The error message you’re encountering in WordPress suggests a notice-level issue in the code, specifically in the exclude_pages.php file of the ‘Exclude Pages’ plugin. This issue seems to be related to PHP’s handling of variables and references. Here’s how you can address it:
Understand the Error: The notice is indicating that a variable is being assigned by reference in an improper manner. This often happens when using the =& operator in PHP, which is used to assign a reference to a variable.
Check Your PHP Version: Different PHP versions may handle references differently. Make sure your server is using a PHP version that is compatible with both WordPress and your plugins. A more recent PHP version could be stricter about reference assignments.
Edit the Plugin File:
Backup: First, make a backup of the exclude_pages.php file.
Edit: Open /var/www/wp-content/plugins/exclude-pages/exclude_pages.php.
Find Line 92: Look for the code at line 92.
Update the Code: The exact change depends on the code. If it’s something like $variable =& some_function();, you can usually safely change it to $variable = some_function();. This removes the reference assignment.
Alternative Solutions:
Update the Plugin: Ensure the ‘Exclude Pages’ plugin is updated to its latest version. Plugin updates often fix such compatibility issues.
Check for Plugin Conflicts: Deactivate other plugins temporarily to see if the issue persists. Sometimes, conflicts between plugins can cause unexpected errors.
Switch to a Different Plugin: If the ‘Exclude Pages’ plugin is outdated or not maintained, consider using an alternative plugin that offers similar functionality.
Testing and Debugging:
After making changes, test your website thoroughly to ensure that everything is functioning correctly.
You can enable WordPress debugging by adding define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true); in your wp-config.php file to see if any other issues arise. Remember to turn this off on a live site after debugging.
Contact Plugin Support: If you’re uncomfortable editing plugin files or if the issue persists, it’s advisable to contact the plugin’s support for a resolution.
Remember, directly editing plugin files is generally not recommended because your changes will be overwritten when the plugin is updated. In such cases, contacting the plugin developer for a fix is the best course of action.