What is WordPress Hook: add_meta_boxes_{$post_type}

The add_meta_boxes_{$post_type} hook in WordPress is used to add meta boxes to a specific post type in the WordPress admin area. This hook allows developers to add custom meta boxes to the edit screen for a specific post type, providing additional fields and functionality for that post type.

Understanding the Hook: add_meta_boxes_{$post_type}

The add_meta_boxes_{$post_type} hook is located within the WordPress admin area and is typically used in the functions.php file of a theme or in a custom plugin. It is called when the edit screen for a specific post type is loaded, allowing developers to add custom meta boxes to that screen.

Hook Parameters (if applicable): add_meta_boxes_{$post_type}

The add_meta_boxes_{$post_type} hook accepts parameters for the post type and the context of the meta box. These parameters allow developers to specify which post type the meta box should be added to and where it should appear on the edit screen.

Hook Doesn’t Work: add_meta_boxes_{$post_type}

If the add_meta_boxes_{$post_type} hook doesn’t work as expected, it may be due to incorrect usage or conflicts with other code. To troubleshoot, developers should check for typos, ensure that the hook is being added at the appropriate time, and deactivate other plugins or themes to identify conflicts.

Best Practices & Usage Notes (if applicable): add_meta_boxes_{$post_type}

When using the add_meta_boxes_{$post_type} hook, developers should consider the user experience and only add necessary meta boxes to the edit screen. It’s also important to ensure that the meta boxes are properly sanitized and validated to prevent security vulnerabilities.

Usage Example: add_meta_boxes_{$post_type}

“`php
function custom_meta_box() {
add_meta_box( ‘custom-meta-box’, ‘Custom Meta Box’, ‘custom_meta_box_callback’, ‘post’, ‘normal’, ‘high’ );
}
add_action( ‘add_meta_boxes_post’, ‘custom_meta_box’ );
“`