WordPress Broken Link Checker

Key Features

• Automated Page Scanning: Scans up to 50 links per page directly from the frontend interface.

• Asynchronous AJAX Processing: Performs checks smoothly in the background without refreshing or slowing down the page.

• Built-in Security (Anti-SSRF): Automatically blocks requests to private IP ranges, reserved IPs, and localhost to prevent Server-Side Request Forgery attacks.

• Smart HTTP Method Fallback: Performs lightweight HEAD requests first, falling back to GET requests for accurate checking without unnecessary server strain.

• Modern Soft Purple Design: Clean, modern, and light-themed user interface that blends well with modern WordPress themes.

Ideal For

• SEO Specialists: Identify dead or broken links quickly to prevent SEO score drops.

• Website Owners & Administrators: Effortlessly audit pages without installing heavy background plugins.

• Web Developers: A lightweight code snippet alternative to full-fledged, resource-heavy plugins.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight & High Performance: Runs only when triggered via shortcode—no heavy database bloat or continuous background server tasks.

• Improved User Experience (UX): Prevents visitors from landing on 404 error pages.

• SEO Optimization: Clean link profiles help search engine crawlers index your site more effectively.

• Zero Dependency: Requires no external API keys or third-party paid services.

Installation Guide

You can set up this snippet in a few simple steps:

Method 1: Using the Code Snippets Plugin (Recommended)

1. Install and activate the free Code Snippets plugin from the WordPress repository.

2. Go to Snippets → Add New in your WordPress dashboard.

3. Paste the provided PHP code into the code editor.

4. Set the code type to PHP Snippet.

5. Click Save Changes and Activate.

Method 2: Via Theme functions.php

1. Go to Appearance → Theme File Editor (or access your server via FTP/cPanel).

2. Open your active child theme’s functions.php file.

3. Paste the PHP code at the end of the file.

4. Save the file.

How to Display the Tool on Your Site:

Insert this shortcode into any Page, Post, or Widget area:

---

Compatibility

• WordPress Version: 5.6 or higher

• PHP Version: 7.4 or higher (including PHP 8.x)

• Themes: Compatible with standard Classic themes, Block themes (FSE), and popular builders like Elementor, Divi, and Bricks.

• Browsers: Works on all modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari).

---

What You Will Get

• 1 Complete PHP Code Snippet containing shortcode functionality, CSS styling, and JavaScript logic.

• Ready-to-use Shortcode: [broken_link_checker]

• Customizable Soft Purple UI Theme embedded directly within the snippet CSS.

---

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q: Why does it only check up to 50 links per page?

  • A: The 50-link limit prevents your server from timing out or hitting PHP execution limits during a single request.

• Q: Will this slow down my website?

  • A: No. Unlike traditional plugins that constantly scan in the background, this code only runs when a user manually clicks the “Check Links” button.

• Q: Why are some valid links flagged as broken?

  • A: Certain external websites block automated server requests or web crawlers via Cloudflare/firewalls, returning standard 403 Forbidden or 405 Method Not Allowed responses.

---

Disclaimers & Notes

• PHP Timeout: If you test pages with many slow external links, ensure your server’s max_execution_time is set to at least 30 seconds.

• Domain Restrictions: The tool strictly checks valid http:// and https:// URLs; relative paths or mailto links (mailto:) are skipped intentionally.

---

Preview