Understanding update_option() vs update_site_option() in WordPress

WordPress offers developers powerful tools for storing and managing settings, configurations, and custom data. Two critical functions for handling these tasks are update_option() and update_site_option(). While they may seem interchangeable at first glance, they serve distinct purposes, especially in multisite environments.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between these functions, explain when to use each, and provide practical examples to ensure your WordPress projects are efficient and conflict-free.

What Are WordPress Options?

Before diving into the functions, let’s clarify what “options” are in WordPress.

Definition

Options are key-value pairs stored in the WordPress database. They allow developers to save and retrieve settings, configurations, or custom data. Examples include:

• Site title (blogname)
• Plugin settings (e.g., a contact form’s email address)
• Theme customization data (e.g., colors or fonts).

Where Are Options Stored?

• Single-Site Installations: Options are stored in the wp_options table.
• Multisite Installations:
  • Site-Specific Options: Stored in the wp_options table for each site.
  • Network-Wide Options: Stored in the wp_sitemeta table.

The update_option() Function

What Does It Do?

update_option() updates or creates an option for the current site. In a multisite network, this means the option is specific to the site where the code runs.

Syntax

update_option( string $option, mixed $value, bool $autoload = true ) 

• $option: The name of the option you want to update.
• $value: The new value for the option.
• $autoload: (Optional) Whether to autoload the option. The default is true.

How It Works

When you call update_option(), WordPress checks if the specified option exists. If it does, the function updates its value; if it doesn’t, it creates a new option with the provided value. This option is stored in the wp_options table, making it accessible only to the current site in a multisite setup.

Example Usage

Here’s a practical example of using update_option():

// Update the site tagline  

update_option('blogdescription', 'The best site for learning WordPress!');

In this example, the site tagline is updated to “The best site for learning WordPress!” This change will only affect the current site in a multisite network or the single site in a single-site installation.

The update_site_option() Function

What Does It Do?

It updates or creates an option that is network-wide, meaning it applies to all sites within a multisite network. This function is essential for settings that should be shared across all sites.

Syntax

update_site_option( string $option, mixed $value, bool $autoload = true ) 

• $option: The name of the option you want to update.
• $value: The new value for the option.
• $autoload: (Optional) Whether to autoload the option. The default is true.

How It Works

Similar to update_option(), when you call update_site_option(), WordPress checks if the option exists. If it does, it updates the value; if it doesn’t, it creates a new option. However, this option is stored in the wp_sitemeta table, which is specific to multisite installations.

Example Usage

Here’s an example of how to use:

// Update the network-wide admin email  

update_site_option('admin_email', '[email protected]');

In this example, the network admin email is updated to “[email protected],” and this change will be reflected across all sites in the multisite network.

When to Use Each Function

Use update_option()

• When you want to update settings that are specific to the current site.
• It is ideal for site-specific configurations, such as theme settings or plugin options, that do not need to be shared across the network.

Use update_site_option()

• When you need to update settings, that should apply to all sites in a multisite network.
• Useful for shared configurations, such as network-wide plugin settings or global site settings that affect all sites.

Best Practices

1. Choose the Right Function: Always use update_option() for site-specific settings and update_site_option() for network-wide settings to avoid confusion and potential conflicts.
2. Sanitize Input: Always sanitize the values you are saving to ensure data integrity and security. Use functions like sanitize_text_field() or esc_sql() as appropriate.
3. Use Autoload Wisely: Consider whether you need the option to be autoloaded. If the option is not needed on every page load, set $autoload to false to improve performance.

Common Mistakes

• Using update_site_option() in Single-Site Installations: While it exists, it’s unnecessary in single-site setups. Stick to update_option() for clarity.
• Not Checking for Existing Options: To avoid unnecessary database writes, always check if an option exists before updating it.

Retrieving Options

To retrieve options, use get_option() for site-specific options and get_site_option() for network-wide options. Here’s how you can do it:

// Retrieve the site title  

 $site_title = get_option('blogname');  


// Retrieve the network name  

$network_name = get_site_option('network_name');

These functions allow you to access the values stored in the database, ensuring you can utilize the settings effectively in your theme or plugin.

Hooks for Extending Functionality

WordPress provides hooks that allow developers to extend the functionality of update_option() and update_site_option(). You can use the following hooks:

• update_option: Triggered after an option is updated.
• update_site_option: Triggered after a network-wide option is updated.

These hooks can be useful for logging changes, triggering notifications, or performing additional actions when options are updated. Here’s an example of using the update_option hook:

add_action('update_option', 'my_custom_function', 10, 3);  


function my_custom_function($option, $old_value, $new_value) {  

    // Log the change or perform an action  

    error_log("Option '$option' updated from '$old_value' to '$new_value'");  

}

Security Considerations

When using these functions, it’s crucial to consider security implications. Always sanitize inputs to prevent SQL injection or other vulnerabilities. Additionally, ensure that only authorized users can update options, especially in a multisite environment where permissions can vary between site admins and network admins.

FAQs

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between update_option() and update_site_option() is essential for effective WordPress development, particularly in multisite environments. By using these functions correctly, you can efficiently manage site-specific and network-wide settings, ensuring a smooth user experience and maintaining data integrity.

In summary:

• Use update_option() for settings specific to the current site.
• Use update_site_option() for settings that should apply across all sites in a multisite network.

By following best practices, avoiding common mistakes, and considering security implications, you can enhance your WordPress projects by using these functions.

About the writer

Hassan Tahir wrote this article, drawing on his experience to clarify WordPress concepts and enhance developer understanding. Through his work, he aims to help both beginners and professionals refine their skills and tackle WordPress projects with greater confidence.