Title: WordPress Database Tables and Plugins
Last modified: August 20, 2016

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# WordPress Database Tables and Plugins

 *  Resolved [sylverCode](https://wordpress.org/support/users/sylvercode/)
 * (@sylvercode)
 * [13 years, 4 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/wordpress-database-tables-and-plugins/)
 * I’ve noticed few plugins changing the structure of the existing WP tables by 
   adding new columns.
    e.g. The Admin Management Xtended plugin adds “menu_order”
   column to wp_posts table so you can order posts manually.
 * Is that wise?
    Isn’t it better to create a separate table for your plugins and
   then link the data with WP tables data? Does WP overwrite its tables structure
   to default when updating to a newer version?
 * Thanks in advance!

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

 *  Moderator [bcworkz](https://wordpress.org/support/users/bcworkz/)
 * (@bcworkz)
 * [13 years, 4 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/wordpress-database-tables-and-plugins/#post-3353239)
 * I suppose it’s a matter of opinion. I agree with you, it’s unwise, better to 
   join in your own table. It does complicate queries a bit.
 * WP does not normally fiddle with table structure between updates, but it has 
   happened in the past, and could happen in the future. At which time the data 
   in the extra columns could be lost, or the update could fail. Neither is a very
   desirable outcome. Your own tables is certainly the safest approach, and IMO,
   the only proper approach.
 *  Thread Starter [sylverCode](https://wordpress.org/support/users/sylvercode/)
 * (@sylvercode)
 * [13 years, 4 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/wordpress-database-tables-and-plugins/#post-3353260)
 * Thanks! That’s the answer I was looking for.

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

The topic ‘WordPress Database Tables and Plugins’ is closed to new replies.

 * In: [Hacks](https://wordpress.org/support/forum/plugins-and-hacks/hacks/)
 * 2 replies
 * 2 participants
 * Last reply from: [sylverCode](https://wordpress.org/support/users/sylvercode/)
 * Last activity: [13 years, 4 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/wordpress-database-tables-and-plugins/#post-3353260)
 * Status: resolved

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