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How can I enqueue custom scripts in a WordPress theme?

Asked on Dec 20, 2025

Answer

Enqueuing custom scripts in a WordPress theme is essential for properly adding JavaScript files to your site without conflicts. This is done using the `wp_enqueue_script` function within your theme's `functions.php` file.

<!-- BEGIN COPY / PASTE -->
    function my_custom_scripts() {
      wp_enqueue_script('custom-script', get_template_directory_uri() . '/js/custom-script.js', array('jquery'), null, true);
    }
    add_action('wp_enqueue_scripts', 'my_custom_scripts');
    <!-- END COPY / PASTE -->

Additional Comment:

The `wp_enqueue_script` function ensures scripts are loaded in the correct order and only when necessary.
Use `get_template_directory_uri()` to correctly reference the theme directory path.
The `array('jquery')` parameter sets jQuery as a dependency, ensuring it loads first.
The `true` parameter loads the script in the footer, improving page load performance.

✅ Answered with WordPress best practices.

Ask any question about WordPress here... and get an instant response.

How can I enqueue custom scripts in a WordPress theme?

Asked on Dec 20, 2025

Answer

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