String locator: Breakdown
The String Locator plugin is a useful tool for developers who want to make changes to their WordPress website. It is very helpful for people who are accustomed to working with source code and find it difficult to locate strings. The plugin will allow those users to quickly and easily search their WordPress site for code strings and quickly make changes that are necessary.
To begin, the user must activate the plugin on their WordPress site. Upon activation, the plugin will add a new section to the WordPress dashboard side menu- the ‘String Locator’ section. From there, the user can begin to configure the plugin.
The String Locator plugin allows for multiple string searches across a WordPress installation. This means that the user can search multiple areas of the site for a certain string, increasing speed and accuracy while locating the string. The plugin allows for three main string search options- exact match, plugin/theme call, and wild card search.
The ‘exact match’ option allows users to search for an exact string, word-for-word. This is useful for users who know exactly what they are looking for and want to ensure they are searching for that specific string. ‘Plugin/theme call’ copies allow users to search for strings within specific plugins or themes. This option is a much narrower search, and can help when looking for strings within a specific file. Finally, the ‘wild card’ search allows users to search for strings that have a certain pattern- for example, a string of characters that begins or ends with the same character, or a string of characters that contains a certain word. This option is extremely helpful for users who want to search for similar strings but aren’t sure of the exact one they’re looking for.
Once the user knows what string they’re looking for, the plugin searches the website and presents the user with the results. The user can then choose which string they would like to work with and make any changes necessary.