WordPress provides a built-in search functionality that allows users to find content across the site. It searches through various types of content, including posts, pages, and custom post types. The search results are displayed on a dedicated search results page, showcasing items that match the search query entered by the user.
The Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) plays a significant role in WordPress search functionality. When a user performs a search, the query is appended to the URI as a parameter. For instance, a search for "CSS" would generate a URI like example.com/?s=CSS. This format is essential as it allows WordPress to identify the search query and display the corresponding results based on it.
To show the current or active search term in a search form field, WordPress uses the get_search_query() function. This function retrieves the search term entered by the user and can be used in the search form as follows:
<input type="text" value="<?php echo get_search_query(); ?>" />. This ensures that when users return to the search form, their previous query is still visible.
In summary, WordPress offers an efficient search functionality that enhances user experience by allowing easy content discovery. The URI structure is a key component to the search process, and displaying the current search term keeps the interface user-friendly and intuitive.