How to call a function when a node is being viewed?

Question

Whenever I view a node page, I want to call a function but I'm not sure how to do that.

I was thinking I should use hook_menu() and declare the path as node/%, and attach a callback function to that path. Is that the right way, or is there a correct/better way?

Answer 1

You can implement hook_node_view()

Act on a node that is being assembled before rendering.

e.g.

function MYMODULE_node_view($node, $view_mode, $langcode) {
  if ($node->type == 'the_type' && $view_mode == 'full') {
    // Call your function here.
    my_function($node);
  }
}

Answer 2

Rules module can also react to URL access. You can specify an action supposed to happen on event if condition is true.

• Event: Content is viewed
• Condition: Probably 'Textual Comparison' on [site:current-page:path]
• Action: If none of already provided meets your needs, you can provide your own function as Rules Action.