How to Add PHP Code to WordPress Post or Page

Looking to know how to run PHP code on a WordPress post or page? You’ve come to the right place. Here, we will uncover how to add PHP to a WordPress page or post so you can improve their functionality.

Reasons to Add PHP Code to WordPress Post or Page

By default, WordPress doesn’t allow you to run PHP code in posts or pages. The recommended way to add PHP functions is to modify the child theme or create custom page templates.

Despite so, there are occasions where you might want to add specific PHP functions to an individual post or page. In these cases, you can override the rule using WordPress code widget plugins.

The following tutorial will guide you through the process of using the Insert PHP Code Snippet plugin to add PHP code directly to a WordPress post or page.

How to Add PHP Code to WordPress Post or Page Using a Plugin

Before diving into the tutorial, make sure you have installed and activate the Insert PHP Code Snippet plugin. Check this tutorial for a thorough instruction on how to install and activate a WordPress plugin properly.

1. From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to XYZ PHP Code -> PHPCode Snippets.
2. In the PHP Code Snippets page, click Add New PHP Code Snippet. Add your desired PHP function and its tracking name to the appointed boxes. In this example, we will add the date() function that returns the local date and time. Then, click Create.
   
3. If the process is successful, a confirmation message and the new function will appear on the screen. For future use, make sure all the PHP functions you want to use are active by checking the Action section. Active code snippets will show a green pause symbol while inactive ones will have a green checkmark next to them.
   
4. To add a PHP code to a WordPress post or page, paste the snippet shortcode of the function you want to use in the desired location. If you’re using the Gutenberg block editor, use the shortcode or code block to display it.
   
5. That’s it! Your newly created post should execute the PHP code like the following example:
   

Conclusion

Just because WordPress doesn’t allow you to run PHP code in a post or page, it’s not impossible to do so. Using WordPress code widget plugins, you can add various PHP functions to your posts or pages easily.

Do you find this tutorial helpful? Let us know in the comments section below!