I am a huge WordPress fan, and I use it for all the sites/blogs that I create. If you are a WordPress user, then you should know what shortcodes are. Shortcodes were introduced in WordPress 2.5 in the Shortcode API. You can think of it as a abbreviated version for a chunk of code. You can place it anywhere on your blog. A post, page, or widget can have shortcodes. You’ve probably seen them.  They are usually enclosed in brackets, like this: [ shortcode ].

If you are using a WordPress theme that support shortcodes (I’m hoping that majority do) or have installed a plugin that does, then here are five of my favorite shortcodes that you can add to your blog:

 [ quote] This is a great way to emphasize a sentence or if you are quoting someone

 [ contact-form] You should have a way for your readers to contact you with any questions, suggestions, or just to say hi. This is a great shortcode to quickly dispaly a contact form

 [ sourcecode] If you are trying to teach your readers about coding, you can put the code using this shortcode (don’t forget to end it with [ /sourcecode]), and it won’t make your WordPress all screwy. I learned that the hard way

[ related_posts] If you want to show posts that are similar to the one the reader is looking at, then just add this shortcode.

 [ slideshow] Show a slideshow of your photos

Remember: You need to have a WordPress theme that supports shortcodes or a plugin. Happy shortcoding!

Bloggers: What are your favorite WordPress shortcodes?

Written by: Shevonne on August 15, 2011.
Last revised by: Shevonne on August 29, 2011.

Tags: shortcodes, wordpress shortcode