Module 09 • Lesson 01 • Working with users

plugin-developer-learning-pathway/09-Users/01-Working-with-Users.md

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+## Working with Users
+
+WordPress provides a robust user management system that allows site owners and developers to manage users efficiently. Understanding how to work with users in WordPress can help improve site administration, enhance security, and customize user experiences. This guide covers the basics of user roles, user management, and how to programmatically interact with users using WordPress functions.
+
+
+## Understanding WordPress User Roles
+
+WordPress comes with a built-in user role management system, which defines what actions each user can perform. The default roles include:
+
+
+- Administrator – Has full control over the site, including themes, plugins, and user management.
+
+- Editor – Can manage and publish all posts, including those of other users.
+
+- Author – Can publish and manage their own posts.
+
+- Contributor – Can write and manage their own posts but cannot publish them.
+
+- Subscriber – Can only manage their profile and read content.
+
+## Managing Users in WordPress
+
+
+## Adding New Users
+
+You can add new users manually through the WordPress dashboard:
+
+
+- Go to Users > Add New.
+
+- Enter the required details such as username, email, and password.
+
+- Assign an appropriate role.
+
+- Click Add New User.
+
+Alternatively, you can allow users to register via Settings > General, by enabling the Anyone can register option and setting a default role.
+
+
+## Editing and Deleting Users
+
+To edit user details:
+
+- Navigate to Users > All Users.
+
+- Click on a user’s name.
+
+- Modify the relevant fields and click Update User.
+
+To delete a user:
+
+- Go to Users > All Users.
+
+- Select the user and choose Delete.
+
+Assign their content to another user if necessary.
+
+
+## Programmatically Working with Users
+
+For developers, WordPress provides various functions to manage users via code.
+
+## Retrieving User Information
+
+Use get_user_by() to retrieve user data:
+
+
+```php
+$user = get_user_by('email', '[email protected]');
+if ($user) {
+   echo 'User ID: ' . $user->ID;
+}
+```
+## Creating a New User
+
+Use wp_create_user() to programmatically add a user:
+
+
+```php
+$user_id = wp_create_user('username', 'password123', '[email protected]');
+
+
+if (!is_wp_error($user_id)) {
+   echo 'User created successfully!';
+}
+```
+## Updating User Data
+
+Use wp_update_user() to modify user details:
+
+
+```php
+wp_update_user(array(
+   'ID' => 2,
+   'first_name' => 'John',
+   'last_name' => 'Doe'
+));
+```
+## Deleting a User
+
+Use wp_delete_user() to remove a user:
+
+
+```php
+wp_delete_user(2);
+```
+## Checking User Capabilities
+
+WordPress provides the current_user_can() function to check permissions:
+
+
+```php
+if (current_user_can('edit_posts')) {
+   echo 'You can edit posts!';
+}
+```
+## Customizing User Roles and Capabilities
+
+WordPress allows developers to create custom roles and assign specific capabilities.
+
+
+## Creating a Custom Role
+
+Use add_role() to create a new role:
+
+
+```php
+add_role('custom_role', 'Custom Role', array(
+   'read' => true,
+   'edit_posts' => true,
+));
+```
+## Adding or Removing Capabilities
+
+Use add_cap() or remove_cap() to modify capabilities:
+```php
+$role = get_role('editor');
+$role->add_cap('manage_options'); // Grant ability to manage options
+$role->remove_cap('publish_posts'); // Remove ability to publish posts
+```
+## Conclusion
+
+WordPress provides a powerful user management system that allows site owners and developers to manage users efficiently. Whether through the dashboard or programmatically, understanding how to work with users in WordPress helps maintain site security, improve user experience, and customize roles to fit specific needs.