6. WordPress Database and Queries

This module covers WordPress data access through APIs first and direct SQL only when necessary.

Lessons

• WP_Query, Metadata, and Options — use WordPress data APIs correctly
• wpdb and Custom Tables — run safe direct SQL when APIs are not enough
• Data Migrations and Versioned Schema Changes — update options and tables safely over time

Database Rule

Prefer WordPress APIs. Use direct SQL only when the API cannot express the query or when a custom table is the right design.

What's Next

• Continue to 7. AJAX, REST, and Forms