What does the WordPress “_e()” function do?

Question

I have these all over my theme, and when if I delete them, there nothing happens to the theme. What does it do? Should I leave them in or are they unnecessary? I want to opt

Answer 1

These are for WordPress localization.

Here is their documentation: http://codex.wordpress.org/Function_Reference/_e

Also a few links on localization in general on WordPress to put the _e's in context:

• http://make.wordpress.org/docs/plugin-developer-handbook/plugin-components/internationalization/
• http://codex.wordpress.org/I18n_for_WordPress_Developers

Answer 2

https://developer.wordpress.org/reference/functions/_e/

In WordPress, strings in the php files are marked for translation to other languages, and localization using two “tags” which are actually functions. They are:

__() _e()

Answer 3

Actually, from my experience, I find that _e() is a function. It is similar to:

<?php function _e($txt) { echo $txt; }

It seems to me that if you eliminate it, you run the risk of your text not even showing up. From the uses I have seen, though, it is comments to the WordPress user to remind them to add information to the area, like the footer, header, or whatever. So eliminating may only remove all the hints the theme has built in for you.

Answer 4

Those are WordPress library function used on localization in Wordpress themes. Its recommended to use escapes function as much as possible in theme and plugins for safety.

__() = Return the translated string
_e() = echo the translated string
esc_html__() = Escapes & return the translation string use in HTML output
esc_html_e() = Escapes & echo the translation string use in HTML output
esc_attr__() = Escapes & return the translation string use in an attribute
esc_attr_e() = Escapes & echo the translation string use in an attribute

_n() = Retrieve the plural or single form based on the amount.

_x() = Retrieve translated string with gettext context
_ex() = echo translated string with gettext context
esc_attr_x() = Escapes & return translated string with gettext context use in an attribute
esc_html_x() = Escapes & return translated string with gettext context use in HTML output

Answer 5

They are used for localization in WordPress themes. If you're only using one language for your theme, you don't need them.

Answer 6

If you want echo the translated string, then you will be using _e and when you just want to have the translated string, then you will be using __.