How to get random image in php, wordpress

To get a random image from a WordPress server, you can use several approaches, depending on where and how you want to display the image. Here are a few methods:

1. Using PHP and WP_Query

You can use the WP_Query function to get a random image from the media library:

$args = array(
    'post_type'      => 'attachment',
    'post_mime_type' => 'image',
    'post_status'    => 'inherit',
    'orderby'        => 'rand',
    'posts_per_page' => 1,
);

$query = new WP_Query($args);

if ($query->have_posts()) {
    while ($query->have_posts()) {
        $query->the_post();
        $image_url = wp_get_attachment_url(get_the_ID());
        echo '<img src="' . esc_url($image_url) . '" alt="' . esc_attr(get_the_title()) . '">';
    }
}

wp_reset_postdata();

This code selects one random image and displays it on the screen.

2. Using JavaScript and REST API

You can create an API request to get a random image and then display it using JavaScript:

fetch('/wp-json/wp/v2/media?per_page=1&orderby=rand')
    .then(response => response.json())
    .then(data => {
        if (data.length > 0) {
            const imageUrl = data[0].source_url;
            const imageElement = document.createElement('img');
            imageElement.src = imageUrl;
            document.body.appendChild(imageElement);
        }
    })
    .catch(error => console.error('Error fetching image:', error));

This code makes a request to the WordPress REST API, selects a random image, and adds it to the page.

3. Shortcode for inserting into a post or page

You can create a shortcode to insert a random image into a post or page:

function random_image_shortcode() {
    $args = array(
        'post_type'      => 'attachment',
        'post_mime_type' => 'image',
        'post_status'    => 'inherit',
        'orderby'        => 'rand',
        'posts_per_page' => 1,
    );

    $query = new WP_Query($args);

    if ($query->have_posts()) {
        while ($query->have_posts()) {
            $query->the_post();
            $image_url = wp_get_attachment_url(get_the_ID());
            return '<img src="' . esc_url($image_url) . '" alt="' . esc_attr(get_the_title()) . '">';
        }
    }

    wp_reset_postdata();
}
add_shortcode('random_image', 'random_image_shortcode');

Now you can insert [random_image] into any post or page, and WordPress will output a random image.

4. Using Plugins

If you prefer not to write code, there are plugins that can automatically display random images. For example:

• Random Image Widget
• Advanced Random Posts Widget

Choose the suitable method based on your requirements and access level to the WordPress code.