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Highlighting Code Block

By LOOS

Content Management / Blog & Article Publishing

Reviewed by Abdul Hameid

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

Highlighting Code Block Review - In-Depth Analysis

Easily add syntax-highlighted code blocks using prism.js. Supports both Block Editor and Classic Editor.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.84/10

User Rating

4.5/5 (based on 20+ reviews)

Active Installations

10,000+

Update Frequency

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

Security Score

5 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

The Highlighting Code Block plugin allows you to add a syntax-highlighted code block with just a click. It supports both the Block Editor and Classic Editor, although it is recommended to use it in the Block Editor.

To use the plugin, open the Formatting category of the Block Inserter in the Block Editor and select the custom block named Highlighting Code Block. You can then choose the language of the code and enter your code.

For Classic Editor users, you will see a select box labeled Code Block on the toolbar. Select a language from this box to insert a code block.

Make sure your PHP version is 5.6 or later and your WordPress version is 5.6 or later for the plugin to function properly. You can configure the plugin settings through the [HCB] Settings menu in the management screen.

Comparing to Alternatives

Highlighting Code Block offers solid syntax highlighting features but faces competition from several well-established plugins in the same category.

Top alternatives

Strengths

High user satisfaction with 84% 5-star ratings.
Supports custom prism.js files for advanced customization.
Works well with the WordPress block editor.
Simple and effective for common syntax highlighting needs.
Free to use without a paid version.

Weaknesses

Limited support for Android-related syntaxes like Java, Kotlin, Flutter, and XML.
Has had a medium severity security vulnerability fixed recently.
Some users report critical errors causing site crashes.
No pro version to access advanced features.

User Sentiment Analysis

The plugin enjoys a strong positive reception with most users rating it 5 stars, though about 16% of ratings are low due to specific issues.

Positive highlights

"Exactly what I was looking for. thanks alot!" — Muhammad Zohaib
"It works beautifully with the block editor and allows uploading custom prism.js files." — Anonymous User 20287723
"Very thanks!" — ishere
"Read code easily." — sazone

Common complaints

Lacks support for Android development syntaxes such as Java, Kotlin, Flutter, and XML.
Reported critical error causing site crashes related to plugin files.

Weaknesses

Security vulnerability related to stored cross-site scripting was found and fixed.
Limited syntax support reduces usefulness for some developers.
No official pro version limits advanced feature access.
Some users experienced plugin conflicts causing site errors.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a straightforward, free syntax highlighting plugin that integrates well with the WordPress block editor and supports custom prism.js files.

Not ideal for

Developers needing support for Android-related syntaxes or those requiring advanced features available only in premium plugins. Also, users concerned about past security issues may want to consider alternatives.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version provides essential syntax highlighting features with customization via prism.js files and full block editor compatibility.

Final Verdict

Highlighting Code Block is a well-rated plugin that delivers effective syntax highlighting for many common languages and integrates nicely with the WordPress block editor. Its free availability and customization options make it attractive for general users.

However, its limited syntax support for Android development and a history of a medium severity security vulnerability may deter some users. Those needing broader language support or advanced features might consider one of the available alternatives.