permalinks - Difference between the_permalink() and get_permalink() function

In WordPress I am using both the_permalink() and get_permalink() functions, but I cannot get any difference in the output of both functions. What is the difference between both functions?

In WordPress I am using both the_permalink() and get_permalink() functions, but I cannot get any difference in the output of both functions. What is the difference between both functions?

• functions
• permalinks

Share Improve this question edited Jun 27, 2014 at 16:24 Peter Mortensen 26822 silver badges1010 bronze badges asked Jun 27, 2014 at 11:36 AliasgerSWAliasgerSW 15311 gold badge22 silver badges88 bronze badges 0

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3 Answers 3

Sorted by: Reset to default 23

the_permalink echos out the permalink of the current post to the frontend.

get_permalink however returns it as a variable, but does not echo it out. You can also pass a post ID to it if you want the permalink of another post.

the_permalink is equivalent to:

echo get_permalink();

Which is very close to what it actually does. This is the implementation of the_permalink:

function the_permalink() {
    echo esc_url( apply_filters( 'the_permalink', get_permalink() ) );
}

If you look at the WordPress Codex on this you will see that get_permalink() is there for use outside the loop. the_permalink() is for use within the loop. That’s the easiest way to look at it.

the_permalink() is used in posts loops, like the_title(). Read more about loops in The Loop.

get_permalink() can be used in loops or outside the loops. In the loops, the function returns (not echo) the current post permalink. But outside loops, it requires a post ID.

For example:

echo get_permalink( 1 );

This will display the current page permalink:

echo get_permalink();