WordPress Expert

Did you know that the correct functioning of some plugins is dependent the “plugin-friendliness” of your WordPress theme?

The themes that come default with WordPress are okay. But if you’re using a theme designed by someone else, you might want to inspect it to make sure.

First go to the “Theme Editor” tab under the Design or Presentation section. You’ll see a list of files — click the files whose names are listed below, and look for these lines of code. (Of course, if any of this code isn’t there, you can always copy/paste it in yourself and click Save.)

1. Header — Does your theme have this important line of code before the </head> closing tag? It’s used by plugins to insert JavaScript, CSS, meta tags, etc. WordPress itself even uses it to insert some header code.

   <?php wp_head(); ?>

2. Sidebar — Although not as commonly used by plugins, it would be good for this code to be found in the “Meta” section of your sidebar:

   <?php wp_meta(); ?>

3. Comments — This should go at the end of your comment form, before the </form> closing tag. It’s critical for the function of some plugins, such as the popular “Subscribe to Comments.”

   <?php do_action('comment_form', $post->ID); ?>

4. Footer — This line of code should be at the bottom of your theme. It can be used, among other things, to insert JavaScript code or statistical information (spam counters, etc).

   <?php wp_footer(); ?>

Did your theme pass the test?