Title: how to insert code using widgets OR child function file
Last modified: August 30, 2016

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# how to insert code using widgets OR child function file

 *  Resolved [ejm](https://wordpress.org/support/users/llizard/)
 * (@llizard)
 * [10 years, 5 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/how-to-insert-code-using-widgets-or-child-function-file/)
 * I relatively recently switched to a child theme of twentytwelve I’m having fits
   trying to include a file on my side bar. The file shows variable entries that
   are based on what the date is. I used to use the following coding on the sidebar:
 * `<?php include($_SERVER['DOCUMENT_ROOT'] . "/textfiles/special.php"); ?>`
 * But, of course, php coding cannot be used in widgets.
 * I’ve tried to search for the answer but do not know what search words to enter
   in order to find it….
 * I’m guessing that I could achieve this by putting code into my theme’s functions
   file. But I’m stymied (a little knowledge of coding truly is a dangerous thing)
   about what exactly to put to include the file to appear just after the calendar
   on the sidebar.
 * Could someone please point me in the direction of a page that outlines in dummy-
   fashion how to achieve this?
 * Thank you.
 * -E Morris, etherwork [dot] net [slash] blog << URL purposely left unlinked in
   an attempt to keep spammers at bay
 * _edit: in the meantime, I’ve hardcoded the entry that I would like to appear 
   for the month of December._

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

 *  [stephencottontail](https://wordpress.org/support/users/stephencottontail/)
 * (@stephencottontail)
 * [10 years, 5 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/how-to-insert-code-using-widgets-or-child-function-file/#post-6815030)
 * Since you’re already using a child theme, you could put that code directly in`
   sidebar.php` above the call to `dynamic_sidebar()` and use CSS to style the result
   so that it looks like a widget.
 * Another option would be to use this PHP code that will allow the built-in text
   widget to execute PHP:
 *     ```
       add_filter('widget_text','execute_php',100);
       function execute_php($html){
            if(strpos($html,"<"."?php")!==false){
                 ob_start();
                 eval("?".">".$html);
                 $html=ob_get_contents();
                 ob_end_clean();
            }
            return $html;
       }
       ```
   
 * One last option would be to use a special text widget that can execute PHP code.
 *  Thread Starter [ejm](https://wordpress.org/support/users/llizard/)
 * (@llizard)
 * [10 years, 5 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/how-to-insert-code-using-widgets-or-child-function-file/#post-6815253)
 * Thank you for your reply, stephencottontail.
 * I am trying to avoid adding too many extra files to my child theme so have not
   added the sidebar.php at all.
 * My grasp of PHP (in terms of security) is on the shaky side so I’m a little nervous
   to add the built-in text widget that allows PHP coding.
 * I had no idea that there was such an option as a special text widget. Armed with
   new search terms, I’ll do a little more investigation.
 * edit a few moments later:
 * Yes, as I thought, enabling PHP coding in widgets (via the child functions file)
   might not be the best way for me to go:
 * >  Use PHP in widgets very judiciously as this is a potential security vulnerability
   > you open by enabling code execution from a widget, versus a file on the server.-
   > http://www.carriedils.com/extend-wordpress-widgets-without-plugin/

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

The topic ‘how to insert code using widgets OR child function file’ is closed to
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## Tags

 * [functions](https://wordpress.org/support/topic-tag/functions/)
 * [php include](https://wordpress.org/support/topic-tag/php-include/)
 * [widgets](https://wordpress.org/support/topic-tag/widgets/)

 * In: [Fixing WordPress](https://wordpress.org/support/forum/how-to-and-troubleshooting/)
 * 2 replies
 * 2 participants
 * Last reply from: [ejm](https://wordpress.org/support/users/llizard/)
 * Last activity: [10 years, 5 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/how-to-insert-code-using-widgets-or-child-function-file/#post-6815253)
 * Status: resolved

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