The Complete Guide to get_the_terms() WordPress Function

“Learn how to use get_the_terms() WordPress Function to retrieve taxonomy terms for posts. This Article provides complete information about get_the_terms() WordPress function.

This guide covers

• Syntax
• Usage
• Examples
• Best practices

For efficient implementation in themes and plugins.”

In WordPress development, taxonomies and terms play a crucial role in organizing content efficiently. The get_the_terms() function is a powerful tool that allows developers to retrieve taxonomy terms associated with a post in a structured way.

It helps fetch categories, tags, or custom taxonomy terms, making content management more dynamic.

This article explores get_the_terms(), covering its syntax, usage, and practical examples. Additionally, we’ll discuss common pitfalls and best practices to ensure seamless implementation in WordPress themes and plugins.

By understanding and using get_the_terms() effectively, developers can enhance taxonomy handling in WordPress projects.

What is get_the_terms() ?

get_the_terms() WordPress function is used to retrieve the taxonomy terms associated with a specific post. These terms can be from default taxonomies like categories and tags or from custom taxonomies created by developers. The function returns an array of term objects, allowing developers to access term details such as name, slug, description, and links.

Syntax of get_the_terms()

get_the_terms( int $post, string $taxonomy )

Parameters:

1. $post(int | WP_Post) – The post ID or post object whose terms you want to retrieve.
2. $taxonomy(string) – The name of the taxonomy (e.g.,’category’, ‘post_tag’, or a custom taxonomy like ‘genre’).

Return Values:

• Array of wp_Term objects – If the post has associated terms.
• false – If no terms are found.
• wp_error object – If an invalid taxonomy is passed.

Also Check:

How get_the_terms() Works

When you use get_the_terms(), WordPress looks at the database for terms assigned to the given post in the specified taxonomy. If terms are found, an array of term objects is returned. Each term object contains useful properties such as:

• term_id – Unique ID of the term.
• name – The name of the term.
• slug – The URL-friendly version of the name.
• term_group – A grouping ID (not commonly used).
• term_texonomy_id – ID specific to the taxonomy.
• taxonomy – The taxonomy the term belongs to.
• description – A description of the term.
• parent – The parent term ID (if hierarchical).
• count – The number of posts associated with this term.

Basic Usage of get_the_terms()

To fetch and display terms associated with a post, we can use the following example:

Example 1: Get Categories of a Post

$post_id = get_the_ID(); // Get the current post ID
$categories = get_the_terms($post_id, 'category');

if ($categories && !is_wp_error($categories)) {
    foreach ($categories as $category) {
        echo '<p>Category: ' . esc_html($category->name) . '</p>';
    }
} else {
    echo '<p>No categories found.</p>';
}

Explanation:

• get_the_ID() fetches the current post ID.
• get_the_terms($post_id, ‘category’) retrieves the categories associated with the post.
• The result is looped through, and the category names are displayed.

Working with Custom Taxonomies

WordPress allows developers to create custom taxonomies. get_the_terms() works equally well with these taxonomies.

Example 2: Get Custom Taxonomy Terms

$post_id = get_the_ID();
$genres = get_the_terms($post_id, 'genre');

if ($genres && !is_wp_error($genres)) {
    foreach ($genres as $genre) {
        echo '<p>Genre: ' . esc_html($genre->name) . '</p>';
    }
} else {
    echo '<p>No genres found.</p>';
}

Explanation:

• The custom taxonomy ‘genre’ is used instead of ‘category’.
• The retrieved terms are looped through and displayed.

Handling Errors and Edge Cases

Since get_the_terms() can return false or WP_Error, it’s essential to handle these cases properly.

Example 3: Checking for Errors

$post_id = get_the_ID();
$tags = get_the_terms($post_id, 'post_tag');

if (is_wp_error($tags)) {
    echo 'Error retrieving terms.';
} elseif ($tags === false) {
    echo 'No tags found.';
} else {
    foreach ($tags as $tag) {
        echo '<p>Tag: ' . esc_html($tag->name) . '</p>';
    }
}

Explanation:

• is_wp_error($tags) checks if an error occurred.
• $tags === false confirms if no terms exist.

Retrieving Term Details

Each term retrieved by get_the_terms() is an instance of the WP_Term class, which provides useful properties:

Example 4: Displaying Term Details

$post_id = get_the_ID();
$categories = get_the_terms($post_id, 'category');

if ($categories && !is_wp_error($categories)) {
    foreach ($categories as $category) {
        echo '<p>Name: ' . esc_html($category->name) . '</p>';
        echo '<p>Slug: ' . esc_html($category->slug) . '</p>';
        echo '<p>Term ID: ' . esc_html($category->term_id) . '</p>';
        echo '<p>Link: <a href="' . esc_url(get_term_link($category)) . '">' . esc_html($category->name) . '</a></p>';
    }
}

Common Properties:

• $category ->name – The term name.
• $category ->slug – The unique slug for the term.
• $category- >term_id – The term ID.
• get_term_link($category) – Generates the URL to the term archive.

Use Case: Display Terms with a Comma-Separated List

Instead of using loops, you can generate a comma-separated list of terms.

Example 5: List Terms as a String

$post_id = get_the_ID();
$categories = get_the_terms($post_id, 'category');

if ($categories && !is_wp_error($categories)) {
    $category_names = wp_list_pluck($categories, 'name');
    echo '<p>Categories: ' . implode(', ', $category_names) . '</p>';
}

Explanation:

• wp_list_pluck($categories,’name’) extracts the term names.
• impolde(‘,’,$category_names) creates a comma-separated list.

Best Practices – get_the_terms() WordPress Function

1. Always Check for Errors: Use is_wp_error() to handle errors gracefully.
2. Sanitize Output: Escape output using esc_html() and esc_url().
3. Optimize Performance: Avoid excessive queries by caching results.
4. Use Fallbacks: Provide default text when no terms are found.
5. Use Helper Functions: Utilize functions like wp_list_pluck() for better data handling.

Conclusion

The get_the_terms() function is a powerful and essential tool in WordPress for retrieving taxonomy terms associated with a post. Whether working with default taxonomies like categories and tags or custom taxonomies, it provides a structured and reliable way to access term data.

By fetching these terms, developers can organize content efficiently and enhance user navigation.

This function returns an array of term objects containing useful properties such as name, slug, term ID, and links.

However, it’s crucial to handle potential errors, as get_the_terms() may return false or a WP_Error object if no terms exist or an invalid taxonomy is provided.

By following best practices such as checking for errors, escaping output, and optimizing performance developers can ensure their WordPress themes and plugins run smoothly.

Related Post : WordPress Page Slug Guide,

FAQs on get_the_terms() in WordPress

1. What is get_the_terms in WordPress?

get_the_terms is a WordPress function used to retrieve taxonomy terms associated with a specific post. It works with both default taxonomies like categories and tags, as well as custom taxonomies.

2. What does get_the_terms() return?

• An array of WP_Term objects if the post has associated terms.
• False if no terms are found.
• A WP_Error object if an invalid taxonomy is used.

3. How do I use get_the_terms() to fetch categories of a post?

$post_id = get_the_ID();
$categories = get_the_terms($post_id, 'category');

if ($categories && !is_wp_error($categories)) {
    foreach ($categories as $category) {
        echo '<p>Category: ' . esc_html($category->name) . '</p>';
    }
}

4. Can get_the_terms() be used with custom taxonomies?

Yes, you can retrieve terms from custom taxonomies by replacing ‘category’ with the custom taxonomy name.
Example for a ‘genre’ taxonomy:

$genres = get_the_terms(get_the_ID(), 'genre');

5. How do I handle errors in get_the_terms() ?

Check for errors using is_wp_error() and verify if the function returns false:

$tags = get_the_terms(get_the_ID(), 'post_tag');

if (is_wp_error($tags)) {
    echo 'Error retrieving terms.';
} elseif ($tags === false) {
    echo 'No tags found.';
} else {
    foreach ($tags as $tag) {
        echo '<p>Tag: ' . esc_html($tag->name) . '</p>';
    }
}

6. How do I display term links using get_the_terms() ?

Use get_the_terms() to generate links to taxonomy archives:

foreach ($categories as $category) {
    echo '<a href="' . esc_url(get_term_link($category)) . '">' . esc_html($category->name) . '</a>';
}

7. How can I display terms as a comma-separated list?

$categories = get_the_terms(get_the_ID(), 'category');

if ($categories && !is_wp_error($categories)) {
    $category_names = wp_list_pluck($categories, 'name');
    echo implode(', ', $category_names);
}

8. Does get_the_terms() work inside WP_Query loops?

Yes, but always use get_the_ID( ) to get the correct post ID inside loops:

while (have_posts()) {
    the_post();
    $terms = get_the_terms(get_the_ID(), 'category');
}

9. How can I optimize performance when using get_the_terms() ?

• Cache results to prevent excessive database queries.
• Use wp_list_pluck() to extract only necessary term data.
• Always check for errors before processing the output.

10. What are common mistakes when using get_the_terms() ?

• Not checking for false or WP_Errors , which can lead to errors.
• Directly outputting term names without escaping, creating security risks.
• Using get_the_terms() multiple times unnecessarily, affecting performance.