All WordPress themes ship with a Functions.php file which stores all kinds of code related to a theme. It’s also where users and developers can add code snippets to alter or add functionality. However, if you manage multiple websites, keeping track of when and where the snippets are in use can be troublesome, not to mention the fact that the file is always at risk of being overwritten. There’s also no easy way to share snippets across multiple sites without keeping some sort of log.
WPCodeBox, launched earlier this year by Maghetiu Ovidiu, practically eliminates the need to store snippets in functions.php. It starts off as a plugin that can be installed on one or multiple sites. Within the plugin, you can create PHP, CSS, SCSS, LESS, and JavaScript snippets.
The code editor supports WP auto completion for both CSS and WordPress filters and actions. This really comes in handy if you don’t quite remember the full name of a filter but know the first few letters as you can scroll through the list choose the correct one. You can also configure how and where to run the snippet.
However, WPCodeBox’s magic lies within the Cloud. As you can see in the screenshot above, there is a Cloud Snippets button. Once you create a snippet, you can upload it to the Cloud. This allows you download and use the snippet on any other website that has the WPCodeBox plugin installed.
WPCodeBox also has a repository of snippets available for popular WordPress plugins and tasks. Ovidiu is routinely updating the repository but I imagine it will rapidly grow in size once enough developers jump on board.
WPCodeBox is built in ReactJS providing a snappy and responsive UI. During testing, I found the UI to be intuitive and a pleasure to use. I also appreciated the fact that I could disable and enable plugin snippets on a site without having to reload the entire page or window. As I understand it, that’s one of the benefits of building a single-page application.
Instead of viewing a bunch of screenshots, the demonstration video does a much better job showcasing the capabilities of WPCodeBox.
What Ovidiu has created with WPCodeBox is pretty damn cool. It eliminates the need to mess with functions.php files and provides a one-stop solution for storing and sharing snippets across multiple sites. I think it’s a genius idea and it works.
Plans start at $29 for a solo site, $59 for five domains, and $119 for unlimited domains and snippet storage. However, if you use the coupon code LAUNCH at checkout, you’ll receive 20% off their lifetime plans. The offer is valid until June 23rd. You can also use the service for up to 30 days and if you’re not satisfied, you can request your money back.
Ovidiu will be monitoring this post so if you have any questions for him about the plugin or service, please ask in the comments. Also, a hat tip to Topher DeRosia for letting me know about WPCodeBox.