Create Custom Database Table in WordPress
The purpose to Create Custom Database Table in WordPress is to extend functionality. We may need to enhance the functionality of our WordPress website for customization or integrate a custom project into WordPress.
The default WordPress database tables are insufficient for customization or extended functionality because they were only created for WordPress core functionality.
Custom post types and taxonomies are another option for organizing certain types of content within WordPress. However custom post types are not always advisable due to their inefficiency and inability to accommodate diverse data types.
To make data retrieval and analysis more efficient, custom tables are an option. Also in the case of plugins, they need their tables.
Why Create Custom Database Table in WordPress
There are several reasons to create custom tables in WordPress. These are as follows:
Custom Table For Plugin or Theme Development
When building plugins or themes that require specialized data storage, developers have the option to create custom tables. Managing data according to their specific needs can be met by custom tables that are aligned with the application. To maintain data integrity and separation, storing plugin-related data in a custom table can be beneficial when developing a plugin with its own set of features.
Performance Optimization
WordPress custom post types are not designed to handle large amounts of data or complex relationships.
Maintenance of performance is possible through the custom tables for specific queries. The speed and efficiency of operations can be significantly enhanced by optimizing database queries when using custom tables for large data or complex relationships.
Structured Data Storage
The storage and organization of specific types of data in a structured manner can be done using custom tables. This is especially beneficial when dealing with complex or customized data that does not easily fit into the WordPress tables.
Data Separation
Separating specific data types from the core WordPress tables is a wise decision for maintenance, upgrades, and efficiency.
Specific Instances of Use
The default WordPress tables may be unable to accommodate unique data structures for certain projects or functionalities. Custom tables can be a viable option in these situations.
How to Create Custom Database Table in WordPress
To ensure flexibility and optimization, custom tables must be designed with long-term maintenance in mind and potential conflicts with future WordPress updates in mind. Comply with the best practices when creating custom WordPress tables.
Creating Custom Database Table in WordPress Plugin
The first and best method to create a custom table in WordPress is to create a plugin to create a custom table. Also, sometimes we need to create a table for our plugin. In both situations, we can use this code.
Follow the steps to create a plugin with table creation code.
1 Create a php file and place it in the WordPress plugin folder. You can name it as your plugin name. As create-custom-table.php.
2 Paste the following lines at the top of the file.
At a minimum, a header comment must contain the Plugin Name to create a plugin. You can add more lines for
/*
* Plugin Name: YOUR PLUGIN NAME
*/These are the minimum information that is needed to create a plugin, you can add more specifications.
In our case, you can paste the following lines.
/*
Plugin Name: Create Custom Table
Description: This plugin creates a custom table in WordPress.
*/3 Now add the following function code to the file.
function gsta_create_table() {
global $wpdb;
$table_name = $wpdb->prefix . 'members1';
$charset_collate = $wpdb->get_charset_collate();
$sql = "CREATE TABLE $table_name (
id mediumint(7) NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT,
member_name varchar(25) NOT NULL,
city varchar(25) NOT NULL,
state varchar(25) NOT NULL,
country varchar(25) NOT NULL,
phone varchar(15) DEFAULT '' NOT NULL,
time datetime DEFAULT '0000-00-00 00:00:00' NOT NULL,
PRIMARY KEY (id)
) $charset_collate;";
dbDelta( $sql );
}4 Add the following line of activation hook, this will call gsta_create_table function that will create a custom table.
register_activation_hook( __FILE__, 'gsta_create_table' );If you do not know the basics of table creation, see how to create MySQL table using php.
Conclusion
The custom WordPress database tables are used to achieve customization and add more functionality to WordPress. In this tutorial, we have explained how to create custom database table in WordPress. We hope this will help you in your project to integrate a custom table in WordPress.