What is: WP_Query

WP_Query is a class defined in WordPress. It allows developers to write custom queries and display posts using different parameters. It is possible for developers to directly query WordPress database. However, WP_Query is one of the recommended ways to query posts from WordPress database.

Below is an example of a simple WP_Query which displays posts from movies category:

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<?php
// The Query
$the_query = new WP_Query( 'category_name=movies' );
 
?>
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1-click Use in WordPress

The sample code above does not automatically display posts. To display results of the query, user would need to use the WordPress loop. Like this:

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<?php
// The Query
$the_query = new WP_Query( 'category_name=movies' );
 
// The Loop
if ( $the_query->have_posts() ) {
        echo '<ul>';
    while ( $the_query->have_posts() ) {
        $the_query->the_post();
        echo '<li>' . get_the_title() . '</li>';
    }
        echo '</ul>';
} else {
    // no posts found
}
/* Restore original Post Data */
wp_reset_postdata();
 
?>
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1-click Use in WordPress

WP_Query is a powerful tool there are many parameters that can be used to write more complex and advance queries. WP_Query can be used to create nested loops (a WordPress loop inside a loop). WordPress developers can use it in their plugins and themes to create their own custom displays of posts.

A full list of WP_Query parameters is available on WordPress Codex.

Additional Reading