As a WordPress developer, you may have encountered the challenge of removing the “/category/” base from your website’s URLs. While this might seem like a daunting task, it can be accomplished with a few simple steps. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process, ensuring that your WordPress website’s URLs appear just the way you want them.
Why Remove /category/ from URLs?
WordPress categorizes posts into different categories, which is a useful feature for organizing content. However, the default URL structure includes “/category/” before the category name, making URLs longer and less user-friendly. By removing “/category/” from your URLs, you can create cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing links.
Prerequisites
Before you start, there are a couple of prerequisites to keep in mind:
Ensure that your web hosting server supports PHP version 8.0 or above. If not, you may need to upgrade your hosting plan or server to meet this requirement. This is essential because the method we’ll use to remove “/category/” relies on PHP functions introduced in newer versions.
Make sure you have access to your WordPress admin dashboard, as you’ll need it to modify the Permalinks settings and theme files.
Step 1: Adjust Permalinks Settings
The first step in removing “/category/” from your WordPress URLs involves tweaking the Permalinks settings. Follow these steps:
Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
On the right-hand side menu, navigate to “Settings” and click on “Permalinks.”
In the Permalinks page, find the “Category base” field. By default, it’s set to “/category/.”
Replace “/category/” with your preferred base, or simply leave it blank for the best results. A common choice is to use a single character like a hyphen or a period (e.g., “-“). This will create cleaner, more user-friendly URLs.
Step 2: Edit Your Theme’s functions.php
The second step involves editing your theme’s functions.php file to ensure that the changes you made to the Permalinks settings take effect. Here’s what you need to do:
In your WordPress admin dashboard, go to “Appearance” and click on “Theme Editor.”
In the Theme Editor, select the “functions.php” file on the right-hand side.
Add the following code to the end of the functions.php file:
By following these two simple steps, you can successfully remove “/category/” from your WordPress website’s URLs. This not only makes your links look cleaner but also enhances the user experience. Remember that changing your category base also allows you to customize your URLs further.
Keep in mind that altering your website’s core settings and theme files may carry some risks. Always make a backup of your website and its files before making any changes. This way, you can restore your website if something goes wrong.
As a small business owner, you continually seek ways to optimize your resources and reduce costs. One effective approach is to outsource specific tasks, especially those requiring specialized skills. Hiring on-demand developers for smaller tasks can prove to be a cost-effective solution, offering numerous benefits to your business. In this article, our web development company will delve into the advantages of enlisting on-demand developers for small-scale assignments and explain why it’s a savvy choice for your business.
Understanding On-Demand Developers
Comprehending on-demand developers means understanding highly skilled professionals who offer development services to businesses and individuals on a project-by-project basis. These developers are usually experts in a particular programming language or development platform, and they are available for hire to handle a wide range of tasks, from minor assignments to complex projects.
On-demand developers often work as freelancers, operating independently and managing multiple projects concurrently. They can also be found on online platforms like Upwork or Freelancer, where businesses can post their projects and receive proposals from developers interested in taking on the tasks.
The main benefit of utilizing on-demand developers is that it provides businesses with access to a pool of talented professionals with the exact skills and experience needed for their projects. This approach can save both time and money by eliminating the need to hire full-time employees or invest in training existing staff to acquire new skill sets.
On-demand developers offer a broad spectrum of services, encompassing web development, mobile app development, software development, and database management. Moreover, they can deliver specialized services such as cybersecurity or artificial intelligence development.
In conclusion, on-demand developers are a flexible and cost-effective option for businesses and individuals in need of development services, whether for small tasks or extensive projects. These professionals possess the skills and experience required for successful project completion and can be engaged on a project-specific basis, making them an attractive choice for businesses of all sizes.
Benefits of Employing On-Demand Developers for Your Business
Cost Savings: One of the primary advantages of hiring on-demand developers for small tasks is cost savings. Traditional hiring processes can be expensive, time-consuming, and often entail a long-term commitment. On the other hand, hiring on-demand developers means you only pay for the work that’s completed. There are no overhead costs or employee benefits to worry about. This allows you to save money on office space, equipment, and other expenses related to maintaining a full-stack web development team.
Flexibility: Another benefit of hiring on-demand developers is flexibility. You can bring in a developer for a specific project or task, and once the project concludes, you can terminate the contract. This flexibility enables you to scale your business up or down as needed. You can also hire developers on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on the workload. This makes it easier to manage your resources and adapt to changing business needs.
Access to Specialized Skills: When you hire on-demand developers, you gain access to a wide range of specialized skills. You can hire developers with experience in specific programming languages, software, or platforms, such as WordPress or Drupal. This ensures that your project is handled by an expert with the necessary skills and experience. Hiring on-demand developers also provides access to a global talent pool, which can be particularly useful if you need to develop a project in a specific language or for a particular market.
Improved Productivity: Outsourcing small tasks to on-demand developers can enhance your productivity. When you hire developers for specific projects, you free up your in-house team to concentrate on core business activities. This means you can accomplish more work in less time and meet your deadlines more effectively. On-demand developers are typically highly skilled and experienced in their field, allowing them to complete projects faster and with fewer errors, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run.
Focus on Core Activities: As a small business owner, your time is valuable. By outsourcing small tasks to on-demand developers, you can direct your attention to core business activities. This allows you to invest more time in marketing, sales, and other activities that directly impact your business’s growth and success. It also enables you to use your time to develop new ideas and products, rather than getting bogged down in routine tasks. By outsourcing small tasks to on-demand developers, you can free up your time and resources, helping your business grow faster and become more profitable.
Different Types of On-Demand Developers
On-demand developers come in various types and possess varying levels of expertise and experience. Here are some of the most common categories of on-demand developers:
Web Developers: These experts specialize in creating websites and web applications, utilizing programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for building web pages with interactivity and functionality. Web developers can work on front-end development, back-end development, or full-stack development.
Mobile App Developers: These specialists focus on developing applications for mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. They can create apps for both iOS and Android platforms using programming languages like Swift, Objective-C, Java, and Kotlin. Mobile app developers can produce native apps, hybrid apps, or web apps based on client requirements.
Software Developers: These professionals are adept at designing software applications for desktops, servers, and other devices. They use programming languages like C++, Java, Python, and Ruby to develop software tailored to meet the client’s needs. Software developers can create custom software, enterprise software, or open-source software, depending on project requirements.
Data Scientists: Data scientists are skilled in analyzing and interpreting large datasets. They utilize statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms to uncover patterns and insights from data. Data scientists can work on data mining, data visualization, data modeling, or data analysis projects.
Website Security Experts: These experts specialize in securing websites and web applications from potential cyber attacks and data breaches. They possess in-depth knowledge of web technologies and security best practices, allowing them to identify vulnerabilities in websites and web applications. They also implement appropriate security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols, to safeguard websites from potential threats. Website security experts play a crucial role in protecting sensitive information and ensuring the integrity and availability of websites and web applications.
Artificial Intelligence Developers: These specialists focus on developing software and systems capable of performing tasks that traditionally require human intelligence, such as natural language processing, image recognition, and decision-making. They use programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++ to create AI algorithms and applications.
On-demand developers are available in different types and levels of expertise and experience. By understanding the various categories of on-demand developers, businesses can identify the right professional for their project, ensuring optimal results.
When to Engage On-Demand Developers
Businesses have diverse needs when it comes to software development. In some cases, hiring an on-demand developer can be more advantageous than hiring a full-time employee. Here are some situations where engaging an on-demand developer can prove beneficial:
Short-Term Projects: If you have a short-term project requiring specialized skills, it may be more cost-effective to hire an on-demand developer instead of a full-time employee. On-demand developers can work on the project for its duration and then transition to other projects once it’s completed. This can save businesses money on employee salaries, benefits, and training.
Tight Deadlines: For projects with tight deadlines, engaging an on-demand developer can expedite project completion. On-demand developers can commence work on the project immediately, without the need for extensive onboarding or training. This can be particularly valuable for businesses facing sudden surges in demand or unexpected projects requiring swift completion.
Specialized Skills: If your business necessitates specialized skills that are not available in-house, hiring an on-demand developer can provide a solution. On-demand developers possess specific expertise in particular programming languages or technologies, which can benefit businesses lacking these skills internally. This can be especially advantageous for businesses seeking to develop new software applications or systems.
Cost Savings: Engaging an on-demand developer can also be cost-effective for businesses. Businesses are not obligated to provide benefits, training, or office space for on-demand developers. This can lead to long-term cost savings, especially if there is no ongoing need for full-time employees.
Hiring on-demand developers can be advantageous for businesses with short-term projects, tight deadlines, specialized skills requirements, or cost-saving objectives. By engaging on-demand developers, businesses can access the expertise they need without the long-term commitment of full-time employees.
How to Find the Right On-Demand Developer
Finding the right on-demand developer can be a challenging task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. Here are some tips to help you locate the appropriate on-demand developer for your small tasks:
Define Your Requirements and Goals: Before commencing your search for an on-demand developer, it is essential to define your requirements and goals. What kind of task do you require assistance with? What are your specific requirements and expectations? What is your budget? By clearly defining your requirements and goals, you can narrow your search and locate a developer with the necessary skills and experience to complete your project.
Use Online Platforms: Numerous online platforms connect businesses with on-demand developers, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal. These platforms enable you to post your project and receive proposals from developers interested in working with you. You can also search for developers based on their skills, experience, and location. It is advisable to read reviews and ratings before hiring a developer to ensure they possess a solid track record.
Seek Referrals: Another approach to finding on-demand developers is to request referrals from other business owners or colleagues who have previously worked with on-demand developers. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their own experiences.
Review Portfolio and Experience: When selecting an on-demand developer, be sure to review their portfolio and experience. Look for developers who have worked on projects similar to yours in the past and possess the requisite skills and expertise to complete your project. You can also request references from previous clients to gain a better understanding of their work and professionalism.
Assess Their Skills: Prior to hiring an on-demand developer, you can assess their skills by assigning a small task for them to complete. This will allow you to evaluate their skills and communication style, and determine if they are a good fit for your project. It also offers an opportunity to see their work firsthand and gauge the quality of their output.
Communicate Clearly: To ensure successful project completion, it is crucial to maintain clear communication with your on-demand developer. Provide precise instructions, establish realistic deadlines, and offer feedback throughout the project. Additionally, establish a system for tracking progress and milestones to ensure the project remains on track.
Fair and Prompt Payment: Finally, it is important to pay your on-demand developer fairly and promptly. This fosters a positive relationship with them and ensures they are motivated to undertake future projects for your business. Establish a clear payment schedule and ensure all payments are made on time.
Finding the right on-demand developer for your small tasks can be a daunting endeavor, but by adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance your chances of identifying a developer with the essential skills and experience to successfully complete your project. Remember to define your requirements and goals, utilize online platforms, seek referrals, review portfolios and experience, assess skills, communicate clearly, and ensure fair and punctual payment. By following these steps, you can locate a reliable and skilled on-demand developer capable of helping your business thrive and achieve its objectives.
