How to display a list of pages in WordPress using wp_list_pages
The WordPress wp_list_pages function is used to display a list of pages on a WordPress website. It can be useful for creating navigation menus or displaying a list of pages in a sidebar or footer. The function provides a way to easily generate a list of pages without manually coding each link, which can save time and reduce the chance of errors.
By using wp_list_pages, website administrators can dynamically display a list of pages, which can automatically update as new pages are added or existing pages are removed. This can help keep the website navigation up to date without requiring manual updates to the code.
Parameters Accepted by wp_list_pages Function
$args(array|string, optional, default value: ”): Array or string of arguments to generate a list of pages
Value Returned by wp_list_pages Function
The function returns void if the 'echo' argument is true. If 'echo' is false, it returns an HTML list of pages as a string.
Examples
How to list all pages in WordPress
Use the wp_list_pages function to list all pages in WordPress:
<?php
$args = array(
'title_li' => ''
);
wp_list_pages($args);
?>
This code snippet uses the wp_list_pages function to list all pages in WordPress without any additional parameters.
How to list child pages of a specific page in WordPress
Use the wp_list_pages function with the child_of parameter to list child pages of a specific page in WordPress:
<?php
$args = array(
'child_of' => 5, // Replace 5 with the parent page ID
'title_li' => ''
);
wp_list_pages($args);
?>
This code snippet uses the wp_list_pages function to list child pages of a specific page with the ID of 5.
How to customize the output of wp_list_pages in WordPress
Use the wp_list_pages function with custom parameters to customize the output:
<?php
$args = array(
'title_li' => '',
'depth' => 2, // Show only top-level and second-level pages
'sort_column' => 'menu_order', // Sort pages by menu order
'exclude' => '3,6' // Exclude pages with IDs 3 and 6
);
wp_list_pages($args);
?>
This code snippet uses the wp_list_pages function with custom parameters to customize the output, including showing only top-level and second-level pages, sorting pages by menu order, and excluding pages with IDs 3 and 6.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wp_list_pages function is an essential tool for displaying a list of pages on a WordPress website. It offers a wide range of parameters and options, allowing for customization and flexibility in how the page list is displayed. Whether you are a developer looking to integrate the function into a theme or a website owner wanting to enhance navigation, wp_list_pages provides a reliable and efficient solution. By understanding its capabilities and utilizing its features, you can effectively organize and present your site’s content to visitors.