Why are you using add_action for shortcode?

Question

I would like to create shortcodes, but some tutorials write about to use add_action:

add_action( 'init', 'register_shortcodes');

But I read another tutorial where the author didn't use it, only put this to functions.php:

add_shortcode( 'recent-posts', 'recent_posts_function' );

Which is the best method, and why to use add_action?

Answer 1

If you take a look at the Codex page about add_shortcode() you won't see anything about the need of an add_action() before you can use add_shortcode().

So, you can just put your add_shortcode() directly into your functions.php. This is what I do too.

See this article - WordPress Shortcodes: A Complete Guide about the use of shortcodes and best practices.

Answer 2

Sometimes it is required to use 'init' action. For example, right now I edit theme heavily based on widgets and customize panel. I tried to add custom shortcode without actions and got errors upon saving content in Customize panel. Action ensures the right order of executing functions. It says "hey shortcodes! First I will load most important functions, then you!"