Using remove_query_arg to strip query params from URLs in WordPress

The remove_query_arg function in WordPress is a part of the WordPress HTTP API. This function is designed to remove one or more query arguments from a URL. It can be applied to any URL that includes query arguments, such as those found in the address bar of a web browser or links on a webpage. The function modifies the URL by removing the specified query arguments and their values, returning a new URL that no longer contains those elements.

One of the main benefits of using the remove_query_arg function is that it can help to simplify URLs. This can be particularly useful when dealing with complex URLs that contain multiple query arguments, as it allows for specific elements to be removed while leaving the rest of the URL intact.

Another potential use for the remove_query_arg function is in the context of web development and testing. For example, it can be used to create different versions of a URL for testing purposes, each with a different set of query arguments. This can help to identify issues or bugs that only occur under certain conditions.

The remove_query_arg function provides a method for manipulating URLs in WordPress by removing specific query arguments. This can be used to simplify URLs, create different versions of a URL for testing purposes, and more.

Parameters of the WordPress remove_query_arg function

The remove_query_arg function in WordPress accepts two parameters, which are utilized to manage and manipulate the URL query strings. Let’s delve into each of these parameters:

  • $key (string|string[]): This is a mandatory parameter. It signifies the query key or keys that need to be eliminated from the URL.
  • $query (false|string): This parameter is optional and its default value is set to false. It is used to specify the URL from which the query keys should be removed. If it is set to false, the function will use the current URL.

Return Value of the WordPress remove_query_arg function

Once the remove_query_arg function is executed, it returns a string. This string represents the new URL query string where the specified query key or keys have been removed.

The returned string is the modified URL, after the specified query keys have been removed from the original URL. If the $query parameter was set to false, this will be the current URL minus the specified query keys.

Examples

How to remove a single query argument from a URL

$url = 'http://example.com/?arg1=value1&arg2=value2&arg3=value3';
$updated_url = remove_query_arg('arg2', $url);
echo $updated_url;

In this example, the remove_query_arg function is used to remove the query argument ‘arg2’ from the URL stored in the $url variable. The result is stored in the $updated_url variable and then printed out. The output will be ‘http://example.com/?arg1=value1&arg3=value3’.

How to remove multiple query arguments from a URL

$url = 'http://example.com/?arg1=value1&arg2=value2&arg3=value3';
$updated_url = remove_query_arg(array('arg1', 'arg3'), $url);
echo $updated_url;

In this example, the remove_query_arg function is used to remove multiple query arguments (‘arg1’ and ‘arg3’) from the URL stored in the $url variable. The result is stored in the $updated_url variable and then printed out. The output will be ‘http://example.com/?arg2=value2’.

How to remove a query argument without specifying a URL

$updated_url = remove_query_arg('arg1');
echo $updated_url;

In this example, the remove_query_arg function is used to remove the query argument ‘arg1’ from the current page’s URL. The result is stored in the $updated_url variable and then printed out. If the current URL before the function call was ‘http://example.com/?arg1=value1&arg2=value2’, the output will be ‘http://example.com/?arg2=value2’.

Conclusion

The remove_query_arg function in WordPress is a tool that allows developers to remove specific query arguments from URLs. This function can be utilized in various scenarios, such as when developers need to clean up URLs for aesthetic purposes, to enhance readability, or to secure sites by removing sensitive information from the URL. It is a part of the WordPress API and is used to modify and manage URLs within the WordPress environment.

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