How to Print the $plugin_Meta Array

The $plugin_meta array is a collection of metadata for specific plugins. WordPress creates the array in the plugin management system that helps keep track of the plugins installed and the information associated with them. Learning how to work with and display the $plugin_meta array helps developers to resolve the issues with their plugins as well as obtain knowledge about the behaviour of plugins.

The information stored in the $plugin_meta could differ but usually comprises:

• Name: The name of the plugin.
• Version Version 1.0: The most latest version of the plug-in.
• Author Author: The name of the author of the HTML0 code, or the developer’s name.
• Description Description: An introductory description of the functionality of this plugin.

2. How to Access $plugin_meta

In WordPress it is the "$plugin_meta" array is typically accessible within the plugin’s file or through a hook which handles metadata for plugins. The most commonly used hook to actually achieve this can be found in plugin_row_meta and permits us to modify and filter the metadata displayed in the WordPress administrator panel’s list of plugins.

Example of Accessing $plugin_meta

To get access to the $plugin_meta value together plugin_row_meta, the row_meta filter, include the following code into the main file of your plugin:

PHPCopy the codeadd_filter('plugin_row_meta', 'custom_plugin_meta', 10, 2); function custom_plugin_meta($plugin_meta, $plugin_file)  

The code outputs the $plugin_meta for each plugin’s meta-data on the page for plugins and allows you to see the structure of each plugin and its values.

3. Different Methods to Print $plugin_meta

When you’ve reached your array of $plugin_meta in the array, you can choose from various ways to display it, either for debugging or for informational reasons.

a. By using the print_r or the var_dump

Utilizing printing with print_r or using var_dump is among the easiest ways to display the content of an array using PHP.

PHPCopy the codefunction custom_plugin_meta($plugin_meta, $plugin_file) { echo '

'; print_r($plugin_meta); // Outputs the array in a human-readable format echo '

 Return $plugin_meta|"; return $plugin_meta.|"'; return $plugin_meta.} 

• print_r This function outputs a usable version of the array appropriate to debug.
• variable dump The function offers more specific details, such as the data nature of each value.

b. Using Debug Log

If you’re not planning to show the output of your experiment in the form of a display then you could write the output to a debug log file.

1. The first step is to enable logging by making sure that you set your WP_DEBUG AND the WP_DEBUG_LOG to the true within the wp-config.php file:

   PHPCopy the codedefine('WP_DEBUG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true); 

2. Make use of the error_log to transmit your $plugin_meta details into the debug log

   PHPCopy the codefunction custom_plugin_meta($plugin_meta, $plugin_file)  

C. Displaying Output on the Plugin Settings Page

If your plugin is on the feature of setting it up that you are able to display the $plugin_meta on the page for quick access.

PHPCopy the codefunction display_plugin_meta_on_settings_page() { global $plugin_meta; echo '

Plugin Metadata

'; echo '

'; print_r($plugin_meta); echo '

'; } 

Add this function to your setting page or an admin menu so that you are able to see the $plugin_meta value directly within the WordPress administrator.

4. Examples of Accessing $plugin_meta

Below are a few examples of how you can access the $plugin_meta in various situations.

Example 1: Print Plugin Metadata in Plugin List

PHPCopy the codeadd_filter('plugin_row_meta', 'display_plugin_meta_in_plugin_list', 10, 2); function display_plugin_meta_in_plugin_list($plugin_meta, $plugin_file) { if (strpos($plugin_file, 'your-plugin-name.php') !== false) { echo '

'; print_r($plugin_meta); echo '

 return $plugin_meta|"; return $plugin_meta|"; $plugin_meta returns}| •| //} 

Example 2: Display Metadata in Admin Dashboard Widget

PHPCopy the codefunction add_dashboard_widget_with_plugin_meta()  add_action('wp_dashboard_setup', 'add_dashboard_widget_with_plugin_meta'); function display_plugin_meta_widget() { global $plugin_meta; echo '

'; print_r($plugin_meta); echo '

'; } 

5. Customizing Plugin Metadata Display

If you wish to alter your the $plugin_meta array material prior to displaying it then you may do it together plugin_row_meta. plugin_row_meta filter. You might, for instance, need to insert a custom hyperlink or more details.

PHPCopy the codeadd_filter('plugin_row_meta', 'add_custom_info_to_plugin_meta', 10, 2); function add_custom_info_to_plugin_meta($plugin_meta, $plugin_file)  

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

While you work on the $plugin_meta plugin it is possible to have some difficulties. These are the most frequent ones and ways you can fix these issues:

• Issue: Empty Array
  If the $plugin_meta function results in the empty array assure that the row_meta filter is set to the right plugin file. Make sure you check the name of your plugin file and assure that the hook is located in the main plugin file.
• Issue: Not Displaying in Admin
  Check that you’ve got the right rights and you’re viewing the appropriate administrator page. It is possible to clean cache if the changes aren’t immediately apparent.
• Issue: Error Messages or Warnings
  You can debug with Windows PowerShell's Debugger to determine the cause of the issue. The incorrect use of variables, or functions that are not defined can cause warnings.

7. leading Methods to Work with $plugin_meta in the $plugin_meta

For you to work with the $plugin_meta plugin effectively take a look at these excellent methods:

• Utilize Debugging Carefully Avoid together the print_r or variable_dump in production websites. Make use of logging instead.
• Respect Privacy of Users Don’t show sensitive information in plugins if they print metadata.
• Get rid of Debugging Code after Utilization Debugging code that is that is left in production environments may slow performance or create a mess in your output.
• Limits to a specific plugin In order to prevent confusion, only target the specific plugin’s file particularly if you’re making changes to the $plugin_meta file together an overall filter.
• Use Conditional Statements Make use of conditions to test particular metadata fields prior to showing or altering the fields.

Conclusion

The printing and inspection of the plugin's $plugin_meta array of WordPress lets developers debug and alter the plugin’s metadata definitely. If you follow the instructions above it is possible to print, browse and modify plugin’s metadata to create a personalized WordPress plugin user experience.

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