This is How to Check if You're on a WordPress Network Admin Screen
As a WordPress developer or site administrator, you may find yourself needing to determine whether the current user is viewing a network-level administration page. This information can be crucial for properly configuring your WordPress site, especially if you're working with a multisite network.
Fortunately, WordPress provides a handy function called is_network_admin()
that makes this check a breeze. In this article, we'll explore how to use this function and provide some real-world examples of why it's important to know if you're on a network admin screen.
Understanding WordPress Multisite Networks
Before we dive into the code, let's take a quick look at WordPress multisite networks. Multisite is a feature that allows you to create a network of connected WordPress sites, all managed from a single WordPress installation. This can be a powerful tool for organizations, developers, and agencies that need to manage multiple sites under a single umbrella.
In a WordPress multisite network, there is a "network admin" area that provides centralized control over the entire network. This is where you can manage sites, users, plugins, and other network-wide settings. Regular WordPress sites, on the other hand, have their own independent administration panels.
Knowing whether you're on a network admin screen or a regular site admin screen can be crucial for your code to function correctly. That's where the is_network_admin()
function comes into play.
Using the is_network_admin()
Function
The is_network_admin()
function is a built-in WordPress function that returns a boolean value (true
or false
) based on whether the current user is viewing a network admin screen or not.
Here's a simple example of how to use it:
if ( is_network_admin() ) {
echo "You are viewing a WordPress network administration page";
} else {
echo "You are <em>not</em> viewing a WordPress network administration page";
}
In this example, if the current user is on a network admin screen, the code will output "You are viewing a WordPress network administration page". Otherwise, it will output "You are not viewing a WordPress network administration page".
You can use this function in your custom plugins, themes, or functions.php file to ensure your code behaves correctly in a WordPress multisite environment.
Real-World Examples
Now, let's look at a few real-world examples of why it's important to know if you're on a network admin screen.
1. Handling Network-Level Plugin Configuration
When developing a plugin for a WordPress multisite network, you may need to provide network-level configuration options. These are settings that apply to the entire network, rather than individual sites.
To ensure your plugin's settings are properly stored and accessed, you can use the is_network_admin()
function to determine the appropriate location for your plugin's options. For example:
if ( is_network_admin() ) {
// Save network-level plugin settings
update_site_option( 'my_plugin_settings', $settings );
} else {
// Save site-level plugin settings
update_option( 'my_plugin_settings', $settings );
}
By using this approach, you can ensure your plugin's settings are saved and loaded correctly, whether the user is on a network admin screen or a regular site admin screen.
2. Controlling Network-Level Plugin Activation and Deactivation
When developing a plugin for a WordPress multisite network, you may also need to handle network-level activation and deactivation of the plugin. This is particularly important if your plugin requires network-wide functionality or settings.
You can use the is_network_admin()
function to determine whether to perform network-level or site-level activation and deactivation of your plugin. For example:
register_activation_hook( __FILE__, 'my_plugin_activate' );
register_deactivation_hook( __FILE__, 'my_plugin_deactivate' );
function my_plugin_activate() {
if ( is_network_admin() ) {
// Network-level activation logic
activate_network_plugin( plugin_basename( __FILE__ ) );
} else {
// Site-level activation logic
activate_plugin( plugin_basename( __FILE__ ) );
}
}
function my_plugin_deactivate() {
if ( is_network_admin() ) {
// Network-level deactivation logic
deactivate_network_plugin( plugin_basename( __FILE__ ) );
} else {
// Site-level deactivation logic
deactivate_plugin( plugin_basename( __FILE__ ) );
}
}
By using the is_network_admin()
function, you can ensure your plugin is activated and deactivated correctly, whether the user is on a network admin screen or a regular site admin screen.
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3. Displaying Network-Specific Information
In some cases, you may want to display different information or functionality depending on whether the user is on a network admin screen or a regular site admin screen. For example, you might want to show network-level statistics or settings on the network admin screen, but hide them on the regular site admin screens.
Here's an example of how you can use the is_network_admin()
function to conditionally display content:
function my_plugin_admin_menu() {
if ( is_network_admin() ) {
add_menu_page(
'Network Settings',
'Network Settings',
'manage_network_options',
'my-plugin-network-settings',
'my_plugin_network_settings_page'
);
} else {
add_options_page(
'Site Settings',
'Site Settings',
'manage_options',
'my-plugin-site-settings',
'my_plugin_site_settings_page'
);
}
}
add_action( 'admin_menu', 'my_plugin_admin_menu' );
In this example, the my_plugin_admin_menu()
function checks if the current user is on a network admin screen using the is_network_admin()
function. If they are, it adds a "Network Settings" menu item. If they're not, it adds a "Site Settings" menu item instead.
By using this approach, you can ensure your plugin's admin interface is tailored to the user's current context, providing a more seamless and intuitive experience.
Conclusion
The is_network_admin()
function is a powerful tool for WordPress developers and site administrators working with multisite networks. By using this function, you can ensure your code and plugins behave correctly in a multisite environment, handling network-level and site-level configuration, activation, deactivation, and content display.
Remember, when working with WordPress multisite, it's essential to understand the differences between network admin screens and regular site admin screens. The is_network_admin()
function is your key to making that distinction and building more robust, versatile, and user-friendly WordPress solutions.
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