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the_author( string $deprecated = '', bool $deprecated_echo = true )

Display the name of the author of the current post.

Description

The behavior of this function is based off of old functionality predating get_the_author(). This function is not deprecated, but is designed to echo the value from get_the_author() and as an result of any old theme that might still use the old behavior will also pass the value from get_the_author().

The normal, expected behavior of this function is to echo the author and not return it. However, backward compatibility has to be maintained.

See also

Parameters

$deprecated

(string) (Optional) Deprecated.

Default value: ''

$deprecated_echo

(bool) (Optional) Deprecated. Use get_the_author(). Echo the string or return it.

Default value: true

Return

(string|null) The author's display name, from get_the_author().

Source

File: wp-includes/author-template.php 

function the_author( $deprecated = '', $deprecated_echo = true ) {
	if ( ! empty( $deprecated ) ) {
		_deprecated_argument( __FUNCTION__, '2.1.0' );
	}

	if ( true !== $deprecated_echo ) {
		_deprecated_argument(
			__FUNCTION__,
			'1.5.0',
			sprintf(
				/* translators: %s: get_the_author() */
				__( 'Use %s instead if you do not want the value echoed.' ),
				'<code>get_the_author()</code>'
			)
		);
	}

	if ( $deprecated_echo ) {
		echo get_the_author();
	}

	return get_the_author();
}

Uses

Uses Description
wp-includes/l10n.php: __()

Retrieve the translation of $text.
wp-includes/functions.php: _deprecated_argument()

Mark a function argument as deprecated and inform when it has been used.
wp-includes/author-template.php: get_the_author()

Retrieve the author of the current post.

Changelog

Version Description
0.71 Introduced.

© 2003–2019 WordPress Foundation
Licensed under the GNU GPLv2+ License.
https://developer.wordpress.org/reference/functions/the_author