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Root Relative URLs

By MarcusPope

Site Administration & Utilities / URL Redirects & 301 Management

Root Relative URLs Review - In-Depth Analysis

Converts all URLs to root-relative URLs for easier site migration and testing.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.72/10

User Rating

2.9/5 (based on 20+ reviews)

Active Installations

6,000+

Update Frequency

Below Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

1 / 10 (Very Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

This WordPress plugin converts all URL formats to root-relative URLs. This enables seamless transitioning between staging and production host environments and allows for debugging and testing from mobile devices without using risky tactics.

With Root Relative URLs, you can browse your development site from various local addresses without worrying about links redirecting you back to your site's URL.

The plugin modifies tinyMCE hooks so that links and media embedded with built-in tools will only insert URLs from the root of your site. This ensures that when you push content changes to a staging or production environment, they reference the correct target.

It supports path-based MU Installations but does not support domain-based MU sites due to architectural deficiencies in WordPress core.

Version 1.5 fixes an infinite redirect problem caused by a core bug in WordPress. If you have issues with the more tag or permalinks for custom post types, please refer to the FAQ for support.

Version 2.2 allows you to add certain URLs or partial URLs to a blacklist, meaning dynamic absolute URLs will be used instead of root-relative URLs for displaying content, which can be configured on the General Settings page.

Comparing to Alternatives

Root Relative URLs offers a unique approach by converting URLs to root-relative paths, simplifying database migrations. However, it faces compatibility challenges with several plugins.

Top alternatives

Root Relative URLs

Strengths

Simplifies content migration by using root-relative URLs.
Reduces the need for search-and-replace operations during site moves.
Lightweight and straightforward plugin functionality.

Weaknesses

Removes domain from wp_enqueue_script, breaking external library loading.
Incompatible with popular plugins like Google Analytics Dashboard for WP and Store Locator Plus.
May cause issues with AJAX calls in plugins like Ninja Forms.
Not recommended for long-term site deployment strategies.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback highlights both the innovative concept and the practical limitations of Root Relative URLs.

Positive highlights

'Works great for content and makes migrating databases a breeze.' - AJ Zane
'Google Analytics Dashboard for WP does not work when enabled.' - vletroye (not positive, but noted compatibility)
'Love the idea of root-relative URLs to avoid search-and-replace.' - casper

Common complaints

Breaks loading of external scripts due to domain removal.
Incompatibility with several widely used plugins.
Causes plugin failures and dashboard issues.
Not suitable for long-term site health and deployment.

Weaknesses

Breaks AJAX calls in Ninja Forms recaptcha.
Causes Store Locator Plus to fail.
Interferes with plugin functionalities relying on absolute URLs.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Developers or site administrators who prioritize simplified database migrations and are comfortable managing potential plugin conflicts.

Not ideal for

Users relying on plugins that require absolute URLs or external script loading, or those seeking a long-term, stable URL management solution.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version provides the core functionality of converting URLs to root-relative paths, aiding in content migration without any cost.

Final Verdict

Root Relative URLs introduces a clever method to ease site migrations by using root-relative URLs, reducing the need for manual URL replacements.

However, its incompatibility with several popular plugins and issues with external scripts limit its practicality for many users, especially for long-term site management.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free Root Relative URLs plugin.

root-relative urls

url conversion

site migration

FAQ

Upload the plugin to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory

Add the following entries to your wp-config.php file before the “That’s all, stop editing!” comment:

define('WP_HOME', 'http://' . $_SERVER['HTTP_HOST']); define('WP_SITEURL', 'http://' . $_SERVER['HTTP_HOST']); define('WP_CONTENT_URL', '/wp-content'); define('DOMAIN_CURRENT_SITE', $_SERVER['HTTP_HOST']);

Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress Admin
Save your permalink settings twice in a row (Admin > Settings > Permalinks : Save Changes) x2
You’re done! Now you can happily browse and manage your site from any URL, including an IP address if you wish.