Can the path of Search module (/search) be changed without altering the module, to allow use of this path by a custom module?

Question

I am dealing with a custom search that, for years, has been accessible via /search. New site requirements call for the Search core module. However, that module has hardcoded /search in hook_menu().

I can not find a way to change the path for the core module without changing that module, which I do not want to do.

Notes:

• I have seen hook_url_inbound_alter but I don't think this will work, as I still need /search to work.

• I have disabled the menu item, but that just results in a "Not Authorized" page to non-admin users.

Answer 1

If you don't like what module sets in it's hook_menu(), alter it with your own hook_menu_alter(). Example code:

mymodule_menu_alter(&$items) {
  // Copy search to another place
  $items['look'] = $items['search'];

  // remove all old search settings
  // optional if you will also follow next step
  unset($items['search']);

  // add your menu item below instead of usual hook_menu
  $items['search'] = array(
    // ...
  );
}

This will unset /search path, and move all it's settings to /look path.

Worth noting is that if module generates links to /search anyway, it means it has it hardcoded somewhere. Happens. If so, you need hook_form_alter() or it's analogue to alter also these links.