📘 Displaying the Current Year in WordPress (Without Hardcoding!)

Why It Matters:

Using dynamic dates (like the current year) ensures your copyright footers and date-based references stay up to date automatically—boosting professionalism and reducing manual updates.

✅ Method 1: Using functions.php (Safe Theme-Based Method)

👨‍💻 Step-by-Step:

1. Access Your Theme’s functions.php File:

   • Go to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.

   • Navigate to Appearance → Theme File Editor.

   • Click on functions.php under the active theme (usually called Theme Functions).

2. Add This Code:

3. Use the Shortcode Anywhere:

   • In posts, pages, or widgets:
     [current_year]

   • In template files (like footer.php), use:
     php echo do_shortcode('[current_year]');

⚠️ Notes:

• This code is theme-specific. If you change themes, you’ll need to re-add it.

• Always backup your site before editing PHP files!

✅ Method 2: Using the “Code Snippets” Plugin (Best Practice for Non-Devs)

🔧 Why This is Safer:

Using a plugin like Code Snippets lets you run PHP code without touching theme files, so changes persist even if you switch themes.

🛠 How to Do It:

1. Install the Plugin:

   • Go to Plugins → Add New.

   • Search for Code Snippets.

   • Install and activate it.

2. Add a New Snippet:

   • Go to Snippets → Add New.

   • Title it: Display Current Year Shortcode.

3. Paste This Code:

4. Save and Activate the Snippet.

5. Use the Shortcode:

   • Anywhere in your post or page, insert:
     [current_year]

🔄 Use Case Examples

• Copyright Footer:

In Legal Pages or Dynamic Templates:

Inside Widgets:

• Add a Text Widget or use Avada’s Custom HTML Block with:

• No Hardcoded Dates: Google appreciates content that’s clearly maintained. Auto-updating your year reflects recency.

• Structured Footers: Use semantic HTML (<footer>) and microdata for site info when possible.

• Avoid Overuse in Headings: Don’t place [current_year] in <h1> unless contextually appropriate.

🏁 Summary

📌 Bonus Tip: Auto-Update Copyright Footer

If you want to combine your site name + year dynamically:

Use this as [site_footer] in footers or widget areas.

How To Display Current Year in WordPress With Automatic Updates (Works With All Themes) : Videos

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