WP Hooks – Reference Cheatsheet
Unlock the power of WordPress development with our comprehensive WordPress Hooks Cheatsheet. As a professional WP developer, delve into the essential hooks that drive customization and functionality. From ‘init’ for initialization tasks to ‘after_setup_theme’ for theme setup, each hook is explained in easy-to-understand terms. Boost your development skills, prioritize dos and don’ts, and discover alternate options. Master the art of WordPress development with our go-to WordPress Hooks Cheatsheet.Â
WordPress Hooks Reference Cheatsheet:
| Hook | Best Usage | Sample Code | Dos | Don'ts | Alternates | Supported PHP Versions | Supported WordPress Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| init | Initialization tasks | add_action('init', 'my_custom_function') | - Registering post types and taxonomies | - Heavy operations that could slow down the site | - wp_loaded | 5.2+ | 1.5+ |
| wp_footer | Adding content to the footer | add_action('wp_footer', 'add_content_to_footer') | - Inserting scripts or content before the closing tag | - Heavy operations that could slow down page load | - wp_head | 5.2+ | 1.5+ |
| user_register | Handling user registration | add_action('user_register', 'handle_user_registration') | - Executing actions after a new user is registered | - Time-consuming operations in this hook | - wp_insert_user | 5.2+ | 2.0+ |
| admin_init | Initialization tasks for the admin area | add_action('admin_init', 'admin_custom_init') | - Performing tasks specific to the admin area | - Heavy operations that could slow down admin pages | - init | 5.2+ | 1.5+ |
| template_redirect | Customizing template redirection | add_action('template_redirect', 'custom_template_redirect') | - Redirecting users based on custom conditions | - Overusing redirects can confuse users | - wp_redirect | 5.2+ | 1.5+ |
| post_updated | Handling post update actions | add_action('post_updated', 'handle_post_update') | - Executing actions after a post is updated | - Heavy operations that could slow down post updating | - save_post | 5.2+ | 2.6+ |
| wp_login | Customizing actions on user login | add_action('wp_login', 'customize_user_login') | - Executing actions when a user logs in | - Lengthy processes that delay login completion | - wp_logout | 5.2+ | 2.5+ |
| wp_logout | Customizing actions on user logout | add_action('wp_logout', 'customize_user_logout') | - Executing actions when a user logs out | - Lengthy processes that delay logout completion | - wp_login | 5.2+ | 2.5+ |
| get_search_form | Customizing the search form output | add_filter('get_search_form', 'customize_search_form') | - Modifying the HTML output of the search form | - Drastically changing the search form structure | - get_search_form (for complete replacement) | 5.2+ | 2.7+ |
| heartbeat_received | Handling Heartbeat API data reception | add_action('heartbeat_received', 'handle_heartbeat_data') | - Processing data received from Heartbeat API | - Heavy data processing in this hook | - heartbeat_send | 5.2+ | 3.6+ |
| after_setup_theme | Theme setup tasks | add_action('after_setup_theme', 'theme_custom_setup') | - Performing tasks after the theme is set up | - Heavy operations that could slow down theme setup | - wp_loaded | 5.2+ | 1.5+ |