4. Dezember 2022

⏲ CreateHow to build a Wordpress slideshow in php with JavaScript and CSS

WordPress

How to Build a WordPress Slideshow with PHP, JavaScript, and CSS

Hey there, slide enthusiasts! 👋 Ready to jazz up your WordPress site? Let's create a nifty slideshow without relying on plugins.

What We're Building

Picture this: a sleek slideshow showcasing your latest blog posts. It's like a catwalk for your content, but with less attitude and more automation.

The PHP and HTML Magic

First things first, let's grab those posts. We'll be working in your theme's front-page.php. It's like the VIP entrance for your website's content.

<?php
$last_three_posts = new WP_Query('posts_per_page=3');
if ($last_three_posts->have_posts()) :
    echo '<div id="slideshow">';
    while ($last_three_posts->have_posts()) : $last_three_posts->the_post();
        echo '<div class="mySlides fade">';
        echo '<div id="numbertext"></div>';
        echo '<img src="' . get_the_post_thumbnail_url() . '" alt="' . get_the_title() . '" style="width:100%">';
        echo '<div id="text">' . get_the_title() . '</div>';
        echo '</div>';
    endwhile;
    echo '<a id="previmg">❮</a>';
    echo '<a id="nextimg">❯</a>';
    echo '</div>';
    wp_reset_postdata();
endif;
?>

This code is like a fishing net for your posts. It catches the last three and displays them in a fancy slideshow format.

Styling: Because Looks Matter

Let's make our slideshow look as good as a perfectly toasted marshmallow. Add this CSS to your style.css:

.mySlides {
    display: none;
}
.fade {
    animation: fade 1.5s;
}
#slideshow {
    position: relative;
    max-width: 100%;
    margin: auto;
}
#previmg, #nextimg {
    cursor: pointer;
    position: absolute;
    top: 50%;
    width: auto;
    padding: 16px;
    margin-top: -22px;
    color: white;
    font-weight: bold;
    font-size: 18px;
    transition: 0.6s ease;
    border-radius: 0 3px 3px 0;
    user-select: none;
    background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.8);
}
#nextimg {
    right: 0;
    border-radius: 3px 0 0 3px;
}
#text {
    position: absolute;
    bottom: 8px;
    width: 100%;
    text-align: center;
    color: white;
    background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
    padding: 8px 0;
}
#numbertext {
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    color: #f2f2f2;
    padding: 8px 12px;
    font-size: 12px;
}
@keyframes fade {
    from {opacity: .4}
    to {opacity: 1}
}

JavaScript

Now, let's add some interactivity.

document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
    let slideIndex = 0;
    const slides = document.getElementsByClassName("mySlides");
    const prevImg = document.getElementById('previmg');
    const nextImg = document.getElementById('nextimg');
    const numberText = document.getElementById('numbertext');
 
    function showSlide(n) {
        if (n >= slides.length) slideIndex = 0;
        if (n < 0) slideIndex = slides.length - 1;
 
        for (let i = 0; i < slides.length; i++) {
            slides[i].style.display = "none";
        }
        slides[slideIndex].style.display = "block";
        numberText.innerText = `${slideIndex + 1} / ${slides.length}`;
    }
 
    function nextSlide() {
        showSlide(++slideIndex);
    }
 
    function prevSlide() {
        showSlide(--slideIndex);
    }
 
    nextImg.addEventListener('click', nextSlide);
    prevImg.addEventListener('click', prevSlide);
 
    showSlide(slideIndex);
 
    setInterval(nextSlide, 5000); // Auto-advance every 5 seconds
});

This script is the brains of the operation. It handles clicks, keeps track of which slide is showing, and even changes slides automatically. It's like having a tiny, invisible DJ for your images!

Wrapping Up

There you have it! A homemade WordPress slideshow that's cooler than a penguin's underwear. No plugins required, just pure coding goodness.

Remember, practice makes perfect. If your first attempt looks more like a slideshow of your aunt's blurry vacation photos, don't worry! Keep tweaking, and soon you'll have a slideshow smoother than a buttered dolphin.

Happy coding, and may your slides always be in focus!