How to Disallow File Edits In WordPress – disallow_file_edit

In WordPress, the Disallow File Edit setting (also referred to as the variable name disallow_file_edit) is a security feature that allows you to prevent users from editing theme and plugin files directly from the WordPress dashboard. This can be useful for a variety of reasons, including preventing accidental changes to the code and protecting your site from malicious attacks. In this post, we’ll cover what the Disallow File Edit setting is, why you might want to use it, and how to set it up on your WordPress site.

Why Edit Theme Files and Plugins from the WordPress Admin?

There are several reasons why someone might want to edit theme and plugin files directly from the WordPress admin:

1. Make customizations to their site and the way it looks.  For example, if a user wants to change the layout or design of their site, they may need to edit the theme files to achieve the desired look, perhaps by adding some CSS to customize a particular style. Similarly, if a user wants some functionality to work slightly differently than a plugin currently delivers, they may need to edit a plugin’s files to make those changes.
2. Another reason someone might want to edit theme and plugin files directly from the WordPress admin is to troubleshoot issues with their site. For example, if a user is experiencing an error or problem with their site, they may need to edit the code to fix the issue. This could involve making changes to the theme or plugin files to resolve the problem.
3. Finally, some users may simply prefer to have direct access to the theme and plugin files in order to have more control over their site. This can be especially useful for developers who are comfortable working with code and want to have the ability to make changes directly from the WordPress admin.

While each of these reasons is certainly valid – it’s important to note that editing these files can be risky, and it’s generally recommended to have a backup of your site and be cautious when making any changes to your code.

What is the Disallow File Edit Setting?

The Disallow File Edit setting is a feature that can be found in the WordPress dashboard under the “General Settings” tab. When enabled, it prevents users from accessing and editing the theme and plugin files directly from the WordPress dashboard.

Why Use the Disallow File Edit Setting

There are several reasons why you might want to use the Disallow File Edit setting on your WordPress site. Here are a few:

1. Security: By disallowing file edits, you can protect your site from malicious attacks that may try to alter your code in an attempt to gain access to your site or steal sensitive information.
2. Accidental Changes: The Disallow File Edit setting can also help prevent administrator users from making accidental changes to the website’s code, which can cause your site to break or function improperly.
3. Consistency: If you have multiple users with different levels of technical expertise accessing your site, the Disallow File Edit setting can help ensure that everyone is working from the same codebase and that no one makes unintended changes.

How to Turn on the Disallow File Edit Setting (Step-by-Step Instructions)

To turn on the Disallow File Edit (disallow_file_edit) setting on your WordPress site, follow these steps:

1. You’ll need a text editor, and access to your wp-config.php file (you can edit this via FTP, or sometimes your host allows you to edit these variables or files from their control panel).
2. Open up your wp-config.php file using a text editor or code editor.
3. Find the settings “DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT” in your wp-config.php file and change it to true.  It should look something like this once you’re done: define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true );
4. If you can’t find that value in your wp-config file, then anywhere above the line in that file that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */, add the line define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true );.
5. Save the file and make sure it’s saved inside of your website.
6. Check your WordPress dashboard, you should not see the links to edit your theme files and plugin files when you go to: “Appearance > Editor” and “Plugins > Editor”.

Conclusion:

The Disallow File Edit setting is a useful security feature in WordPress that can help protect your site from malicious attacks and prevent accidental changes to your code. It’s easy to set up and can be accessed from the “General Settings” tab in the WordPress dashboard. If you want to ensure the integrity of your code and keep your site secure, consider enabling the Disallow File Edit setting.