Chapter 3: WordPress Hooks and Filters
Chapter 3 of 15
Chapter 3: WordPress Hooks and Filters
3.1 Understanding Hooks
Hooks allow you to modify WordPress behavior without editing core files.
Hook Types:
- Actions: Execute code at specific points
- Filters: Modify data before it's used
3.2 Using Action Hooks
Action hooks execute code at specific points in WordPress execution.
// Add action hook
add_action('wp_head', 'my_custom_head_content');
function my_custom_head_content() {
echo '<meta name="custom" content="value">';
}3.3 Using Filter Hooks
Filter hooks modify data before it's used or displayed.
// Modify post title
add_filter('the_title', 'customize_post_title', 10, 2);
function customize_post_title($title, $post_id) {
if (is_single()) {
$title = '📌 ' . $title;
}
return $title;
}3.4 Hook Priority and Arguments
Control hook execution order and pass arguments.
// Priority: Lower numbers execute first
add_action('init', 'first_function', 5);
add_action('init', 'second_function', 10);
// Multiple arguments
add_filter('the_content', 'modify_content', 10, 1);
function modify_content($content) {
return $content . '<p>Additional content</p>';
}3.5 Common WordPress Hooks
Frequently used hooks in WordPress development.
- init: After WordPress loads
- wp_enqueue_scripts: Enqueue scripts and styles
- save_post: When post is saved
- the_content: Filter post content
- wp_head: Add content to <head>