How to use allow_dev_auto_core_updates filter in WordPress

When working with WordPress, you might come across various hooks that can help you customize your site efficiently. One such hook is the allow_dev_auto_core_updates filter. This hook determines whether to enable automatic core updates for development versions. It’s often recommended to handle such hooks through a custom WordPress Plugin to ensure nothing breaks during theme updates.

To use the allow_dev_auto_core_updates filter, you need to register it using add_filter. You can place this code in the functions.php of your active theme or, preferably, in a custom WordPress Plugin.

Example 1: Applying the Hook

Below is an example of how you can use this hook. We define a function modify_allow_dev_auto_core_updates_defaults that takes one parameter $upgrade_dev, and we register it using add_filter.

    function weplugins_modify_allow_dev_auto_core_updates_defaults($upgrade_dev) { 
        // Update the $upgrade_dev variable according to your website requirements
        return $upgrade_dev; 
    }
    // add the filter
    add_filter( "allow_dev_auto_core_updates", "weplugins_modify_allow_dev_auto_core_updates_defaults", 10, 1 );
    

Example 2: Removing the Hook

To remove a hook callback, use the example below. Ensure you provide the same callback function name, priority, and number of arguments while removing the hook callback.

    remove_filter( "allow_dev_auto_core_updates", "weplugins_modify_allow_dev_auto_core_updates_defaults", 10, 1 );
    

Example 3: Using the Hook Conditionally

Sometimes, it’s necessary to apply conditions before enabling the automatic updates. Here’s how you can accomplish that:

    function weplugins_modify_allow_dev_auto_core_updates_defaults($upgrade_dev) { 
        // Example conditional update
        if ( some_custom_condition() ) {
            $upgrade_dev = true;
        } else {
            $upgrade_dev = false;
        }
        return $upgrade_dev; 
    }
    add_filter( "allow_dev_auto_core_updates", "weplugins_modify_allow_dev_auto_core_updates_defaults", 10, 1 );