Overview

This PR introduces a new filter old_slug_redirect_status that allows developers to customize the HTTP redirect status code used by the wp_old_slug_redirect() function. Currently, the redirect status is hardcoded as 301 (permanent redirect), but this change enables the use of 302 (temporary redirect) or other status codes as needed.

Background

WordPress automatically redirects old post URLs to new ones when a post's slug changes, helping maintain SEO value and user experience. However, the redirect status code was hardcoded as 301, limiting flexibility for developers who might need different redirect behaviors.

Fixes: #52737

Changes Made

Core Changes (src/wp-includes/query.php)

1. Added new filter: old_slug_redirect_status in the wp_old_slug_redirect() function
2. Filter parameters:
   • $status (int): The HTTP response status code (default: 301)
   • $id (int): The post ID being redirected to
3. Validation: Added check to prevent redirect if filter returns falsy value
4. Documentation: Added proper PHPDoc with @since 6.8.0 tag

Test Coverage (tests/phpunit/tests/rewrite/oldSlugRedirect.php)

1. New test method: test_old_slug_redirect_status_filter()
2. Test scenarios:
   • Default 301 redirect behavior (backward compatibility)
   • Custom 302 redirect status via filter
   • Redirect prevention by returning 0/false
   • Proper post ID parameter passing
3. Helper methods: Added filter callbacks and redirect capture functionality

Usage Examples

Change redirect to temporary (302)

add_filter( 'old_slug_redirect_status', function( $status, $post_id ) {
    return 302; // Temporary redirect
}, 10, 2 );

Conditional redirect based on post type

add_filter( 'old_slug_redirect_status', function( $status, $post_id ) {
    $post = get_post( $post_id );
    if ( $post && $post->post_type === 'product' ) {
        return 302; // Temporary redirect for products
    }
    return $status; // Keep default 301 for other post types
}, 10, 2 );

Disable redirect for specific posts

add_filter( 'old_slug_redirect_status', function( $status, $post_id ) {
    $disabled_posts = [123, 456, 789];
    if ( in_array( $post_id, $disabled_posts ) ) {
        return false; // No redirect
    }
    return $status;
}, 10, 2 );

Use different status codes based on post age

add_filter( 'old_slug_redirect_status', function( $status, $post_id ) {
    $post = get_post( $post_id );
    if ( $post ) {
        $post_age_days = ( time() - strtotime( $post->post_date ) ) / DAY_IN_SECONDS;
        
        // Use 302 for recent posts (less than 30 days old)
        if ( $post_age_days < 30 ) {
            return 302;
        }
        
        // Use 301 for older posts (default behavior)
        return 301;
    }
    
    return $status;
}, 10, 2 );

Filter Reference

old_slug_redirect_status

Description: Filters the HTTP status code used for old slug redirects.

Parameters:

• $status (int): The HTTP response status code to use for the redirect. Default 301.
• $id (int): The post ID being redirected to.

Return Value:

• (int|false) The HTTP status code to use, or false to prevent the redirect.

Example:

/**
 * Change old slug redirects to use 302 status for draft posts.
 *
 * @param int $status The redirect status code.
 * @param int $id     The post ID being redirected to.
 * @return int|false  Modified status code or false to prevent redirect.
 */
function custom_old_slug_redirect_status( $status, $id ) {
    $post = get_post( $id );
    
    if ( $post && $post->post_status === 'draft' ) {
        return 302; // Temporary redirect for drafts
    }
    
    return $status; // Use default for published posts
}
add_filter( 'old_slug_redirect_status', 'custom_old_slug_redirect_status', 10, 2 );