Hooks in Wordpress

What is Hooks?

Hooks are the method of changing core system functions in any framework without making any change main core file of the framework.

What does it means

Let’s say we have a function called ABC in our core system which returns output xyz.

Now I want is to get the output of pqr but if I do any change in core system file then if tomorrow my framework will gets updated then all my code will get flushed off.

Now using hook i can create a function ABC which will override the core system and will work as core function

That means i dont need to change the core function and will not have any fear of getting lose of my code while update.

The Hooks are more Popular in WordPress because of wordpress plugin, themes and framework updates there’s always a fear of losing your code.

Hooks in Wordpress

There are two types of hooks in wordpress

1. Actions
2. Filters

To use either, you need to write a custom function known as a Callback, and then register it with WordPress hook for a specific Action or Filter.

Action Hook in wordpress

Actions allow you to add data or change how WordPress operates. Callback functions for Actions will run at a specific point in in the execution of WordPress, and can perform some kind of a task, like echoing output to the user or inserting something into the database.

Filter Hook in wordpress

Filters give you the ability to change data during the execution of WordPress. Callback functions for Filters will accept a variable, modify it, and return it. They are meant to work in an isolated manner, and should never have side effects such as affecting global variables and output.

In wordpress all the Hooks functions are created in Child theme, to do modification in plugins and themes.

Hooks are also been used to create the plugin in wordpress

Thus this is all about Hooks and hooks in wordpress