Do you want to show only the parent category in your WordPress post loop? This guide will help you. You will learn how to do it with simple steps.
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Why Show Only Parent Category?
Showing only the parent category can make your blog more organized. It helps your readers understand the main topics of your posts. It can also make your site look cleaner and more professional.
What Is A Parent Category?
In WordPress, categories help you organize your posts. A parent category is a main category. For example, if you have a “Food” category, you might have “Fruits” and “Vegetables” as child categories under “Food”.
Steps to Display Only Parent Category
Follow these steps to show only the parent category in your post loop:
Step 1: Access Your Theme Files
First, you need to access your theme files. You can do this through your WordPress dashboard. Go to Appearance > Theme Editor. You can also use an FTP client if you prefer.
Step 2: Find The Right Template File
Next, find the template file that controls your post loop. This file is usually called index.php, archive.php, or single.php. Open the file to edit it.
Step 3: Modify The Loop
In the template file, find the loop code. It usually looks like this:
php if ( have_posts() ) : while ( have_posts() ) : the_post(); ?php the_title(); ?
php the_content(); ?php the_category(); ?
php endwhile; endif; ?
This code displays the post title, content, and categories. We need to change the code that shows the categories.
Step 4: Show Only Parent Category
Replace the php the_category(); ? code with this:
php
$categories = get_the_category();
foreach ( $categories as $category ) {
if ( $category-parent == 0 ) {
echo '' . $category->name . '
';
}
}
?>
This code gets all categories for the post. Then, it checks if the category is a parent (has no parent). If it is a parent, it shows the category name.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
After making the changes, save the file. Check your site to see if it works. Your posts should now show only the parent category.
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Extra Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you:
- Backup Your Site: Always backup your site before making changes.
- Use a Child Theme: Use a child theme to avoid losing changes when you update your theme.
- Test Changes: Test your changes on a staging site before applying them to your live site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Display Only Parent Categories In WordPress?
Use `wp_list_categories` with the `parent` parameter to show only parent categories.
Why Should I Display Only Parent Categories?
It keeps your site clean and easy to navigate for users.
Can I Hide Child Categories In WordPress?
Yes, use custom code or plugins to hide child categories.
Is There A Plugin For Displaying Parent Categories Only?
Yes, plugins like “Category Checklist Tree” can help.
Conclusion
Showing only the parent category in your WordPress post loop can make your blog more organized. Follow the steps in this guide to do it. Remember to backup your site, use a child theme, and test changes before going live.
Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helps you. Happy blogging!
