Add a special PHP code to the function.php

Each webshop is different and so is your desire for how your webshop must function. Maybe you have chosen the WooCommerce theme that has almost all the functions you need, but there are still routine adjustments needed to improve your website. Many of these adjustments can be done directly in the Function.php file your child theme. In this article, you will learn everything about this file and how to deal with it.

What is the Function.php file and where can I find it?

WordPress has chosen a certain file structure for themes, and Functions.php files are part of this. As the name suggests, this file must contain functions. When a theme is published by WordPress, the system also sees which function is mentioned in the Functions.php file. This happens quite late in the process, so you can befall or even deactivate the existing function.

So, each theme has a file function.php. If the file does not exist, the theme will not function and you will get an error message. You can find files via SFTP connection to your website in/wp-content/theme/folder/folder.

Please note that you can only modify files in the theme folder if it is a theme written specifically for your website. In almost all cases, you must use the child’s theme …

There is no WordPress website without a child theme

If you use the theme selected from the WordPress repository or have bought a premium theme from the WordPress theme developer, you will receive routine updates. During such an update, all the changes that you make on your theme will be overwritten.

To prevent this, always use the theme of the child. If you don’t have a child theme, it’s time to make it!

How do I edit the Function.php file?

When you install WordPress by default, you can also edit your function.php file via the dashboard. We advise you not to do this. In this way, you will not have the original version of the backup, and if you enter a bad code, maybe after checking by WordPress that your website will stop working. If you don’t have SFTP access, you might not be able to correct mistakes quickly. You can do it better in the following ways:

1. Download the Function.php file to your laptop and save the copy as a backup.
2. Open the file in PHP editor. We recommend brackets, free text editors that function with Windows and Mac.
3. Now edit the code and save the file.
4. Are you sure everything is true? Upload and change the current file.
5. Test your website to see if everything is still functioning.

Are there any errors or unexpected behavior after your update? Then it might be better to ask the web developer. Do you want to make big changes? Then test your new code first through the location of the performance or testing.

Questions that are often asked

Where can I get a child theme for my theme?

Most of the WordPress Premium themes also offer children’s themes. If the child’s theme is lost, you can make it yourself. As mentioned earlier, the child’s theme consists of at least two files. You can find a child theme for Oceanwp here. With some small adjustments, this can also function for your WordPress theme.

What can I do if my website stops working after changing the Functions.php file?

If you have saved the old file as a backup before creating a change, replace the modified file with the previous version. Do you not make a backup before change? Then use a file from a backup made by your hosting provider. Don’t change everything, only File Function.php. Besides, you don’t want to restore your entire webshop.

Is it safe to modify File Functions.php?

Modifying PHP files is as safe as your knowledge of PHP code and web development. Not sure or make mistakes when making changes? Ask WordPress specialists.

Where can I find a safe code footage for my webshop?

There are several code footage on the WooCommerce website that is generally safe. Your WordPress Theme Developer Website may also have a useful code footage. You can usually trust this because the same person develops your theme. Don’t use the PHP code that you find on other websites without checking it first.

How to modify other files from my (parent) theme?

The theme of WordPress children consists of at least the files “Function.php” and “Style.css”. In principle, you can also copy other theme files and modify it. Our advice is to only change the theme file if there are no other options. Your theme developers can also modify these files in the next version, and you can lose important improvements (or your website may not function properly after the theme update).

Published in: PHP script · Development of WordPress