How to use list_table_primary_column filter in WordPress

In the world of WordPress development, hooks are like magic spells that let us customize and extend the functionality without touching the core files. One such hook is the list_table_primary_column filter. It allows you to change the primary column name in the current list table. You can register this filter in your theme’s functions.php or, even better, in a custom plugin to keep things neat and update-proof.

Example 1: Altering Primary Column for Users Screen

If you want to set the ‘Name’ column as the primary column for the Users screen, you can do so with this function:

    function weplugins_list_table_primary_column_users( $default, $screen ) {
        if ( 'users' === $screen ) {
            $default = 'name';
        }
        return $default;
    }
    add_filter( "list_table_primary_column", "weplugins_list_table_primary_column_users", 10, 2 );
    

Example 2: Setting Primary Column for Custom Post Type

This example demonstrates how to modify the primary column for a custom post type:

    function weplugins_list_table_primary_column_cpt( $default, $screen ) {
        if ( 'edit-my_custom_post_type' === $screen ) {
            $default = 'my_custom_column_name';
        }
        return $default;
    }
    add_filter( "list_table_primary_column", "weplugins_list_table_primary_column_cpt", 10, 2 );
    

Example 3: Removing a Hook Callback

Sometimes, you may need to remove a previously registered hook. Here’s how:

    remove_filter( "list_table_primary_column", "weplugins_list_table_primary_column_cpt", 10, 2 );
    

Ensure that you provide the same callback function name, priority, and number of arguments when removing the hook callback.