Shortcode or Template Page

Question

When we have to add some functionality how to determine should I use shortcode or template file?

Ex : I need to add a page to enable front-end post submission.

I can do it creating a template page or using shortcode and add it to a page. How to identify what is best?

Answer 1

Actually it depends. If you're adding the functionality through a custom plugin or any third party solution rather than theme then the shortcode is best, otherwise you can use a template. You also can use template file with plugin, but then the theme and the plugin will be tightly coupled. That's kinda not preferred. But you can still do it.

Remember for shortcode, it's better to clean the output buffer.