[wp-trac] [WordPress Trac] #40156: Warning for invalid hook callback is not very useful

[WordPress Trac]

#40156: Warning for invalid hook callback is not very useful
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 Reporter:  Shelob9      |      Owner:
     Type:  enhancement  |     Status:  new
 Priority:  normal       |  Milestone:  Awaiting Review
Component:  General      |    Version:  0.71
 Severity:  normal       |   Keywords:
  Focuses:               |
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 If you add a hook with an uncallable callback, an error like `Warning:
 call_user_func_array() expects parameter 1 to be a valid callback,
 function 'not_a_function' not found or invalid function name in` is shown.

 This is technically correct, but not useful. When I say useful, I don't
 think it is useful to the following user profiles:

 1) Non-technical user seeing errors. A non-developer might no what a
 WordPress hook is, but not how it works internally. Therefore they are not
 likely to understand this error is related to a hook. They are not given
 good information, and might be missing a clue as to who to ask for support
 (plugin or theme developer, host, etc.)

 2) New developer. A developer new to WordPress might not understand yet
 what a hook is or that a missing callback generates this type of error. A
 more clear error will help guide their googling for the error and/ or help
 them find the issue in the code.
 3) Experienced WordPress developer. When I see this error, I assume there
 is a non-callabale hook callback. But `call_user_func()` has other uses so
 it might be misleading to me.

 I think it would be way more helpful if the error triggered was something
 like `Hook $hook_name could not call $callback` or `The callback function
 $hook, registered for $hook_name is not callabale`

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Ticket URL: <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/40156>
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