Using WP_REST_Themes_Controller::prepare_item_for_response() in WordPress

Introduction to WP_REST_Themes_Controller::prepare_item_for_response()

In the world of WordPress, the REST API allows developers to access WordPress data through HTTP and manage this data easily. One of the essential parts of this API is the WP_REST_Themes_Controller class, which is responsible for responding to requests related to themes. The prepare_item_for_response() method in this class provides the capability to prepare data before sending it in JSON format.

This method particularly serves the function of structuring and presenting theme data in a user-friendly way through the API. This includes data elements such as name, version, and status of the theme. Therefore, the goal of this method is to ensure that all necessary data is provided along with relevant metadata to the users.

However, why is it essential to prepare the data before responding? Because a user may not simply require all the necessary information in a single request. Thus, the prepare_item_for_response() addresses this issue by processing the relevant data.

Here, we will take a look at how this method works and how to use it in developing WordPress themes. Additionally, we will review a real example demonstrating how we can prepare theme data using this method.

Code Example

function my_custom_theme_response( $theme ) {
    $response = array();
    $response['name']    = $theme->get( 'Name' );
    $response['version'] = $theme->get( 'Version' );
    return $response;
}

add_filter( 'rest_prepare_theme', 'my_custom_theme_response' );

Code Explanation

function my_custom_theme_response( $theme ): In this line, we define a new function called my_custom_theme_response, which will accept a parameter called $theme.

$response = array();: This line creates a new array called $response that will store theme data.

$response['name'] = $theme->get( 'Name' );: Using the get method on the theme object, we retrieve the theme's name and store it in the $response array.

$response['version'] = $theme->get( 'Version' );: Similarly, this line retrieves the theme's version and adds it to the $response array.

return $response;: Finally, the $response array, which holds all the theme information, is returned to the caller.

add_filter( 'rest_prepare_theme', 'my_custom_theme_response' );: This line connects our function to the rest_prepare_theme hook, so whenever a request for theme data is made via the API, our function will execute.