Why Template parts in Wordpress? - Purpose & Use Cases

The Big Idea

What if you could fix your website header once and see the change everywhere instantly?

The Scenario

Imagine building a website where every page has the same header and footer, but you have to copy and paste the same code into each page file manually.

The Problem

Manually copying code everywhere is tiring and risky. If you want to change the header, you must update every single page file. This wastes time and can cause mistakes or inconsistencies.

The Solution

Template parts let you create reusable pieces of your site like headers or footers once. Then you include them wherever needed. Change the template part once, and all pages update automatically.

Before vs After

✗ Before

<!-- header code copied in every page -->
<header>My Site</header>
...
<!-- footer code copied in every page -->
<footer>Contact info</footer>

✓ After

<?php get_template_part('header'); ?>
...
<?php get_template_part('footer'); ?>

What It Enables

You can build consistent, easy-to-maintain websites by reusing parts and updating them in one place.

Real Life Example

A blog where the site owner wants to change the menu style. Instead of editing 50 pages, they update the header template part once, and all pages reflect the new menu instantly.

Key Takeaways

Template parts save time by reusing code.

They reduce errors by centralizing common sections.

They make site updates faster and simpler.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of using get_template_part() in WordPress themes?

easy

A. To create database tables

B. To register new custom post types

C. To include reusable template parts and keep code organized

D. To enqueue styles and scripts

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the function role

   get_template_part() is designed to include reusable parts of a theme, like headers or footers.

2. Step 2: Compare with other options

   Registering post types, enqueuing scripts, and creating tables are unrelated to template parts.

3. Final Answer:

   To include reusable template parts and keep code organized -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Template parts = reusable code pieces [OK]

Hint: Remember: template parts reuse code pieces [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing template parts with post type registration
• Thinking it manages scripts or styles
• Assuming it handles database operations

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to include a template part named 'content' with a specific variation 'single'?

easy

A. get_template_part('content', 'single');

B. get_template_part('single', 'content');

C. get_template_part('content-single');

D. get_template_part('content', single);

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall function parameters

   get_template_part() takes two string arguments: slug and optional name.

2. Step 2: Match correct order and syntax

   The correct call is get_template_part('content', 'single'); with both parameters as strings.

3. Final Answer:

   get_template_part('content', 'single'); -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Slug then name as strings [OK]

Hint: Use two strings: slug first, then name [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Passing combined slug and name as one string
• Swapping slug and name order
• Forgetting quotes around name

3. Given the code snippet:

get_template_part('header');

What file will WordPress try to load first?

medium

A. header.php

B. header-header.php

C. header-single.php

D. header-template.php

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand default file naming

   When only slug is given, WordPress looks for {slug}.php file.

2. Step 2: Apply to example

   Slug is 'header', so WordPress loads header.php.

3. Final Answer:

   header.php -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Slug only loads slug.php [OK]

Hint: Slug alone loads slug.php file [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Expecting a suffix like '-header' automatically
• Confusing with named template parts
• Assuming different file extensions

4. What is wrong with this code snippet?

get_template_part('footer', single);

medium

A. No issues, code works fine

B. Wrong function name, should be get_template_parts

C. Footer template parts cannot have a name

D. Missing quotes around 'single' causing a syntax error

Solution

1. Step 1: Check parameter types

   Both slug and name must be strings, so 'single' needs quotes.

2. Step 2: Identify error cause

   Without quotes, single is treated as a constant or variable, causing syntax error.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing quotes around 'single' causing a syntax error -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Strings need quotes [OK]

Hint: Always quote slug and name strings [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Omitting quotes around name parameter
• Using wrong function name
• Thinking named parts are not allowed

5. You want to create a reusable sidebar template part with two variations: 'left' and 'right'. Which folder structure and code usage is correct to achieve this?

hard

A. Files: sidebar-left.php, sidebar-right.php inside /parts/ folder; Code: get_template_part('sidebar', 'left');

B. Files: sidebar-left.php, sidebar-right.php in theme root; Code: get_template_part('sidebar', 'left');

C. Files: sidebar.php only; Code: get_template_part('sidebar-left');

D. Files: sidebar-left.php, sidebar-right.php in theme root; Code: get_template_part('sidebar-left');

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand file naming for variations

   Named template parts use {slug}-{name}.php in theme root.

2. Step 2: Match code to file structure

   Calling get_template_part('sidebar', 'left'); loads sidebar-left.php.

3. Step 3: Evaluate other options

   B places files in subfolder without adjusting slug to include path; C uses only one file; D uses combined slug-name as one string incorrectly.

4. Final Answer:

   Files: sidebar-left.php, sidebar-right.php in theme root; Code: get_template_part('sidebar', 'left'); -> Option B

5. Quick Check:

   Slug-name files in root with two-string call [OK]

Hint: Use slug-name.php files in root, call with two strings [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Placing files in subfolders without adjusting code
• Passing combined slug-name as one string
• Using only one file for multiple variations