Post Types Overview

Data Storage Approach: Unlike some plugins that create custom post types, the WooCommerce Products Wishlist plugin uses a lightweight approach by storing wishlist data directly in user meta fields and browser cookies. This method is more efficient and doesn’t clutter your WordPress database with additional post types.

No Custom Post Types

🗃️ Streamlined Data Storage

This plugin deliberately avoids creating custom post types for wishlist items. Instead, it uses WordPress’s built-in user meta system and browser cookies, which provides several advantages:

Faster database queries and better performance
Cleaner WordPress admin interface
No database bloat from wishlist-specific tables
Easier backup and migration processes

Data Storage Methods

👤 Registered Users: User Meta Storage

Storage Location: WordPress user_meta table

Meta Key: ‘woowishlist’

Data Format: Serialized array of product IDs

Benefits:

Persistent across devices and sessions
Backed up with regular WordPress backups
Accessible through WordPress user management
Survives theme and plugin changes

👥 Guest Users: Cookie Storage

Storage Location: Browser cookies

Cookie Management: JavaScript-based

Data Format: JSON array of product IDs

Benefits:

No database impact for anonymous users
Immediate functionality without registration
Privacy-friendly approach
Encourages eventual user registration

Database Integration

🔗 WooCommerce Product Integration

The plugin integrates seamlessly with existing WooCommerce data structures:

Product Data: Uses standard WooCommerce product posts
Product Information: Accesses existing product meta fields
Stock Status: Reads from WooCommerce inventory system
Pricing: Uses WooCommerce price calculation methods
Images: Leverages WordPress attachment system

Meta Fields and Data Structure

📊 User Meta Structure

Meta Key: woowishlist

Data Type: Array

Example Value: [123, 456, 789] (product IDs)

Access Functions:

woowish_member_get_list() – Retrieve user’s wishlist
woowish_is_product_in_wishlist() – Check if product is saved
WordPress built-in get_user_meta() and update_user_meta()

🍪 Cookie Data Structure

Cookie Name: Managed by plugin’s JavaScript

Data Format: JSON string

JavaScript Functions: Custom cookie management for guest users

Plugin Settings Storage

⚙️ WordPress Options Table

All plugin configuration is stored in WordPress’s options table:

woowl_public: General settings
woowl_single: Single product page settings
woowl_archive: Archive page settings
woowl_tablepage: Wishlist page settings
woowl_style: Style and appearance settings

Migration and Compatibility

🔄 Data Portability

User Migration: Wishlist data moves with user accounts

Site Migration: Standard WordPress backup/restore includes all data

Theme Changes: Data remains intact when switching themes

Plugin Updates: User data preserved during plugin updates

Performance Implications

🚀 Optimized for Speed

By avoiding custom post types, the plugin offers several performance benefits:

Faster Queries: Simple array lookups vs. complex post queries
Reduced Database Load: No additional tables or complex relationships
Minimal Memory Usage: Lightweight data structures
Efficient Caching: Simple data is easier to cache effectively

Developer Information

🛠️ Technical Implementation

Primary Functions:

woowish_member_get_list() – Get user’s wishlist array
woowish_is_product_in_wishlist($user_id, $product_id) – Check membership
krn_get_option($option, $section, $default) – Get plugin settings

AJAX Handlers:

Member add/remove: Updates user meta
Guest add/remove: Updates cookies via JavaScript
Table generation: Builds wishlist display

Developer Note: If you need to access wishlist data programmatically, use the plugin’s built-in functions rather than directly querying user meta or cookies. This ensures compatibility with future plugin updates.