Adding an option to the WordPress database with add_option

The WordPress add_option function is used to add a new option to the WordPress options table in the database. This function can be useful for storing and retrieving custom settings or configuration data for a WordPress site.

By using the add_option function, developers can easily store and retrieve custom data without having to create and manage their own database tables. This can help streamline the development process and make it easier to manage and maintain custom settings and configuration data for a WordPress site.

Parameters Accepted by the WordPress add_option Function

The add_option function in WordPress accepts the following parameters:

  • $option (string, required): Name of the option to add. It is expected to not be SQL-escaped.
  • $value (mixed, optional, default value: ”): Option value. Must be serializable if non-scalar. It is also expected to not be SQL-escaped.
  • $deprecated (string, optional, default value: ”): Description. This parameter is not used anymore.
  • $autoload (string/bool, optional, default value: ‘yes’): Whether to load the option when WordPress starts up. The default is enabled. It accepts ‘no’ to disable for legacy reasons.

Value Returned by the WordPress add_option Function

The add_option function returns a boolean value. It returns true if the option was added successfully, and false otherwise.

Examples

How to add a simple option using add_option function

<?php add_option('my_option', 'Hello, World!');
?>

This code snippet adds a simple option named my_option with the value Hello, World! using the add_option function in WordPress.

How to add an option with autoload set to true

<?php add_option('my_option', 'Hello, World!', '', 'yes'); ?>

This code snippet adds an option named my_option with the value Hello, World! and sets the autoload parameter to true using the add_option function in WordPress.

Conclusion

The add_option function is an effective feature for adding new options to a WordPress site. It provides a simple and efficient way to customize and extend the functionality of a website, allowing developers to tailor the user experience to their specific needs. By using the add_option function, developers can easily store and retrieve custom settings and preferences, making it an essential function for any WordPress project.

Related WordPress Functions

in WordPress Functions