WordPress: save `get_template_part()` to variable

How to Save get_template_part() to a Variable in WordPress

Are you facing the challenge of trying to save the output of the get_template_part() function in WordPress to a variable? You're not alone! Many developers and WordPress users have encountered this issue, but fear not! In this blog post, we will explore common problems and provide easy-to-implement solutions.

Understanding the Issue: get_template_part() Function

The get_template_part() function in WordPress is commonly used to load a template part file and display its contents within a PHP file. It's a powerful feature that allows you to separate the structure and logic of your theme. However, the function was not designed to return the template part output as a string. Instead, it prints it directly onto the page.

The Challenge: Saving get_template_part() Output to a Variable

Let's say you have a scenario where you need to store the output of get_template_part() in a variable for further manipulation or processing. Here's an example:

$var = get_template_part( 'loop', 'index' );

Unfortunately, this approach won't work. The value stored in $var will be empty because get_template_part() only prints its output, rather than returning it.

Easy Solutions to Overcome the Challenge

Solution 1: Using Output Buffering

One effective way to solve this problem is by leveraging PHP's output buffering. By utilizing this technique, we can capture the output of get_template_part() and store it in a variable. Here's an example:

ob_start();
get_template_part( 'loop', 'index' );
$var = ob_get_clean();

By calling ob_start(), we start output buffering, which captures any output and stores it in an internal buffer. Then, with ob_get_clean(), we retrieve the contents of the buffer and assign it to $var.

Solution 2: Using a Custom Function

Another approach is to create a custom function that performs the same task as get_template_part(), but returns the output instead of printing it. Here's an example:

function custom_get_template_part( $slug, $name = null ) {
    ob_start();
    get_template_part( $slug, $name );
    return ob_get_clean();
}

$var = custom_get_template_part( 'loop', 'index' );

In this solution, we define custom_get_template_part(), which uses output buffering to achieve the desired result. Now, when we call custom_get_template_part() with the appropriate parameters, we can assign its output to $var.

Your Turn: Engage and Share

Now that you have learned two easy solutions to save the output of get_template_part() to a variable in WordPress, it's your turn to put them into action! Experiment with both solutions and see which one works best for your specific scenario.

If you found this blog post helpful, don't hesitate to share it with fellow WordPress enthusiasts who might be facing the same issue. Together, we can make WordPress development more enjoyable and productive!

Have you encountered any other WordPress challenges? Let us know in the comments below! 👇🤔

Happy coding! 💻✨