Getting WordPress category by slug with get_category_by_slug
The get_category_by_slug function in WordPress retrieves a category object based on its slug. This can be useful when you want to retrieve information about a specific category without having to loop through all categories to find the one with a matching slug.
By using this function, you can quickly and efficiently retrieve the category object you need, saving time and resources in your WordPress development.
Parameters accepted by get_category_by_slug function
$slug(string, required): The category slug.
Value returned by get_category_by_slug function
The function returns either an object representing the category data on success, or false if the category is not found.
Examples
How to get category by slug in WordPress:
Example 1: Get category by slug
$category = get_category_by_slug( 'news' );
if ( $category ) {
echo 'Category ID: ' . $category->term_id;
echo 'Category Name: ' . $category->name;
}
This code snippet uses the get_category_by_slug function to retrieve the category with the slug ‘news’. If the category is found, it will display the category ID and name.
Example 2: Check if category exists by slug
$category = get_category_by_slug( 'events' );
if ( $category ) {
echo 'Category exists!';
} else {
echo 'Category does not exist';
}
This code snippet uses the get_category_by_slug function to check if a category with the slug ‘events’ exists. It will display a message indicating whether the category exists or not.
Example 3: Use default value if category does not exist
$category = get_category_by_slug( 'sports' );
$category_name = $category ? $category->name : 'Default Category';
echo 'Category Name: ' . $category_name;
This code snippet uses the get_category_by_slug function to retrieve the category with the slug ‘sports’. If the category is found, it will display the category name. If the category does not exist, it will display a default category name.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the get_category_by_slug function is a valuable tool for developers working with WordPress. It provides a convenient way to retrieve category information based on the category slug, streamlining the process of accessing and manipulating category data within a WordPress site. By using this function, developers can efficiently retrieve category details and incorporate them into their projects, ultimately enhancing the overall functionality and user experience of their WordPress websites.