/ Plugin Category

/ Content Management

/ Blog & Article Publishing

/ Links shortcode

Links shortcode

By Maarten

Content Management / Blog & Article Publishing

Links shortcode Review - In-Depth Analysis

The Links Shortcode plugin re-enables the Link Manager in WordPress. It provides a shortcode to display links with customizable templates and options.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.83/10

User Rating

4.5/5 (based on 12+ reviews)

Active Installations

800+

Update Frequency

Below 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 Links Shortcode plugin re-enables the Link Manager in WordPress and provides the shortcode 'links'. This shortcode displays a list of all links having specified characteristics, for example a link category name in your post. By default, it includes a Facebook Like button for every link, but this can be easily disabled.

The plugin supports a customizable template for showing links. This enables you to use the shortcode to display links in any format you like, for example in a list or a table, with or without link images, etc. All relevant properties of a link are supported and listed on the Settings page of the plugin.

The typical format for the shortcode is [links option1='x' option2='y' etc...]. The following options are available: Show the Facebook Like button, Show the Facebook Recommend button, Order the links by name or order, Limit the number of links shown, and more.

Dafault options can be changed on a 'Links Shortcode' page in the Settings menu. Using the customizable template, all properties of a link can be displayed. An example template is included. Templates are fully customizable.

Comparing to Alternatives

Links shortcode offers a flexible way to create link pages with customizable layouts. While it has several alternatives, each varies in features and complexity.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Highly flexible layout options for link pages
Lightweight and easy to use
Positive user feedback on ease of setup
Good for creating custom link displays
No complex or bloated features

Weaknesses

Has a known medium severity security vulnerability with no fix
Limited to shortcode-based link display
No pro version or advanced premium features
Smaller user base compared to some alternatives

User Sentiment Analysis

With a strong majority of 5-star ratings and very few low ratings, users generally appreciate the plugin's flexibility and ease of use.

Positive highlights

Great Plugin! I really enjoyed it! (otoraby)
This is a great and flexible plugin with excellent layout options (AlfredG)
Highly recommended for creating link pages with flexibility (AlfredG)

Common complaints

Weaknesses

Security vulnerability related to stored cross-site scripting
No updates addressing the known security issue
Lack of advanced features due to absence of a pro version

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users looking for a simple, flexible plugin to create custom link pages without needing advanced premium features.

Not ideal for

Users requiring a fully secure plugin with ongoing security patches or those needing advanced link management features.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version includes all core features needed to create and display link pages with flexible layouts.

Final Verdict

Links shortcode is a well-liked plugin praised for its flexibility and ease of use in creating link pages. Its free version offers sufficient functionality for most users seeking a straightforward solution.

However, the presence of a medium severity security vulnerability without a known fix is a significant concern. Users should weigh this risk against their needs and consider alternatives if security is a priority.