[theme-reviewers] Question about ob_start and ob_get_clean (Vicky Arulsingam)

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I use output buffering on wp_head() and wp_footer(), in order to give my theme complete control over them. Since most plugins hook onto these, they can become cluttered with scripts and CSS file links. By using OB and a custom filter, I can do things like (1) remove duplicate jQuery scripts, and (2) optimize the order that CSS and scripts are loaded in. Essentially this gives my theme the final say in what resources are loaded into the page, allowing me to "clean up after" plugins.

-Darren Slatten

On Jun 29, 2011, at 10:12 AM, Vicky Arulsingam <vicky.arulsingam at gmail.com> wrote:

> I've asked the theme author to explain the usage. If there's a valid
> use for it then it should be allowed but I haven't a clue how.
> 
> On 6/29/11, Ryan Hellyer <ryan at pixopoint.com> wrote:
>> There are many reasons to use output buffering (ob_start etc), but
>> they would rarely be used within a theme. I've seen themes which use
>> buffering as a way to dynamically minify the markup, but that's a
>> horrid way to do it - much better incorporated within a caching plugin
>> IMO.
>> 
>> There may be a practical use for output buffer in a theme, but I'm
>> darned if I can think of a good example. I wouldn't want to see it
>> banned outright, as someone may come up with a cunning use for it that
>> none of us have thought of.
>> 
>> Perhaps the theme check plugin could check for output buffering
>> functions and leave a request for the theme developer to provide a
>> reason for using it? That way they'll know it's non-standard and
>> provide a reason (good or bad) for the theme reviewers to read. Could
>> potentially save a little to and fro'ing in the future. Just an idea.
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> 
> 
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> -----
> Vicky Arulsingam
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