KC Tools WP 2026.2.1: Better DB Inspection, Bigger SQL Input, Cleaner Admin Sections

KC Tools WP 2026.2.1 is now available.
This release improves everyday debugging and database work in the WordPress admin area. It provides a cleaner layout and a more practical data viewer for inspecting real content, settings, and plugin data.

What's new in v2026.2.1

1) Environment is now split into Environment and WordPress
The former "Environment" screen is divided into two clearer sections: Environment for the server and PHP overview, and WordPress for WordPress-specific tools. This makes it easier to open the relevant information during troubleshooting.

2) SQL input now uses a proper text area
In the DB section, the single-line SQL input has been replaced with a large text area. You can now paste long queries, including a sequence of SQL statements, more comfortably.

3) Deep inspection of JSON and serialized values, including nested content
In the Database results table, JSON-encoded and serialized arrays or objects can now be inspected even when they are nested inside other encoded structures. This is especially useful when plugin options contain complex data or when relevant values are buried several levels inside stored settings.

Also: the results viewer handles long values more effectively through Expand/Collapse and More/Less controls, allowing you to inspect data without expanding the entire table.

Quick example: inspecting nested data in the database

Here's a practical case where this update saves time:

1. Open KC Tools → DB and locate the table you want to inspect (any WP or custom table works).
2. Find a row where the value looks like a long serialized string (often starting with a:) or a JSON blob (starting with { or [), then open the row in the results table.
3. Use Expand/Collapse to open the decoded view. If the option contains an array/object that itself contains another encoded value (nested JSON inside serialized data, or serialized blocks inside JSON), expand again to drill deeper.
4. Continue expanding until you reach the human-readable fields you actually need - such as feature flags, stored settings, IDs, content fragments, or configuration arrays - without copying strings out to external tools or manually decoding them.

This is particularly helpful when debugging complex settings saved by page builders, form plugins, caching plugins, or custom code that stores structured data in multiple layers.

Compatibility & requirements

This version requires PHP 7 or newer. KC Tools exposes low-level operations and can damage a site if used carelessly. Use it on a staging site when possible, restrict access to trusted administrators, and review any default credentials or notification addresses in the code before enabling it.

For details, documentation, and download links, visit the plugin page: