Category: WordPress

Why use React/JS to create a Meta Box

1

In my previous post I mentioned that the reason why we need to learn to do this is to get all the new features. But what is the new features?

You can read more in my previous post: Custom Field & Meta Box in Gutenberg Editor.

In this short blog post, I want to give a simple example, to transform the field to a full sidebar panel.

Read More Why use React/JS to create a Meta Box

Custom Field & Meta Box in Gutenberg Editor

9

How to do this in the “new” way?

From this:

To this:

Creating a custom field using a custom meta box is simple and very straightforward.

Basically we create a meta box using meta box API and add it in post meta data using save_post hook.

Here’s the basic code:

// Add field:
add_action( 'add_meta_boxes', function() {
	add_meta_box(
		'my_meta_box',
		'My Meta Box',
		function( $post ) {
			wp_nonce_field( __FILE__, '_my_data_nonce' );
			?>
			<p><input type="text" class="large-text" name="my_data" value="<?php echo esc_attr( get_post_meta( $post->ID, '_my_data', true ) ); ?>"></p>
			<?php
		},
		'post',
		'side'
	);
} );
// Save field.
add_action( 'save_post', function( $post_id ) {
	if ( isset( $_POST['my_data'], $_POST['_my_data_nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( $_POST['_my_data_nonce'], __FILE__ ) ) {
		update_post_meta( $post_id, '_my_data', sanitize_text_field( $_POST['my_data'] ) );
	}
} );

But how to do this in the new way?

Read More Custom Field & Meta Box in Gutenberg Editor

You Don’t Need “wp_localize_script()” to Get “admin-ajax.php”

5

The most common method to use AJAX in WordPress is using admin-ajax.php + WordPress hook system.

And one of the recommended method to get this file URL is by using wp_localize_script(). This method is explained in details in my other tutorial WordPress AJAX for Beginners.

However, there is an alternative method.

Read More You Don’t Need “wp_localize_script()” to Get “admin-ajax.php”

Today I just reached 10.000+ Active Installs ! (WordPress themes and plugins total)

I know it’s not that impressive. but 😏 YEY! anyway.

it’s pretty embarrassing actually. 15 plugins and 10 themes.
but still happy for this milestone.

Help! I Can’t Find The Right WordPress Contact Form Plugin

4

In WordPress we have a lot of options to create contact forms. But I can’t seem to find the best solutions. I even think to create my own contact forms plugin.

My Requirements Are:

  1. Responsive.
    Not only in form output/front-end. Administration panel need to work in mobile devices. Well, at least usable, I understand that some features might need to be hidden/disabled in small screen devices for usability and UX. But not broken.
  2. Use WordPress UI:
    Seamless integration with WordPress, native-feel. I’m not a fan of app-like fancy UI. Professional. No excessive branding with cute icon/logo. If possible no cross-selling of add-ons/upgrade (or easy way to disable it).
  3. Simple and easy to use:
    User need to be able to use it without the need to learn proper form HTML markup.
  4. Little to no learning curve:
    No excessive features, I just need a contact form not a shopping cart, not a user registration form. If the code base is extendable and able to do all this via add-on that’s a plus. But it’s not necessary and not needed in the “core” plugins.
  5. Theme and Template Friendly:
    Can be added in a page template, any template file, no need to be in the “loop”. Simple shortcode to display the form should work with do_shortcode() function.

So, basically, something basic that I can use on my clients site and that’s it.

Of course anti spam features (maybe custom honey pot or integration with recaptcha/akismet) is also a requirements.

Here are several of my issue with current contact forms solutions (not in particular order):

Table of contents
  1. Contact Form 7
  2. Jetpack Contact Form Module
  3. NinjaForms
  4. WPForms Lite
  5. Formidable Forms (Lite)
  6. GravityForms
  7. Fast Secure Contact Form

Read More Help! I Can’t Find The Right WordPress Contact Form Plugin

Why Do We Ask: What’s Your Budget?

I didn’t ask this question a lot. But recently a client linked to an article, possibly to make sure I didn’t ask for their estimate budget for the project (which is fine):

The Worst Question To Ask Your Clients: “What’s Your Budget?”

The article covers some valid points. Asking budget question might be a sign for:

  1. Lack of knowledge
  2. Signal of deception
  3. No value
  4. No due diligence, etc.

But I don’t always agree. In some case asking for budget is totally fine. Read More Why Do We Ask: What’s Your Budget?