Using WordPress ‘flush_rewrite_rules()’ PHP function

The flush_rewrite_rules() WordPress PHP function removes current rewrite rules and recreates them. It can either update the .htaccess file (hard flush) or just update the rewrite_rules option (soft flush). The default mode is hard flush.

Usage

Here’s a basic example of how to use the function:

flush_rewrite_rules();

This will perform a hard flush of the rewrite rules. If you want a soft flush, you just need to pass false to the function:

flush_rewrite_rules(false);

Parameters

  • $hard (bool) (optional): Whether to perform a hard or soft flush. Default is true (hard flush).

More information

See WordPress Developer Resources: flush_rewrite_rules()

Please be cautious when using this function, as it can be resource-intensive. It’s best to use it sparingly and only when necessary, like on plugin activation or deactivation.

Examples

Activation Hook Example

When a plugin is activated, you can use this function to ensure the rewrite rules are flushed:

register_activation_hook( __FILE__, 'plugin_activation' );
function plugin_activation() {
    flush_rewrite_rules();
}

Deactivation Hook Example

Similarly, you can flush rewrite rules when a plugin is deactivated:

register_deactivation_hook( __FILE__, 'flush_rewrite_rules' );

Custom Query Variable Example

You can add a custom query variable and then flush the rewrite rules:

add_action( 'init', 'custom_query_vars' );
function custom_query_vars() {
    global $wp;
    $wp->add_query_var( 'newfeed' );
    flush_rewrite_rules();
}

Theme Activation Example

If you want to flush rewrite rules when a theme is activated, you can do so with this function:

add_action( 'after_switch_theme', 'flush_rewrite_rules' );

Post Saving Example

You can also flush rewrite rules when a specific post type is updated:

add_action( 'save_post', 'wpdoc_flush_rules_on_save_posts', 20, 2);
function wpdoc_flush_rules_on_save_posts( $post_id, $post ) {
    if ( $post->post_type != 'post' ) {
        return;
    }
    flush_rewrite_rules();
}