Updating user information in WordPress with wp_update_user
The wp_update_user function in WordPress is used to update the details of a user in the database. This function can be useful for making changes to a user’s profile, such as updating their email address, display name, or password.
It provides a convenient way to modify user information without having to manually interact with the database. This can be particularly helpful for developers who are building custom user management systems or need to update user details programmatically.
By using the wp_update_user function, developers can ensure that user information is updated securely and efficiently, without the need to directly manipulate the database tables.
Parameters Accepted by wp_update_user Function
The wp_update_user function accepts the following parameters:
$userdata(array|object|WP_User) – Required. An array of user data or a user object of type stdClass or WP_User.
Return Value of wp_update_user Function
The wp_update_user function returns the following:
An integer representing the updated user’s ID, or a WP_Error object if the user could not be updated.
Examples
How to update a user’s email using wp_update_user
$user_id = 123;
$user_data = array(
'ID' => $user_id,
'user_email' => '[email protected]'
);
wp_update_user( $user_data );
This code snippet updates the email address of the user with ID 123 to ‘[email protected]’ using the wp_update_user function.
How to update a user’s role using wp_update_user
$user_id = 123;
$user_data = array(
'ID' => $user_id,
'role' => 'editor'
);
wp_update_user( $user_data );
This code snippet updates the role of the user with ID 123 to ‘editor’ using the wp_update_user function.
How to update a user’s display name using wp_update_user
$user_id = 123;
$user_data = array(
'ID' => $user_id,
'display_name' => 'New Display Name'
);
wp_update_user( $user_data );
This code snippet updates the display name of the user with ID 123 to ‘New Display Name’ using the wp_update_user function.
Conclusion
The wp_update_user function is an essential component for developers working with WordPress user data. It allows for easy updating of user information, including user meta data, and provides a convenient way to handle user profile updates within custom plugins or themes. By understanding the parameters and capabilities of this function, developers can efficiently manage user data and provide a seamless user experience within their WordPress projects.