[theme-reviewers] Are there any shortcodes appropriate to include with a theme?

Bruce Wampler weavertheme at gmail.com
Sat Mar 16 18:51:58 UTC 2013


I'm working on a new theme, and would like to clear up what might or might
not be acceptable for shortocodes.

I know that shortcode are really discouraged because at the least they will
leave undefined [theme_shortcode] text if the theme is switched.

But I also got the impression there is room for some theme specific
shortcodes. Where is the line? Some specific examples I am struggling with
(just using generic 'theme' as a name):

[theme_info] - shows diagnostic information about the theme - this would
seem ok as it serves a possibly useful diagnostic function very theme
specific.

[theme_show/hide_if_mobile] - Show or hide content depending on
desktop/mobile view. Many users want this capability, and it seems really
related to how the theme works on mobile views. It could be done with
@media and settings for transition points, I suppose, but it really seems
the theme is in control of those decisions.

[theme_show_posts options='xxx'] - Show some posts on a page or sidebar.
This capability is also very popular with users. To function correctly, it
really need to know how a theme formats posts, so separating it from the
theme would lead to showing content that doesn't match the rest of the
theme. (Same logic could apply to RSS feeds)

[theme_menu] - display menus in alternate locations in format that matches
standard theme menu.

-----
I'm especially having difficulties imagining how to write a plugin version
of a [theme_show_posts] shortcode that could work across themes and provide
any kind styling consistent with the theme.

So I'm curious if any of the higher ups here have an opinion on what kind
of shortcode would be acceptable to include with new themes.

Bruce Wampler
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