There are times that I’ve needed to limit input into a class method or function while using the extract() function. Problems arise at times from rogue argument keys that aren’t necessarily needed. Here’s a simple way to use the awesomeness of extract(), but dictate its output to the parameters of your allowed vars.

$allowed_vars('foo', 'bar', 'foobar'); 

# Set allowed vars as $ variables
extract($allowed_vars);

# Extract only allowed vars from user-submitted arguments
# EXTR_IF_EXISTS will only convert array keys of foo, bar, and foobar
extract($args, EXTR_IF_EXISTS);

If you’re not familiar with command line editing, check out this great tutorial site to get started with VIM.

This is one of the most impacting videos I’ve seen on working with mass amounts of email.

Understanding a problem is the foundation of programming. Classification is the logical, yet, overlooked starting point of most projects. Many times, I find that my inefficiency and lack of productivity stems from a low morale or fatigue. This is typically birthed by a deficiency of direction and understanding of how to accomplish a task.

When I find myself in a vacuum of zero productivity, I typically break down problems and tasks in an outline program. I focus on creating small, realistic tasks in a logical progression that won’t overwhelm my psyche. I recently discovered WorkFlowy. It’s a simple way to systematize thoughts, ideas, contingencies, projected anomalies, scenarios, etc. in a searchable, navigable outline form.

When you starting seeing your coworkers as binary entities, just do something to get back to firing on all cylinders. A good place to start is classify and reclassify, then classify again until you get it right. If classification is the beginning of understanding, iteration of classification is certainly a close second.

Author: Hayden White

If you’re wanting to push your custom sub-menu link to the top of the list within a WordPress menu, you can use this code to ensure that you’re always the alpha sub-menu item.

function custom_menu_order(){
    global $submenu;
	  
    $find_page = 'themes.php';
    $find_sub = 'Widgets';
    
    foreach($submenu as $page => $items):
        if($page == $find_page):
            foreach($items as $id => $meta):
                if($meta[0] == $find_sub):
                    $submenu[$find_page][0] = $meta;
                    unset ($submenu[$find_page][$id]);
                    ksort($submenu[$find_page]);
                endif;
            endforeach;
        endif;
    endforeach;
}
add_action('_admin_menu', 'custom_menu_order');

View the SE thread where I originally posted this.