[Steven Hodson]

is there the ability to use the WP type INCLUDE in bbPress in order to include an custom php file? What I want to do is take the repeating “sidebar” code into a separate file so I don’t have to update all the files that include the sidebar code

[Taeo]

bbPress does not have a built in “get_sidebar” function like WP but you can use a regular PHP include.

include ‘sidebar.php’;

I’ve opted to include my sidebar within my footer template but I can imagine that might not always be doable with a more complex layout.

[Steven Hodson]

@Taeo Ya I realize that bbPress doesn’t have the same sidebar ‘functionality’ as WordPress. What I’mm looking for is more of hte code re-use idea .. write one (or two) sidebars.php and then just include them so thanks on the PHP confirm – I am pretty much a PHP n00b …..

[chrishajer]

Steven, here is the exact way to do it if you still need help:

<?php include("/www/yoursite/forum/my-templates/your-template/sidebar.php");?>

Then the file you are including just goes in sidebar.php in your template folder. Write the sidebar once, use it anywhere.

[Ben L.]

Or, if you want to follow coding standards, <?php bb_load_template( 'sidebar.php' ); ?>.

[Steven Hodson]

@bEn L .. thank you very much .. we really need a codex with bbPress template tags