Hooks

In WordPress development, hooks refer to functions that can be utilized for actions or filters within the platform. They are a key aspect of WordPress’s customizability.

Hooks enable developers to modify or enhance WordPress functionality without altering the core code. This is achieved through the execution of actions and filters—PHP functions that carry out specific tasks and modify data.

Plugin and theme developers frequently employ hooks. Even if you’re not a developer, you can still enhance your website by copying and pasting code snippets from the internet, many of which incorporate hooks.

What Is a Hook?

Hooks serve as the cornerstone for developing plugins and themes in WordPress.

These are specific points within WordPress where developers can insert custom code, allowing them to modify how WordPress functions without needing to alter core files.

By utilizing hooks, developers can enhance or adjust WordPress’s capabilities. Additionally, actions can be employed to tailor your theme by incorporating code snippets from various online resources.

Note: We strongly advise beginners against modifying any WordPress files. Only those with experience, who feel confident editing the functions.php file and possess some understanding of PHP, should attempt this.

For beginners, it’s safer to use plugins to achieve desired modifications or seek assistance from professionals for code adjustments. Before making any edits to your WordPress site, it’s crucial to back up your website to protect against potential coding errors.

If you don’t currently have a backup plugin, we recommend checking out our comparison of the best WordPress backup plugins.

There are two main types of hooks: filters and actions.

What Is a Filter Hook?

A filter will modify the default behavior of a specific function. It does this by manipulating the data it receives and returning that data to WordPress before it is displayed in the browser.

For example, filters can be used to truncate text, change the formatting of content, attach links to posts, modify blocks on a page, and change options retrieved from the database.

Here’s an example of a hook used with a filter in WordPress:

function wpb_custom_excerpt( $output ) {
  if ( has_excerpt() && ! is_attachment() ) {
    $output .= wpb_continue_reading_link();
  }
  return $output;
}
add_filter( 'get_the_excerpt', 'wpb_custom_excerpt' );

The sample code above creates a function wpb_custom_excerpt which is hooked into get_the_excerpt filter.

What Is an Action Hook?

An action alters the standard functionality of a particular function by utilizing information from WordPress and processing it in a specific way.

After the action is executed, there’s no requirement to return any information to WordPress. Actions can be employed for various tasks, such as displaying a promotional message on a page, activating a plugin, adding additional widgets to a sidebar, publishing a post, or incorporating a menu into a header.

Below is an example of how a hook is implemented as an action in WordPress:

function mytheme_enqueue_script() {
    wp_enqueue_script( 'my-custom-js', 'custom.js', false );
}
add_action( 'wp_enqueue_scripts', 'mytheme_enqueue_script' );

The sample code above creates a function mytheme_enqueue_script which is hooked into wp_enqueue_scripts action.

We trust that this article has provided you with valuable insights into hooks in WordPress.

For further exploration, check out our Additional Reading list below, which contains related articles filled with helpful WordPress tips, tricks, and ideas. If you enjoyed this guide, we invite you to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also connect with us on Twitter and Facebook.