Difference Between get_template_part() and include() in WordPress

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is get_template_part()?
3. What is include()?
4. Key Differences Between get_template_part() and include()
5. When to Use get_template_part()
6. When to Use include()
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

Introduction

When developing WordPress themes or plugins, you often need to include external files into your theme’s structure. In WordPress, two common methods to include files are get_template_part() and include(). Both have their purposes, but knowing when and why to use them can make your development process more efficient and organized. In this post, we’ll explore the difference between these two functions.

What is get_template_part()?

get_template_part() is a WordPress function that loads a template part from the theme directory. It’s primarily used for reusing template parts, like headers, footers, or any other piece of code that you want to load in multiple places in your theme. It follows WordPress’s best practices for theme development.

• Example Use Case: get_template_part('content', 'single'); loads a file named content-single.php from the theme folder.

get_template_part() helps maintain clean, modular code and ensures consistency throughout your theme.

What is include()?

include() is a native PHP function that includes and evaluates a specified file. It allows you to load files into your WordPress site but doesn’t adhere to WordPress conventions for modularity and theme structure.

• Example Use Case: include('custom-file.php'); loads a file from the same directory.

Unlike get_template_part(), include() doesn’t provide as much flexibility for reusing files across different template parts. It also doesn’t follow the theme development standards of WordPress.

Key Differences Between get_template_part() and include()

When to Use get_template_part()

Use get_template_part() when you need to include a specific part of your theme (such as header, footer, or custom templates). It ensures that your code is modular and reusable across multiple templates. It’s the preferred method for theme development.

• Example: Including a custom post loop in different template files:

get_template_part('template-parts/content', 'page');

When to Use include()

include() is useful when you need to load an external PHP file that isn’t a part of the theme’s regular structure. It’s less flexible than get_template_part() and should be used sparingly. include() is more suitable for including functions, classes, or other standalone files.

• Example: Including a helper file that handles form submissions:

include('includes/form-handler.php');

Conclusion

Here’s a quick summary of when to use each function:

• Use get_template_part() when:
  • You want to follow WordPress theme development standards.
  • You need to reuse parts of your theme like headers, footers, or content sections.
  • You want to make your theme modular and easier to maintain.
  • You need to support WordPress template hierarchy and child theme overrides.
• Use include() when:
  • You’re working with general PHP files not tied to the WordPress template system.
  • You need to include standalone scripts like helper functions or configuration files.
  • The file isn’t intended to be reused across multiple parts of the theme.

By understanding these differences, you can choose the right method for your development needs and keep your WordPress themes organized and efficient.

FAQs