Helpers

Overview

The Creode_Blocks\Helpers class provides a collection of static utility functions designed to simplify common tasks when working with WordPress blocks. These helper methods handle block retrieval, rendering, context management, and configuration.

Usage

The helper functions can be used anywhere within your theme or plugin where you need to work with blocks programmatically. Simply import the class and call the static methods:

use Creode_Blocks\Helpers;

// Use any helper method
Helpers::render_blocks($content);

Particularly Useful in Block Templates

While these helpers are available globally, they are particularly useful within block template files (templates/block.php). Block templates often need to:

• Render inner blocks with specific context
• Access block instances
• Manipulate block structures dynamically
• Apply custom context to nested blocks

Example in a Block Template

<?php
/**
 * Block template file: templates/block.php
 * 
 * @var WP_Block $block The block instance
 * @var array $attributes The block attributes
 */

use Creode_Blocks\Helpers;

// Get the block instance to access fields
$block_instance = Helpers::get_block_by_name('my-block');

// Get a related post ID from block fields
$related_post_id = $block_instance->get_field('related_post');

?>

<div class="my-block">
    <h2><?php echo esc_html($attributes['title']); ?></h2>
    
    <?php if ($related_post_id): ?>
        <div class="related-content">
            <?php 
            // Render inner blocks in the context of the related post
            Helpers::render_inner_blocks_in_post_context($block, $related_post_id);
            ?>
        </div>
    <?php endif; ?>
</div>

Available Helper Functions

The Helpers class provides functions organized into several categories:

Block Management

• get_block_by_name - Retrieve a block instance by its name

Block Rendering

• render_blocks - Render blocks from a string or array
• render_blocks_in_post_context - Render blocks within a specific post's context
• render_inner_blocks_in_post_context - Render a block's inner blocks with post context

Dynamic Context

• render_blocks_with_dynamic_context - Render blocks with custom context data
• add_dynamic_context_to_blocks - Inject context into block structures

Configuration

• set_default_block_category - Set the default category for new blocks
• set_acf_block_mode - Configure ACF block display modes

When to Use Helpers

Consider using these helpers when you need to:

• Render blocks dynamically outside of the standard WordPress content flow
• Provide post-specific context to blocks that wouldn't normally have it
• Pass custom data down through nested block structures
• Build complex block interactions that require accessing other block instances
• Configure block behavior programmatically based on conditions

Next Steps

Explore the individual helper function pages to learn more about each method's parameters, return values, and practical examples.