What is WordPress Hook: sanitize_{$object_type}_meta_{$meta_key}
The sanitize_{$object_type}_meta_{$meta_key} hook in WordPress is used to sanitize meta data before it is added to the database. This hook allows developers to modify or validate the meta data associated with a specific object type and meta key before it is saved.
Understanding the Hook: sanitize_{$object_type}_meta_{$meta_key}
The sanitize_{$object_type}_meta_{$meta_key} hook is located within the update_metadata() function in the wp-includes/meta.php file. This function is called whenever meta data is added or updated for a specific object type and meta key, such as post meta or user meta.
Hook Parameters (if applicable): sanitize_{$object_type}_meta_{$meta_key}
The sanitize_{$object_type}_meta_{$meta_key} hook accepts three parameters: $meta_id, $object_id, and $meta_key. These parameters allow developers to access the meta data being sanitized and make any necessary modifications before it is saved to the database.
Hook Doesn’t Work: sanitize_{$object_type}_meta_{$meta_key}
If the sanitize_{$object_type}_meta_{$meta_key} hook doesn’t seem to be working, it could be due to a conflict with another plugin or theme function that is also modifying the meta data. To troubleshoot this issue, try disabling other plugins or themes to see if the hook begins to work as expected.
Best Practices & Usage Notes (if applicable): sanitize_{$object_type}_meta_{$meta_key}
When using the sanitize_{$object_type}_meta_{$meta_key} hook, it’s important to keep in mind that any modifications made to the meta data should be carefully validated to ensure they do not cause unexpected behavior elsewhere in the WordPress system. Additionally, developers should avoid making any irreversible changes to the meta data within this hook.
Usage Example: sanitize_{$object_type}_meta_{$meta_key}
“`php
function custom_sanitize_meta_data( $meta_id, $object_id, $meta_key ) {
// Perform custom sanitization or validation here
return $meta_id;
}
add_filter( ‘sanitize_post_meta_my_custom_key’, ‘custom_sanitize_meta_data’, 10, 3 );
“`