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.
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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 thorough instructions on how to install a WordPress plugin and activate it properly.
- From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to XYZ PHP Code -> PHPCode Snippets.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Comments
May 16 2017
Thanks it was easy and great.....
May 28 2017
Thanks you very much i was searching for php code in wordpress like this
November 04 2017
I did exactly as you say but this plugin doesn't work properly, it is crap.
November 10 2017
Hey Devon, Why, do you get any errors? Provide more details, please.
December 19 2017
No errors, just doesn't work. No more details required.
November 08 2017
Is it possible that it doesn't work for 'pages'?
November 21 2017
I did exactly as you say but it doesn't work. It shows this message: Parse error: syntax error, unexpected ‘&’ in /home/nt435/public_html/wp-content/plugins/insert-php/insert_php.php(48) : eval()’d code on line 3
November 23 2017
Thank you Guys
April 17 2018
This plugin worked for me... had to deactivate some plugins before i got it to work
August 31 2018
Thanks a lot!
March 16 2020
You can consider: https://wordpress.org/plugins/ultimate-shortcodes-creator/. You can inject whatever code through a custom shortcode.
April 28 2020
Amazing content, thank you!
August 11 2020
Work for me
December 03 2020
Your simple example works, thank you. I am struggling with a more complex example: https://www.w3schools.com/php/php_form_validation.asp. How to get the form action to work. Any suggestions?
February 09 2021
Hi, Ian :) I'd suggest starting by enabling error logging and checking the error_log file - that should help detect the possible issue. If anything, I'd recommend considering using a plugin for your contact form :)
December 03 2020
The answer was to put the entire code block into the PHPSnippet