What are WordPress shortcodes?
A shortcode is a WordPress-specific code that lets you do nifty things with very little effort. Shortcodes can embed files or create objects that would normally require lots of complicated, ugly code in just one line. Shortcode = shortcut.
They are sort of like very simple plugins that allow you to manipulate different functions in your wordpress site.
While these can be implemented easily in some circumstances there are plugins that provide lists of the most used wordpress shortcodes allowing even the novice to access the power of these small snippets of code.
WordPress Shortcodes can embed files or create objects that would normally require lots of complicated, ugly code in just one line.
WordPress shortcodes were introduced in version 2.5 and since then have proved to be one of the most useful features. The average user acting as editor has the ability to publish dynamic content using macros, without the need for programming skills.
When a shortcode is inserted in a WordPress post or page, it is replaced with some other content. In other words, we instruct WordPress to find the macro that is in square brackets ([]
) and replace it with the appropriate dynamic content, which is produced by a PHP function.
You can build wordpress shortcodes yourself but this is for business people so a much simpler decision is to use someone elses hard work to make it simple.
There are many wordpress shortcodes plugins which add a link in your post and pages
WordPress Shortcodes Buttons
So here is a simple button useing a wordpress shortcode. I can choose color, size, text and style
Sign Up NowThis is what the WordPress shortcodes looks like in my editor.
You can also add your own icons to your WordPress shortcodes.
Bigger ButtonWordPress Shortcodes Tabs
Tabs are great things especially if you have limited space and lots of content. So below is a sample of a wordpress shortcodes tabed content.
WordPress Shortcodes Accordian
Another great wordpress shortcodes option is the accordion. This can be used for FAQ and much more. It allows you to add content in separate dropdown areas.
You can also use one wordpress shortcodes inside another. So this is the accordion inside a tab and it is a graphic to show you how it looks.
WordPress Shortcodes Graphics
WordPress shortcodes allow you to display all sorts of graphics like you see on expensive sites You can manipulate carousels, sliders and galleries.
[slider width=”980″ height=”360″ title=”no” pages=”no” mousewheel=”no” autoplay=”8000″ speed=”800″]
So that is a basic over view of WordPress shortcodes. The plugin I used for this set can be found at WordPress Plugin Site
There are also a number of paid wordpress shortcodes that add even more ability to add different elements to your wordpress site.
This plugin also adds more functionality.
Here is a video (no sound) to give you an even better understanding.