ACF Custom Database Tables
Storing ACF-driven meta data somewhere other than {$wpdb->postmeta}.
Plugin demo by Phil Kurth
What is it?
ACF Custom Database Tables is an ACF extension plugin that makes it possible to store ACF data in organised, structured database tables instead of WordPress' core meta tables.
What's the difference?
Why bother?
- Portability export a whole table with ease
- Searchability structured data can be searched much faster
- Speed structured data can offer less work to database engines
- Scalability faster, more efficient queries == less strain on resources
The gist
- ACF Field Groups dictate the structure of custom tables
- when a field group is saved, a JSON file containing the table structure is generated
- The JSON is used to generate database tables and a table/field map
- The table map is used to store/retrieve data in its appropriately
Demo Time!
- Demo 1: Capturing leads with the Advanced Forms plugin
- Demo 2: Object/entity data rows
Cool features
- Relational fields can form their own tables
- Data storage in core meta tables can be deactivated entirely
- Filters for disabling fields on a per table, per field type, or even per field name/key
- Arrays are JSON-encoded instead of serialised
Future Plans
- Complex field support repeaters, groups, clones, flexi-content
- Data migration existing data >>> newly created tables
- GUI powerful interface for opening up more flexibility and control
- WP CLI run processes from the command line
- Import/Export take control of your data from the admin
- Developer Tools tools for advanced data queries without SQL
…and plenty more…
Got questions?
You can reach me at phil@philkurth.com.au
Plugin will be available soon at Hookturn.io.