How to use the get_term function in WordPress to retrieve term data

The WordPress get_term function retrieves a single term from a specific taxonomy. It can be useful for fetching and displaying information about a particular term, such as its name, description, and associated metadata.

By using the get_term function, developers can easily access and display relevant information about a specific term within their WordPress site, allowing for more dynamic and customized content presentation.

Parameters accepted by the WordPress get_term function

The get_term function accepts the following parameters:

  • $term (int|WP_Term object) – This parameter is required. If it is an integer, the function will fetch term data from the database or from the cache if available.
  • $taxonomy (string) – This parameter is optional with a default value of an empty string. It represents the taxonomy name that $term is a part of.
  • $output (string) – This parameter is optional with a default value of ‘OBJECT’. It specifies the required return type, which can be one of OBJECT, ARRAY_A, or ARRAY_N, corresponding to a WP_Term object, an associative array, or a numeric array, respectively.
  • $filter (string) – This parameter is optional with a default value of ‘raw’. It determines how to sanitize term fields, with the default value being ‘raw’.

Value returned by the WordPress get_term function

The get_term function returns either a WP_Term instance or an array on success, depending on the $output value. If the specified $taxonomy does not exist, the function returns a WP_Error. In case of miscellaneous failure, the function returns null.

Examples

How to get the term by ID

Use the get_term function to retrieve the term by its ID.

$term_id = 5;
$term = get_term( $term_id, 'category' );

How to get the term by slug

Retrieve the term by its slug using the get_term function.

$term_slug = 'wordpress';
$term = get_term_by( 'slug', $term_slug, 'post_tag' );

How to check if a term exists

Use the get_term function to check if a term exists by its ID.

$term_id = 10;
if ( false !== ( $term = get_term( $term_id, 'category' ) ) ) {
 // Term exists
} else {
 // Term does not exist
}

Conclusion

In conclusion, the get_term function is an useful component for retrieving term data from the database in WordPress. Whether it’s fetching a specific term by ID, slug, or name, or retrieving all terms for a specific taxonomy, this function provides developers with the flexibility they need to efficiently manage and display term information.

By understanding the parameters and options available for the get_term function, developers can leverage its capabilities to enhance the functionality and performance of their WordPress websites. With its ability to return a single term object or an array of term objects, this function offers a versatile solution for accessing and manipulating term data.

The get_term function is an essential tool for working with taxonomy terms in WordPress, and mastering its usage can greatly benefit developers in their efforts to create dynamic and customizable websites.

Related WordPress Functions

in WordPress Functions