How to use request filter in WordPress

request filter

Filters the array of parsed query variables.

To use the 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_request_defaults which takes 1 parameter and we registered using add_filter. The first parameter request is the name of the hook, the second parameter modify_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.

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

Parameters

Below the 1 parameter is required to use this hook.

• $query_vars : (array) The array of requested query variables.

Live Example

Example 1: Alter Query for Home Page

This example shows how to alter the query to change the category displayed on the home page.

    add_filter('request', 'weplugins_alter_the_query');
    function weplugins_alter_the_query($request) {
        $dummy_query = new WP_Query();  // the query isn't run if we don't pass any query vars
        $dummy_query->parse_query($request);
        // this is the actual manipulation; do whatever you need here
        if ($dummy_query->is_home())
            $request['category_name'] = 'news';
        return $request;
    }
    

Example 2: Modify Request Defaults

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

    function weplugins_modify_request_defaults($query_vars) {
        // Update the $query_vars variable according to your website requirements and return this variable. 
        // You can modify the $query_vars variable conditionally too if you want.
        return $query_vars;
    }
    // add the filter
    add_filter('request', 'weplugins_modify_request_defaults', 10, 1);
    

Example 3: Remove Hook Callback

To remove a hook callback, use the example below.

    remove_filter('request', 'weplugins_modify_request_defaults', 10, 1);
    

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.