What is the `apply_filters_ref_array()` function and when should it be used over `apply_filters()`?

Question

WordPress Expert — Medium

What is the `apply_filters_ref_array()` function and when should it be used over `apply_filters()`?

Accepted Answer

The `apply_filters_ref_array()` function allows passing arguments by reference array, enabling modifications to values like large arrays or objects. This is useful when values need reference semantics. In contrast, `apply_filters()` passes arguments by value, limiting the ability to modify certain data types efficiently.