As WordPress developers and administrators we know how crucial it is to manage our websites efficiently and effectively. While the WordPress admin dashboard offers a robust GUI for managing sites sometimes we need something more efficient, thats where WP-CLI comes in.
What is WP-CLI?
WP-CLI is a command-line tool that allows us to interact with our WordPress installation and perform administrative tasks without needing to access the WordPress dashboard from a web browser. Whether we are installing WordPress, managing themes and plugins or performing database queries WP-CLI helps with all we can even create custom commands.
Setting Up a Site with WP-CLI
Download WordPress
WP-CLI can automatically download WordPress using the wp core command.
wp core download [–version=<version-no>]
Create wp-config.php
This automatically sets up the configuration file with all the necessary details for connecting to the database.
wp config create –dbname=<dbname> –dbuser=<user> –dbpass=<password> –dbhost=<dbhost>
Install WordPress
This command automatically runs admin setup from the terminal.
wp core install –url=“<site-url>” –title=“<site-title>” –admin_user=“admin” –admin_password=“password” –admin_email=“admin@wp.local”
Understanding WP-CLI Commands
1. wp core
The wp core command is user for downloading, installing and updating WordPress.
2. wp config
It makes creating, configuring and editing the wp-config.php file much easier.
3. wp scaffold
This command helps generate code for things like custom post types, taxonomies, child themes, etc.
4. wp pdb
The wp pdb command lets us interact with the database directly from the command line.
wp pdb query “SELECT * FROM wp_posts”
5. wp search-replace
One common task is updating URLs or other values in the database especially when moving a site from staging to production or at the time of migration.
6. wp package
WP-CLI allows us to extend its functionality by installing third party packages. The wp package command enables us to manage custom commands.
7. wp import and wp export
These commands help us to import or export our site into an XML format for backup or migration.
8. wp option
This command helps us manage WordPress options. Its allows setting an option or creating a new option.
9. wp menu
This command is used to manage menus in WordPress.
10. wp plugin
The wp plugin command is essential for managing plugins. We can install, activate, deactivate and update plugins.
11. wp post
This command lets us manage posts (creating, updating, deleting)
12. wp user
This command lets us manage users (creating, updating, deleting)
13. wp role
The wp role command helps manage user roles.
14. wp cap
wp cap is used to manage capabilities associated with roles.
Conclusion
WP-CLI is an invaluable tool for WordPress developers, administrators, and anyone who needs to manage multiple WordPress sites efficiently. From downloading and installing WordPress to managing plugins, themes, and users, WP-CLI allows us to work faster, automate tasks, and perform complex operations—all from the terminal.
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