plugin_action_links

The plugin_action_links hook is a powerful WordPress hook that allows developers to add custom action links to plugin rows on the Plugins page in the WordPress admin.

When a plugin is installed and activated, it appears in the list of plugins on the Plugins page. By default, WordPress provides action links such as "Activate", "Deactivate", and "Delete" for each plugin. However, with the plugin_action_links hook, developers can add their own custom action links to enhance the functionality of their plugins.

This hook is particularly useful when developers want to provide quick access to important plugin features or settings directly from the Plugins page. By adding custom action links, users can easily access plugin-specific actions without having to navigate through multiple pages within the WordPress admin.

Here’s an example usage of the plugin_action_links hook:

function custom_plugin_action_links($links, $plugin_file) {
    // Add a custom action link for a plugin called "My Plugin"
    if ($plugin_file === 'my-plugin/my-plugin.php') {
        $custom_link = '<a href="' . admin_url('admin.php?page=my-plugin-settings') . '">Settings</a>';
        array_push($links, $custom_link);
    }
    return $links;
}
add_filter('plugin_action_links', 'custom_plugin_action_links', 10, 2);

In this example, we’re using the plugin_action_links hook to add a custom "Settings" link for a plugin called "My Plugin". The link is generated using the admin_url() function to ensure it points to the correct plugin settings page. By appending this custom link to the array of existing links, it will be displayed alongside the default action links on the Plugins page.

By utilizing the plugin_action_links hook, developers can provide a seamless and convenient user experience by adding their own action links to plugins, making it easier for users to access important plugin functionality or settings directly from the Plugins page.

Learn More on WordPress.org