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There are a few user tracking checks I would like to perform before the site main page gets loaded. I don't really want to have to wait for drupal to load all the modules and start running the theme code before I do this.

Are there any hooks that can be overwritten to perform my checks?

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    hook_init()/hook_boot()
    – kalabro
    Commented Jul 25, 2012 at 14:47

1 Answer 1

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I don't recommend using hook_init() as it doesn't run on cached pages. Try using hook_boot(). As per the documentation it runs at the beginning of the page request when Drupal is still in the bootstrap. Hope this helps!

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  • Okay, This does answer my question, but I now realize... how do I use this hook? If no modules are loaded at this point, where should I overwrite this hook? the docs don't seem to give answers to these questions as far as I can tell.
    – Onema
    Commented Jul 25, 2012 at 16:48
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    @Onema hook_init() must be implemented in a custom module. The function mymodule_init() would go into a file named mymodule.module in a custom module named mymodule. You would also supply a simple mymodule.info file and put both files in the sites/sitename/modules/mymodule directory. The custom module must be enabled like any other. Also, when creating a hook implementation, it is usually necessary to clear the cache for Drupal to recognize it. Finally, note that mymodule needs to be a unique name different from other modules or themes.
    – hanleyhansen
    Commented Jul 25, 2012 at 16:53
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    hook_init() and hook_boot() are obviously executed after the modules have been loaded, a hook is by definition something that can be implemented by a module. You can't invoke a hook before the modules are loaded. Also note that if you want to track authenticated users, then hook_init() is the recommended way to do so, pages aren't cached for them anyway.
    – Berdir
    Commented Jul 25, 2012 at 18:54
  • @Berdir: I think you could post it as a separate answer, your comment was really helpful. Not to mention that in fact it IS an answer to the original question, too. :) hanleyhansen: +1, your post was useful too.
    – Sk8erPeter
    Commented Aug 1, 2012 at 12:22

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