How to use get_meta_sql filter in WordPress

get_meta_sql filter

Filters the meta query’s generated SQL.

To use get_meta_sql filter, first you have to register it using add_filter. You can write this code into functions.php of your activated theme or in a custom WordPress Plugin.

We at Flipper Code, always prefer to create a custom WordPress Plugin while using hooks so nothing breaks when you update your WordPress Theme in the future.

In the below live example, we have defined a function modify_get_meta_sql_defaults which takes 6 parameters and we registered using add_filter. The first parameter get_meta_sql is name of the hook, The second parameter modify_get_meta_sql_defaults is name of the function which need to be called, third parameter is the priority of calling the hook if same hook is used multiple times and the last parameter is the number of arguments (if any) to be passed in the registered function.

Sometime, you have to remove a registered hook so you can use remove_filter to remove get_meta_sql filter.

Parameters

Below are the 6 parameters are required to use this hook.

• $sql : (string[]) Array containing the query’s JOIN and WHERE clauses.
• $queries : (array) Array of meta queries.
• $type : (string) Type of meta. Possible values include but are not limited to ‘post’, ‘comment’, ‘blog’, ‘term’, and ‘user’.
• $primary_table : (string) Primary table.
• $primary_id_column : (string) Primary column ID.
• $context : (object) The main query object that corresponds to the type, for example a WP_Query, WP_User_Query, or WP_Site_Query.

Live Example

apply_filters_ref_array( 'get_meta_sql', string[] $sql, array $queries, string $type, string $primary_table, string $primary_id_column, object $context )

Below is an example how you can use this hook.

                        function modify_get_meta_sql_defaults($sql, $queries, $type, $primary_table, $primary_id_column, $context) { 
   
                            // Update the $sql variable according to your website requirements and return this variable. You can modify the $sql variable conditionally too if you want.

                            return $sql; 
                        }
                        // add the filter
                        add_filter( "get_meta_sql", "modify_get_meta_sql_defaults", 10, 6 );

To remove a hook callback, use the example below.

remove_filter( "get_meta_sql", "modify_get_meta_sql_defaults", 10, 6 );

Please make sure provide the same callback function name, priority and number of arguments while removing the hook callback.

Flipper Code is a Premium WordPress Plugins development company and integrating new functionalites into WordPress sites in form of custom WordPress Plugins since 2012. If you’re having any trouble using this hook, please contact our WordPress Development Team and we’d be happy to assist you.