How to shorten URLs in WordPress using the url_shorten function

The url_shorten function in WordPress is used to shorten a given URL that can be used as link text. This can be useful in situations where you need to display a more user-friendly or concise version of a long URL, such as in social media posts or email communications.

By using the url_shorten function, you can create shorter, more manageable URLs that are easier for users to read and understand. This can help improve the user experience and make it easier for people to share and access the content associated with the shortened URL.

Parameters accepted by the WordPress url_shorten function

The url_shorten function accepts the following parameters:

• $url (string, required): URL to shorten.
• $length (int, optional, default value: 35): Maximum length of the shortened URL, with a default of 35 characters.

Value returned by the WordPress url_shorten function

The url_shorten function returns a string, which is the shortened URL.

Examples

How to use the WordPress url_shorten function with custom options

Here’s a code snippet that demonstrates how to use the url_shorten function with custom options:

$url = 'https://www.example.com/very-long-url';
$shortened_url = url_shorten( $url, 30 );
echo $shortened_url;

This code snippet takes a long URL and uses the url_shorten function with custom options to shorten it to a length of 30 characters. The shortened URL is then echoed out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the url_shorten function is a valuable tool for reducing the length of URLs, making them more manageable and easier to share. By implementing this function, developers can improve the user experience and optimize their application’s performance. With its ability to generate concise and user-friendly links, the url_shorten function is a valuable addition to any web development project.