[wp-trac] [WordPress Trac] #63600: Enhancement: Add get_pages_args filter to allow full control over get_pages() arguments before parsing in get_pages()

[WordPress Trac]

#63600: Enhancement: Add get_pages_args filter to allow full control over
get_pages() arguments before parsing in get_pages()
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 Reporter:  vincent06     |      Owner:  vincent06
     Type:  enhancement   |     Status:  assigned
 Priority:  normal        |  Milestone:  Awaiting Review
Component:  Query         |    Version:  6.8
 Severity:  normal        |   Keywords:  has-patch needs-refresh needs-docs
  Focuses:  template,     |
  performance             |
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 Currently, the get_pages() function provides the get_pages_query_args
 filter to modify the arguments passed to WP_Query. However, many core
 variables like child_of, number, parent, offset, and hierarchical are
 extracted from the original $args array before that filter is applied —
 meaning they cannot be altered using get_pages_query_args.

 This limits extensibility in cases where developers want to
 programmatically change the pages being queried by modifying the original
 $args — such as dynamically altering child_of or parent, or injecting a
 number or offset value.

 To resolve this, I propose adding a new filter get_pages_args just before
 the call to wp_parse_args():

 {{{#!php
 <?php
 $args = apply_filters( 'get_pages_args', $args, $defaults );
 $parsed_args = wp_parse_args( $args, $defaults );
 }}}

 This small addition makes it possible to modify any parameter passed to
 get_pages() — including those that are later used directly, not via
 WP_Query.

 This approach is:

 Non-breaking and backward-compatible.

 Consistent with existing WordPress patterns, like the wp_parse_args usage
 in other core functions.

 More intuitive for developers who expect $args to be fully filterable.

 Adding get_pages_args brings get_pages() in line with other WordPress
 functions that allow full control over inputs, and complements
 get_pages_query_args rather than replacing it.

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Ticket URL: <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/63600>
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