PHP Max Input Vars in WordPress wp-config

As a WordPress developer, it's important to understand the concept of max_input_vars in PHP settings.

What is max_input_vars?

max_input_vars is a PHP configuration setting that controls the maximum number of input variables that can be accepted by a script. Input variables include GET, POST and COOKIE data. This setting is an important one when it comes to working with large forms which may be spread across multiple pages, as it determines how many form fields can be processed at once.

How does it affect WordPress?

WordPress heavily relies on input variables (e.g. $_POST, $_GET) to function properly. Certain features like theme customizer, post editor, and plugin settings use large forms, which can reach the limitation of max_input_vars. This can cause errors or data loss if the limit is exceeded.

Setting max_input_vars in WordPress

By default, max_input_vars is set to 1,000 in PHP. However, this may not be enough for WordPress websites with complex forms. To increase the limit, we can add the following line of code to the wp-config.php file:

ini_set( 'max_input_vars', 3000 );

This code sets the limit to 3,000, but feel free to adjust it to a higher number based on your specific needs. Please note that some hosting providers may not allow you to change this value due to security concerns.

Conclusion

In summary, max_input_vars is an important PHP setting that can impact WordPress performance. By understanding its role and setting an appropriate value in wp-config.php, developers can ensure their websites function properly even with large forms.