WordPress Hooks Explained: How to Use Actions and Filters

What Are WordPress Hooks?

Hooks let developers attach custom code to specific points in WordPress execution without modifying core files. There are two types: Actions and Filters.

Actions: Execute Code at a Specific Point

An action fires at a specific moment. Attach a callback and WordPress runs it at the right time.

function add_footer_message() {
  echo '<p>Thanks for reading!</p>';
}
add_action( 'wp_footer', 'add_footer_message' );

Common hooks: wp_head, wp_footer, init, save_post, wp_enqueue_scripts.

Filters: Intercept and Modify Data

Filters intercept data, let you modify it, and pass it back. Always receive and return a value.

function append_brand( $title ) {
  return $title . ' | LocalPro';
}
add_filter( 'the_title', 'append_brand' );

Common hooks: the_content, the_title, excerpt_length, upload_mimes.

Hook Priority

Both functions accept a priority parameter defaulting to 10. Lower numbers run first – use this when multiple functions attach to the same hook.

Create Your Own Hooks

Use do_action for custom action hooks and apply_filters for custom filter hooks inside your own plugins and themes.

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