Always check for query results

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 93 views

The Mysterious Case of get_posts vs wp_query: Why get_posts Returns Results but wp_query Doesn't

As a WordPress developer, you've likely encountered situations where you're trying to fetch posts using either get_posts() or wp_query(), but only one of them seems to be working. In this article, we'll delve into the world of WordPress query functions and explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.

Understanding the Basics of get_posts and wp_query

Before we dive into the specifics, let's quickly review what each function does:

get_posts(): This function is used to retrieve a list of posts based on a set of arguments. It returns an array of post objects, which can then be looped through to display the posts.
wp_query(): This function is used to retrieve a list of posts based on a set of arguments and display them on a page. It returns a WP_Query object, which can be used to loop through the posts and display them.

The Custom Template: A Potential Culprit

Let's take a closer look at the custom template you're using for the members page:

&lt;?php
/**
 * Template Name: Our Members
 *
 * @package Demo
 */
$args = [
&quot;post_type&quot; =&gt; &quot;...&quot;,
&quot;posts_per_page&quot; =&gt; -1,
&quot;meta_key&quot; =&gt; &quot;member_status&quot;,
&quot;meta_value&quot; =&gt; &quot;active&quot;
];
 $posts = get_posts($ args);
if ( $posts) { foreach ($ posts as $post) {
// Display post content
}
}
?&gt;

In this template, you're using get_posts() to retrieve a list of posts based on the specified arguments. The $args array includes the post type, posts per page, meta key, and meta value.

The wp_query Conundrum

Now, let's try using wp_query() instead of get_posts():

&lt;?php
/**
 * Template Name: Our Members
 *
 * @package Demo
 */
$args = [
&quot;post_type&quot; =&gt; &quot;...&quot;,
&quot;posts_per_page&quot; =&gt; -1,
&quot;meta_key&quot; =&gt; &quot;member_status&quot;,
&quot;meta_value&quot; =&gt; &quot;active&quot;
];
 $the_query = new WP_Query($ args);
if ( $the_query-&gt;have_posts()) { while ($ the_query->have_posts()) {
$the_query->the_post();
// Display post content
}
wp_reset_postdata();
} else {
// Display no posts message
}
?&gt;

However, when you use wp_query(), you might notice that it's not returning any results, even though you're using the same arguments as before.

The Reason Behind the Difference

The key difference between get_posts() and wp_query() lies in how they handle the query results. get_posts() returns an array of post objects, which can be looped through to display the posts. On the other hand, wp_query() returns a WP_Query object, which can be used to loop through the posts and display them.

However, when you use wp_query(), you need to explicitly call the have_posts() method to check if there are any results, and then use the the_post() method to retrieve the current post object. If you don't call these methods, the query results won't be displayed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between get_posts() and wp_query() lies in how they handle the query results. While get_posts() returns an array of post objects, wp_query() returns a WP_Query object that needs to be looped through to display the posts.

By understanding the differences between these two functions, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and write more efficient and effective code.

Best Practices for Using get_posts and wp_query

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using get_posts() and wp_query():

Use get_posts() when you need to retrieve a list of posts: If you need to retrieve a list of posts based on a set of arguments, use get_posts().
Use wp_query() when you need to display posts on a page: If you need to display posts on a page, use wp_query().
Always check for query results: When using wp_query(), always check for query results using the have_posts() method.
Use the the_post() method to retrieve the current post object: When using wp_query(), use the the_post() method to retrieve the current post object.

By following these best practices, you can write more efficient and effective code that takes advantage of the strengths of both get_posts() and wp_query().
Frequently Asked Questions: get_posts vs wp_query

In our previous article, we explored the differences between get_posts() and wp_query() and how to use them effectively. However, we know that there are still many questions and concerns about these two functions. In this article, we'll address some of the most frequently asked questions about get_posts() and wp_query().

Q: What is the main difference between get_posts() and wp_query()?

A: The main difference between get_posts() and wp_query() is how they handle the query results. get_posts() returns an array of post objects, while wp_query() returns a WP_Query object that needs to be looped through to display the posts.

Q: When should I use get_posts() and when should I use wp_query()?

A: You should use get_posts() when you need to retrieve a list of posts based on a set of arguments. On the other hand, you should use wp_query() when you need to display posts on a page.

Q: Why doesn't wp_query() return any results?

A: There are several reasons why wp_query() might not return any results. One reason is that you might not have called the have_posts() method to check if there are any results. Another reason is that you might not have used the the_post() method to retrieve the current post object.

Q: How do I use the have_posts() method with wp_query()?

A: To use the have_posts() method with wp_query(), you need to call it after you've set up the query. For example:

$the_query = new WP_Query($args);
if ( $the_query-&gt;have_posts()) { while ($ the_query->have_posts()) {
$the_query->the_post();
// Display post content
}
wp_reset_postdata();
} else {
// Display no posts message
}

Q: How do I use the the_post() method with wp_query()?

A: To use the the_post() method with wp_query(), you need to call it inside the while loop that loops through the query results. For example:

$the_query = new WP_Query($args);
if ( $the_query-&gt;have_posts()) { while ($ the_query->have_posts()) {
$the_query->the_post();
// Display post content
}
wp_reset_postdata();
} else {
// Display no posts message
}

Q: What is the difference between get_posts() and query_posts()?

A: get_posts() and query_posts() are both used to retrieve a list of posts based on a set of arguments. However, query_posts() is a deprecated function that is no longer recommended for use. On the other hand, get_posts() is a more modern and efficient function that is recommended for use.

Q: How do I use get_posts() to retrieve a list of posts?

A: To use get_posts() to retrieve a list of posts, you need to call the function with an array of arguments. For example:

$posts = get_posts([
    'post_type' => 'post',
    'posts_per_page' => -1,
    'meta_key' => 'member_status',
    'meta_value' => 'active'
]);

Q: How do I loop through the query results with get_posts()?

A: To loop through the query results with get_posts(), you can use a foreach loop. For example:

$posts = get_posts([
    'post_type' => 'post',
    'posts_per_page' => -1,
    'meta_key' => 'member_status',
    'meta_value' => 'active'
]);
if ( $posts) { foreach ($ posts as $post) {
// Display post content
}
}

We hope that these answers have helped to clarify some of the common questions and concerns about get_posts() and wp_query(). If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.