How to use posts_request filter in WordPress

posts_request filter

Filters the completed SQL query before sending.

To use the posts_request 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 WePlugins 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_posts_request_defaults which takes 2 parameters and we registered using add_filter. The first parameter posts_request is the name of the hook, The second parameter modify_posts_request_defaults is the name of the function which needs to be called, the third parameter is the priority of calling the hook if the same hook is used multiple times and the last parameter is the number of arguments (if any) to be passed in the registered function.

Sometimes, you have to remove a registered hook so you can use remove_filter to remove the posts_request filter.

Parameters

Below are the 2 parameters required to use this hook.

• $request : (string) The complete SQL query.
• $query : (WP_Query) The WP_Query instance (passed by reference).

Live Example

apply_filters_ref_array( 'posts_request', string $request, WP_Query $query )

Below is an example of how you can use this hook.

Example 1: Modify SQL Query

This example demonstrates how you can modify the SQL query.

    function weplugins_modify_posts_request_defaults($request, $query) { 
        // Update the $request variable according to your website requirements and return this variable. You can modify the $request variable conditionally too if you want.
        return $request; 
    }
    // add the filter
    add_filter( "posts_request", "weplugins_modify_posts_request_defaults", 10, 2 );
    

Example 2: Conditional Query Modification

In this example, the SQL query is modified only if certain conditions are met.

    function weplugins_conditional_modify_posts_request($request, $query) { 
        if ($query->is_main_query() && $query->is_home()) {
            // Modify the $request variable for the main query on the home page
            $request .= " AND post_date >= '2022-01-01'";
        }
        return $request; 
    }
    // add the filter
    add_filter( "posts_request", "weplugins_conditional_modify_posts_request", 10, 2 );
    

Example 3: Removing the Hook

To remove a hook callback, use the example below.

    // remove the filter
    remove_filter( "posts_request", "weplugins_modify_posts_request_defaults", 10, 2 );
    

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

Contact Us

If you’re having any trouble using this hook, please contact our WordPress Development Team and we’d be happy to assist you.