dead_db() WordPress Function

The dead_db() function is used to gracefully shut down a WordPress database. This is useful for when a database needs to be taken offline for maintenance or when a website is being migrated to a new server. When called, the function will first attempt to close any active database connections. It will then delete all database tables, leaving only the core WordPress tables intact. Finally, it will change the WordPress database prefix, effectively rendering the database unusable.

dead_db() #

function dead_db() {
	global $wpdb;

	wp_load_translations_early();

	// Load custom DB error template, if present.
	if ( file_exists( WP_CONTENT_DIR . '/db-error.php' ) ) {
		require_once WP_CONTENT_DIR . '/db-error.php';
		die();
	}

	// If installing or in the admin, provide the verbose message.
	if ( wp_installing() || defined( 'WP_ADMIN' ) ) {
		wp_die( $wpdb->error );
	}

	// Otherwise, be terse.
	wp_die( '<h1>' . __( 'Error establishing a database connection' ) . '</h1>', __( 'Database Error' ) );
}