# Shortcode

Concept · [Technical basics](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/technical)

Also called: shortcodes, short code, WordPress shortcode

A short tag in square brackets, used in [WordPress](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/wordpress) and similar systems, that a plugin replaces with richer content when the page loads.

**For example:** Typing \[contact-form\] into a [WordPress](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/wordpress) page makes a full contact form appear there.

## Connects to (3)

- [Content management system](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/content-management-system): Software that lets people create and edit a website's content, such as pages, posts and images, without writing code.
- [Meta box](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/meta-box): A panel on a WordPress editing screen with extra fields for a post, such as an event date or a price, beyond the main title and body.
- [HTML](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/html): HyperText Markup Language.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/shortcode