What The File Review - In-Depth Analysis
What The File helps you identify the template parts used on the current page. It adds a toolbar option to view the file names.
Performance Overview
User Rating
4.9/5 (based on 882+
reviews)
Active Installations
40,000+
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
What The File adds an option to your toolbar showing what file and template parts are used to display the page you are currently viewing.
You can click the file name to directly edit it through the theme editor, though it is not recommended for bigger changes.
This plugin supports BuddyPress and Roots Theme based themes, making it versatile for various WordPress setups.
Comparing to Alternatives
What The File stands out in its category with no close direct alternatives available, making it a unique tool for WordPress theme development.
Strengths
- Quickly identifies which template files are loaded on a page.
- Highly useful for developers working with child themes.
- Saves time by clarifying template usage in unfamiliar codebases.
- Simple and effective interface for its purpose.
- No known security vulnerabilities, ensuring safe usage.
Weaknesses
- May not show exact files with some newer themes and plugins, only the main referencing file.
- Lacks a pro version with additional features.
- Limited to identifying template files only, no extended functionality.
- No direct alternatives to compare feature sets with.
User Sentiment Analysis
With an overwhelmingly positive rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 882 users, the plugin is highly regarded for its utility and reliability.
Positive highlights
- 'Great plugin' that is a real time saver for theme development (WebAssembler).
- 'FANTASTIC DEVELOPER TOOL' essential for child theme users (ferplie).
- 'Cool. very helpful !!!!' (sl147).
- 'Muy útil' for development phases to see where WordPress hooks execute (gabrieljrubio).
- 'Does everything I need it to!' with excellent performance for specific purposes (matthiascon).
Weaknesses
- Some newer themes and plugins limit the plugin's ability to show exact template files.
- No premium version means no advanced features beyond the free offering.
- Functionality is focused solely on template file identification, which may limit broader use cases.
Who Should Use This?
Best for
Developers and site builders who need a straightforward, reliable tool to identify which template files are used on WordPress pages, especially when working with child themes or unfamiliar codebases.
Not ideal for
Users seeking a plugin with extended features beyond template identification or those working with themes/plugins that obscure template file details may find this plugin less suitable.
Pricing & Value
Free version includes
The free version provides full functionality for identifying template files used on any page, which is sufficient for most development needs.
Final Verdict
What The File is a highly rated and trusted plugin that excels at helping developers quickly identify template files in WordPress themes. Its simplicity and reliability make it a valuable tool, especially for those working with child themes or unfamiliar codebases. The absence of security vulnerabilities adds to its appeal.
While it lacks a pro version and some limitations exist with newer themes, its unique position without direct alternatives and strong user satisfaction make it a recommended choice for developers needing this specific functionality.
Other Notable Features
Here are a few other notable features of this free
What The File plugin.
FAQ
In the toolbar you will find the “What The File” option. Hovering this option will display the currently used template file, clicking the template file name will allow you to edit the template file with the WordPress file editor. Please note that some BuddyPress files can’t be edited in the WordPress editor.
You have to be an Administrator to see the “What The File” option.
What The File works supports starts at PHP 5.3 and is tested on every major release up until PHP 8.1.
Glad to hear I could help you! You can thank me in various ways, please see my donation page to find out more.
You have to be an Administrator to see the “What The File” option.
Contributors and developers
“What The File”
is open source software. The following people have
contributed to this plugin.
