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PHP Code Widget

By Samuel Wood (Otto)

Developer Tools & Customization / Code Snippets & Custom Code

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

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

PHP Code Widget Review - In-Depth Analysis

Insert and execute PHP code within a widget. Enhances the standard Text widget functionality.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.78/10

User Rating

4.7/5 (based on 61+ reviews)

Active Installations

70,000+

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 plugin allows you to insert arbitrary text and HTML code in a widget, while also enabling the execution of PHP code. It is particularly useful for those migrating to a widget-based theme.

However, caution is advised as this plugin should not be used long term. Anyone with access to edit the widgets can execute arbitrary PHP code, which poses security risks.

To use PHP code, it must be enclosed in the standard PHP opening and closing tags. Only users with the unfiltered_html role can insert unfiltered HTML, including PHP code, ensuring that users without admin or editor permissions cannot execute code.

Comparing to Alternatives

PHP Code Widget is one of several plugins that allow users to insert PHP code snippets into WordPress sites. It stands alongside a variety of alternatives that offer similar functionality with different features and interfaces.

Top alternatives

Strengths

High user rating with 85% five-star reviews indicating strong user satisfaction
Regular updates ensuring compatibility and reliability
Simple and effective widget for inserting PHP code
Useful in emergency situations for quick solutions
No known security vulnerabilities reported

Weaknesses

Lacks syntax highlighting for code snippets
No dedicated support available
Limited advanced features compared to some alternatives
Interface may be too basic for users needing extensive snippet management

User Sentiment Analysis

The plugin enjoys a very positive reception with 94% of ratings being four stars or higher, reflecting strong user approval. However, a small minority of users express dissatisfaction mainly due to lack of features and support.

Positive highlights

'Awesome Plugin' with regular updates - Xaib Aslam
'Very useful widget' especially in emergencies - Nester
'Perfect' and encourages continued development - holby
'Excellent, awesome // incredible plug in!!' - dglite
'Выполняет свою задачу' (Performs its task) - kotyarashop

Common complaints

No syntax highlighting for code snippets
Lack of support for users

Weaknesses

Basic feature set without advanced snippet management
No built-in code editor enhancements
Limited user assistance options

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users who need a straightforward, reliable widget to insert PHP code snippets quickly and prefer a lightweight solution without extra features.

Not ideal for

Users seeking advanced snippet management, syntax highlighting, or dedicated support may find this plugin insufficient for their needs.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers the core functionality of inserting PHP code snippets via a widget with regular updates and no known security issues.

Final Verdict

PHP Code Widget is a highly rated, simple plugin ideal for users needing to insert PHP code snippets quickly and reliably. Its clean security record and regular updates add to its appeal for straightforward use cases.

However, users requiring advanced features like syntax highlighting or dedicated support might consider other alternatives. Overall, it provides excellent value as a free, no-frills solution for PHP code insertion in WordPress.