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1. Zentode
   Member
   Posted 2 years ago #

   Well I gave up on these two after several hours of attempts.

   I am trying to return true if the post being displayed is in a specific category and only that category.

   Also create a "dynamic" link to the latest post if it is in a specific category and only that category.

   Basically, I have navigation graphics on my site.
   Two of the graphics are (temporarily) hard coded links in the header template file that each link to their specific post.

   1- I would like a link to go to the latest post in a specific category.(Must be only one category assigned to it and cat must exist)

   I know there is a way to click on a category and get/view the latest post in that category.

   Thing is, I want some sterilization/filters so:
   • If the post belongs to more than one category, it (result) is not included.
   • Must be assigned to the one specific category only!
   • Would like the link only to appear if there is a post in that category!

   
   2- I desire to change the links style when they are are clicked on (active). Hence, how do I detect if the post is being viewed is an a specific category and only that category.

   I tried several things including using post in pages but, I want all the features and control of a post like selecting how may per page and all the other core functs...

   No plugins but, all in the template and/or template functions.
   (And world peace)

   I was attempting:

   <?php query_posts('category_name=Wordpress&post_status=publish,future');?>
   <?php if ( have_posts() ) : while ( have_posts() ) : the_post();
   $activestyle="some_style";
   ?>

   So: (if viewing a post in category WordPress (and only that category))

   <li class="<?php $activestyle ?>">WordPress

   I realize I need some elses for sterilization but aaahhh! Help!

   I came close a couple times but, ultimately failed. I know this will be useful to others when I get it all nailed down. With everyones help here...

   Thanks in advance..

2. Zentode
   Member
   Posted 2 years ago #

   Well, my downfall, well one of many, is not being familiar with the wp codex.

   I made a function that allows me to display specific things and assign vars based on the a single category and only that category, It is really crude but, I am grabbing at straws now and getting frustrated.

   function pet_my_cats() {
   $it="0";
   foreach((get_the_category()) as $category) {
   if ($category->cat_ID == "" || $category->cat_name == "") {
   $it="86";
   }
   elseif ($category->cat_ID == "1"){
   $it=($it+4);
   }
   elseif ($category->cat_name == "Plans" || $category->category_nicename == "plans") {
   $it=($it+2);
   }
   elseif ($category->cat_name == "Newsletter" || $category->category_nicename == "newsletter") {
   $it=($it+3);
   }
   }
   if ($it == "0" ||  $it == "86") {
   $thisis = "error";
   $response =  "Error, no category selected!<br />";
   }
   if ($it == "2") {
   $thisis = "plans";
   $response =  "Plans <br />";
   }
   if ($it == "3") {
   $thisis = "newsletter";
   $response =  "Newsletter <br />";
   }
   if ($it == "4") {
   $thisis = "default";
   $response =  "Default <br />";
   }
   if ($it >= "5" &&  $it < "86") {
   $thisis = "multiple";
   $response =  "Please choose only one category! <br />";
   }
   if ($it > "86" ||  $it == "0" || !$it) {
   $thisis = "error";
   $response = "There was an error!<br />";
   }
   }

   It allows me to set specific templates based on the category.

   It works in my page template either as a standalone or calling the function but, does not work in the header template. Perhaps I am outside of the "loop"? I was also trying to use the above to create switches for creating the two nav links that will link to the latest post in that cat.

   I really know there is an easy solution, the wp codex is confusing me more.

3. Zentode
   Member
   Posted 2 years ago #

   Sorry all,

   Looks like keeping the functions in the post template files and out of the header was the solution. (and deleting the above code!)

   I always seem to make things too complicated.

4. Zentode
   Member
   Posted 2 years ago #

   This solved almost all my issues.

   http://codex.wordpress.org/Function_Reference/WP_Cache

   I was able to set variables, pass them to other scripts and use them in remotely hosted files too pulled in via curl. I used is_category to detect which was being viewed and set it in wp_cache. (After testing if empty and some other items specific to my application.)

   My index.php file then determines which template file to use.
   VERY basically:
   

   <?php if (is_archive() || is_single()) {
   if (wp_cache_get('category') == "Newsletter") {
   include(TEMPLATEPATH . '/newsletter.php');
   }
   if (wp_cache_get('category') == "Plans") {
   include(TEMPLATEPATH . '/plans.php');
   }
   }
   ?>

   I have achieved so much with just a couple lines of code. I am learning. Hopefully, I will be able to help someone figure out their coding query here someday!

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