Functions and the function wp_nav_menu_item_taxonomy_meta_box() in WordPress

Hello friends! Today we want to talk about an interesting function in WordPress called wp_nav_menu_item_taxonomy_meta_box(). This function helps us add related information about categories and tags to the custom navigation menu. You might be wondering how this function works and what its applications are. Therefore, let's delve into the details of this topic together.

When you create a custom navigation in WordPress, it's usually thought of for creating different categories and tags for it. However, you may want to add more information to each menu item. Here, the function wp_nav_menu_item_taxonomy_meta_box() can assist you. This function gives you the ability to add additional information about categories and tags to the menu items.

Using this function is quite simple. It's enough to include it in the body of your theme's functions.php file. By doing so, you can add meaningful information to your menu that helps users navigate different paths better. Hence, let's see how we can practically use this function.

Next, we will look at a practical example of using this function. I will show you how you can add this function to your functions.php file and how to manage its output. Additionally, I will provide you with reasons why using this function can help your site.

Sample code for using wp_nav_menu_item_taxonomy_meta_box()

function add_taxonomy_meta_box() {
    add_meta_box(
        'taxonomy_meta_box',
        __('Categories', 'textdomain'),
        'taxonomy_meta_box_callback',
        'nav-menus',
        'side'
    );
}

function taxonomy_meta_box_callback($item) {
    $terms = get_terms(['taxonomy' => 'category', 'hide_empty' => false]);
    foreach ($terms as $term) {
        $checked = in_array($term->term_id, wp_get_object_terms($item->ID, 'category', ['fields' => 'ids'])) ? 'checked' : '';
        echo ' ' . $term->name . '
';
    }
}

add_action('admin_init', 'add_taxonomy_meta_box');

Explanation line by line of the code

Definition of the function add_taxonomy_meta_box

First, we define a function called add_taxonomy_meta_box that adds a meta box related to categories for the custom navigation menu.

Adding the meta box

We use add_meta_box to add the taxonomic meta box to the navigation menu under the label Categories and ID taxonomy_meta_box.

Definition of the callback function

Next, we define the callback function taxonomy_meta_box_callback that displays the checkbox for category management for each menu item.

Retrieving categories

In this function, we use get_terms to retrieve all the categories and create a checkbox for each category, enabling users to select the categories they want to associate with each menu item.

To add the action to WordPress

By using add_action, we attach the add_taxonomy_meta_box function to the admin_init hook so that it runs in the management section.