By incorporating this function into your development practices, you can contribute to creating a safer and more secure web environment for both users and developers.

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